Coming Through the Blood

Scripture: Hebrews 11:4
"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain..."

Personal Reflection

The first act of worship recorded after the Fall teaches a lesson that every generation must learn. Cain and Abel both came to worship. Both brought offerings. Both acknowledged the existence of God. Yet one was accepted and the other rejected.

The difference was not sincerity. The difference was faith.

Abel understood that he was a sinner who needed a substitute. His lamb pointed forward to the coming Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Cain approached God through the work of his own hands. Abel approached God through sacrifice.

The temptation remains the same today. Many attempt to come to God through morality, church attendance, good deeds, religious activities, or personal effort. Yet none of these can remove sin. God accepts only those who come through Christ alone.

Every true act of worship begins with dependence upon the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. We do not worship because we are worthy. We worship because Christ is worthy.

Contemplation

Am I resting entirely upon Christ's sacrifice, or am I secretly trusting my own goodness?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

"Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet."

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come to You as a sinner in need of mercy. Let me never trust in my own righteousness but only in Your perfect sacrifice. Amen.

Application

Begin your prayer time today by thanking Christ specifically for His atoning work on the cross.