Gospel Outreach International

What is the only way to have a relationship with God, and what happens if we reject it? This Bible study on Genesis 4 explores one of Scripture’s most fundamental truths through the story of Cain and Abel. As we examine the account of the first family and the first sacrifice, we discover a theme that runs throughout the entire Bible: the critical choice between coming to God on His terms or attempting to approach Him through our own efforts. This study reveals how these two brothers represent two distinct paths—one leading to acceptance and life, the other to rejection and separation from God.

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” Genesis 4:1

• Genesis means “beginnings,” and themes that start in Genesis continue through to Revelation
• Creation teaches us that the world had a beginning and that humanity exists by divine plan, not accident
• Humanity was given superintendency over creation, making us accountable to God for its care
• The source of all problems in the world came through Adam and Eve’s disobedience in breaking the one commandment
• Man’s disobedience damaged all of creation and broke the relationship between God and humanity
• Cain and Abel represent a division in character, ideology, and direction—like the two roads Jesus mentions (broad and narrow)
• Cain brought an offering from his crops—the work of his own hands—but God rejected it
• Abel brought a perfect lamb and sacrificed it, which God accepted because it was offered in faith
• The lamb Abel sacrificed is the first picture of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away sin
• Man’s best efforts are never good enough; all our righteousness is as filthy rags
• God spoke to Cain twice, showing His patience and offering him opportunities to get it right
• The question “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is answered throughout the New Testament: Yes, we are responsible to care for one another
• Christians are called to serve God by serving His people and being obedient to His Word
• Jesus washing the disciples’ feet demonstrates how we should treat one another with humble service
• The only way to have a relationship with God is through Jesus Christ—there is no nother way
• Those who refuse to come God’s way face eternal banishment in the lake of fire

Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9

This study brings us face to face with some hard truths, but they’re truths that Jesus Himself emphasized more than any other topic. The picture of Abel’s lamb points us forward to the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, hanging on the cross for our sins. That’s the really beautiful bit, isn’t it? God didn’t leave us stuck in our mess. He provided the way through His Son. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin—not just some of it, but all of it. When we put our faith in Him, we’re justified, declared as if we’ve never sinned. That’s not religious ceremony or human effort; that’s pure grace. The choice is ours to make: will we come to God His way through Christ, or will we try to do it our own way? Cain chose wrong, but God gave him chances. He’s patient with us too. But we mustn’t take that patience for granted. The narrow road that leads to life is only found through Jesus, and there simply isn’t a third option, no matter what anyone says.

Bible References

• Genesis 4:
• John 15
• John 1
• Hebrews 11
• John 14:6
• Galatians 6:10