“Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin” (Rom. 5:12), and so man found himself at a distance from God. Having disobeyed the command God gave to Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he was expelled from the garden, and God “placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life” (Gen. 3:24). Such was the sad consequence of disobedience to God. But how then can man approach God?

Cain and Abel were brothers, born and raised in the same family. Most likely they also wore coats of skin as God had clothed Adam and Eve after their fig leaves failed to cover their nakedness (Gen. 3:21). Then in process of time, both Cain and Abel brought their offerings to God. Cain, who was a farmer, brought of the fruit of the ground. No doubt he had worked up a sweat to obtain it, for God had cursed the ground because of sin. Despite his hard work, doing the best he could, God was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice and did not accept it.

Abel also brought an offering. He brought of the firstborn of his flock, and with this offering God was pleased. What made this sacrifice so special? Abel had learned God’s way of providing a covering. An animal had been slain, blood was shed, life was poured out, and of the skins God had made their covering. This is a beautiful illustration of how God provided for our covering by sending His Son, the Lamb of God, who by His death has put away sin. All who by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ are accepted by God on the basis of this perfect, finished work. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).