Cain and Abel represent the two kinds of worshippers in the world. Those that adhere to the counsels of God and those that follow the doctrines of men. Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy, because God accepted Abel’s true sacrifice for sin, but rejected Cain’s sacrifice that depended on his own merits.
“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favour. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.“ Genesis 4: 3-5
Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time. One class avail themselves of the appointed sacrifice for sin; the other venture to depend upon their own merits; theirs is a sacrifice without the virtue of divine mediation, and thus it is not able to bring man into favour with God. It is only through the merits of Jesus that our transgressions can be pardoned. Those who feel no need of the blood of Christ, who feel that without divine grace they can by their own works secure the approval of God, are making the same mistake as did Cain. If they do not accept the cleansing blood, they are under condemnation. There is no other provision made whereby they can be released from the bondage of sin. Patriarchs and Prophets p. 72.5 EG White
