Genesis

Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer while Abel was a shepherd. Both offered sacrifices to God from their efforts. Abel's was accepted but Cain's sacrifice was rejected by God. As a result, Cain became resentful and angry at Abel and killed him. As a result, God banished Cain from his family.

Cain lied and offered excuses (Genesis 4:9). In the same way, we also try to justify ourselves about our sins. This results in a separation between God and ourselves where we are unable to draw near to Him for prayer and worship.

God pronounced a similar punishment to that of Adam. The ground would no longer yield its strength to him. He was also banished from his previous relationship with God. He would now become a wanderer on earth. He would never again be at peace.

Cain recognizes his situation and impact and cries out to God for mercy. As a result, God provides a way that Cain would be protected from attack by other. However, he would always be seen as a reminder of the impact of sin.

This was the only possible way in the early stages of man for populating the earth. Genetic mutation from intermarriage had not occurred yet. As for polygamy, it is true that God created marriage to be for only one man and one woman. Sometimes, however, God allows practices that He does not specifically sanction. There is no indication that God approved of polygamy but He did allow it to occur for a time.

A point of note here. Throughout history man has tried to act on his own rather than rely on God's guidance and will. This is where we use the gifts of intellect and choice poorly. We try to reason based on our will rather than have faith in God's will. We will see in later lessons how this happened with Abraham as his lack of faith caused problems.

God allowed Cain to marry and have descendants. This continued God's command for man to populate the earth. The descendants of Adam's immediate family were given the abilities to develop in different ways. Jabal invented tents and specialized in the care of animals to accommodate a nomadic lifestyle. Jubal created musical instruments. Tubal-cain developed the ability to fabricate metal instruments.

The intent of this question is to bring about a greater understanding of the goodness and love of God. Answers to this will vary. Here are some suggested insights.

• By showing man's sin we see the contrast between our weaknesses and God's love and goodness.
• It shows that God continues to love us and is willing to accept us when we repent, regardless of the level or type of sin.
• To teach us that sin is evil and prevents us from being a part of God's holiness.
• To show the result of faith and repentance.
• It shows us that it is not possible for us to live pure lives and demonstrates our need for the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.

What are the similarities between the reaction of Adam and Eve when God confronted them for their sin, and the reaction of Cain when he was confronted?

Both offered excuses and tried to place the blame elsewhere. God brings about a direct understanding of the underlying sin (disobedience, doubt, pride, etc.) and punishes them.

Defend the idea that if Adam and Eve or Cain had responded differently by repenting before God that God would have forgiven them rather than punish them.

This is proven throughout scripture. In several places God forgave people for some of the most egregious sins. God forgave David for his sin with Bathsheba. God forgave Paul for his persecution of the early Christians. God forgave Peter for his denial of Jesus. God forgives us when we repent and turn to Him.

This does not remove the immediate consequences of our sin, but it does remove the ultimate consequence of separation from God.

What does the example of Adam, Eve and Cain's reaction teach us?

We must be willing to recognize and sincerely repent of our sins. When we do so, God will forgive us.

By Cain's statement we can infer that he recognized that the greater part of His punishment would be he could no longer interact with God directly. This was a direct consequence of his sin. In like manner, when Jesus took on our sins upon Himself, He suffered the same consequence of being separated from His father.

Sin separates us from God at the spiritual as well as physical level. We cannot honestly or acceptably come to God in prayer except to beg for forgiveness and mercy. We cannot come into the presence of God to worship until we repent.

A point to note: God made allowance for Cain by not destroying him when Cain recognized his sin and situation. God also makes allowance for us if we are living faithfully and repent when we recognize our sin (I John 1:7-9).

Sin impacts us and others both directly and indirectly. From Adam through today we continue to sin by disobeying God. There are many reasons but ultimately it is still disobedience. As a result, we too face separation from God and death. But in His infinite love, God made a way for us to return to Him and receive forgiveness. This is through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. The consequences of sin on our lives and the lives of others are still present, but the ultimate consequence of spiritual death has been removed.