Examples Of Sacrifice In The Bible

Cain’s Sacrifice vs Abel’s Sacrifice

God did not reject Cain’s sacrifice because it was less than the best of his crop. Moses wrote, “And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4: 3-5)

Although, Moses did not reveal a command from God requiring Cain and Abel to make an offering, since they both came at the same time with an offering, it is obvious that they came to satisfy an obligation. Cain’s offering consisted of the “fruit of the ground” [fruit, grain, & vegetables]. However, Abel brought a sacrifice from “his flock.”

God accepted Abel’s offering and the Holy Spirit explained the reason for it being “a more excellent sacrifice” than the one offered by Cain; it was offered by faith. (Hebrews 11: 4) Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10: 17); therefore, Abel acted in accord with the Word of God.

Cain’s sacrifice was by sight [his feelings], which is the opposite of faith.

(II Corinthians 5: 7) Farming is difficult and all farmers are proud when they are blessed with an exceptional harvest. No doubt, Cain expected that all the hard work, care and time that went into his offering would make it acceptable. This is evident from his reaction to the Lord’s rejection. Cain’s sacrifice was not rejected because he did not worship in earnest. Indications are that Cain was sincere; nonetheless, he did not worship by faith which comes by hearing the word of God. He worshipped according to his feelings by changing, adding and subtracting from God’s Word; however, his feelings were wrong and he violated God’s commandments. (Deuteronomy

4:2)
God, through His Word, states what He expects people to do to be saved; yet, like Cain, there are people today who sincerely believe that certain commandments are not necessary; baptism, for example. (Acts 2:38) Cain was sincere, but wrong.
Others have substituted human wisdom for divine, and based on the “Hermeneutical Principal” they claim liberty to do in religion anything not specifically forbidden in the Bible. Those who justify using mechanical instruments of music in worship do so upon the basis that it is preferred and that no Bible verse specifically forbids its use.
Richard Rodgers