The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Cain vs. Abel

sojourner,

The error made by those you read, I believe, is in a failure to recognize "progressive revelation". The great truths which we often take for granted from reading the New Testament were only known, if at all, in shadows and types, e.g., Abraham didn't know who the Messiah was to be nor much of the details of His atoning sacrifice. Yet, he had saving faith; that same faith which we have. In fact, if one puts all their trust in Christ Jesus, Paul says they are "Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise" [given to Abraham] (Gal 3:29).

But, a gratitude offering wasn't instituted until Sinai as it was part of the ceremonial law given to Israel. But the sin offering began in the garden immediately after the Fall and continued until Christ because it was redemptive in nature. We must always be careful not to impose latter revelation upon those who lived before it was given outside of redemptive history. It's an easy mistake to make.

In His grace,