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{{DOD-January}}
In chapter 3 we read of man sinning against [[God]] by disobeying His Word; in chapter 4 we read of man sinning against man. James 1:15 warns us that [[sin]] begins in a small way, but grows and leads to [[death]]. And so it was with Cain. There was disappointment, anger, jealousy, and, finally, murder.
Both Cain and Abel brought offerings to [[God]]. While Abel brought a blood offering, which was acceptable to [[God]], Cain brought a bloodless offering from the cursed earth. His offering may have been sincere, but it was not accepted.
We see in these verses the contrast between religion based on good works and self-righteousness, and the religion of [[grace]] which is through the blood of [[Jesus]] Christ. There are only two religions in the world today: that of Abel, that depends on the blood of Christ and His finished work on the cross; and that of Cain, that depends on good works and man-pleasing religious ceremonies and programs. Abel's religion leads to [[heaven]]; Cain's religion leads to [[hell]].
Chapter 6 deals with the flood and the [[faith]] of Noah. The fact of the flood is proved by the Genesis record, as well as by Christ ([[Matthew]] 24:37-39 and Luke 17:26), the prophets ([[Isaiah]] 54:9), and the apostles (I [[Peter]] 3:20). Man had become corrupt, the earth was filled with violence, and [[God]] had to destroy mankind. There must always be [[judgment]] and [[death]] before there can be a new beginning.
The ark is a wonderful picture of our salvation in Christ. The ark not only saved mankind, but also the creatures within it, just as Christ's [[death]] will one day deliver creation from the bondage of [[sin]]. The ark saved Noah and his family from [[judgment]]; Christ saves us from the wrath to come. There was only one way of salvation and that was through the door of the ark. Today there is only one way of salvation, and that is through Christ. Just as Noah went out of the ark, the head of a new creation with his family, Christ came out of the tomb, the Head of a New Creation, and the Father of a new family.
