“And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” Genesis 4:3,4

Why? Why was God pleased with Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? Was God being unfair or hard to get along with? Hebrews 11:4 gives us the answer, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” Two men offered sacrifices to God, but God was only pleased with Abel’s. The difference was the heart condition of those who offered.

Religious service in and of itself doesn’t please God. In fact, religious activity doesn’t automatically mean someone is righteous. I John tells us that Cain was “of the wicked one” meaning he was of the Devil. Cain brought an offering, but it wasn’t from a purified heart. Abel offered from a heart of faith. Obviously, Abel knew he was a sinner and was trusting, believing in God’s provision for his acceptance with God. Abel didn’t trust his offering, but His God.

Do you come to God with your services, hoping that what you offer will make you accepted with God? Or do you come with faith, trusting alone in the blood of the Lamb for your acceptance with the Holy One? Only when we are in this condition will our sacrifices please God.