Hi
I have been asked by someone who I am mentoring, what in particular it was about Cain’s offering that God rejected.
I have done some studying on applicable Bible passages such as:
Genesis 4:3-7 (ASV)
Quote
"And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Jehovah. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it."
As well as NT passages that say that Abel’s offering was one of faith, but Cain’s offering was not of faith. This of course is a great reason for God to have rejected Cain’s offering. However, although one could read between the lines and say that Abel’s offering was an animal offering and Cain’s wasn’t; which could indicate a sin offering. However we see in other OT passages that grain offering were also made.
As I search for indication direct from Scripture itself that Cain was instructed to make offerings to God in the same manner that Abel did; I haven’t found anything concrete that this was the case. Though, I will say that it makes the most sense.
If so, it would appear that Abel’s offering was done in the manner God instructed, while Cain’s offering was done by his own imagination (regardless of whether it was well intentioned or not), rather than as God directed.
As someone who believes in the Regulative Principle; this description of the matter seems the most plausible to me. However as it stands, I would like to be absolutely sure I am not missing something from Scripture before I get back to the person I am mentoring.
Do you have anything in mind that might help?

Tom