Do you know what the vengeance of God looks like? When God sees the blood of Jesus Christ He will not judge us, but show us grace and mercy! Thank God the blood of Jesus speaks better things than the blood of Abel!
In Genesis chapter 4 we read the story of Cain killing his brother Abel. Cain was jealous of Abel because Abel’s offering was accepted by God but his wasn’t. This is actually a prophetic type for us as New Testament believers regarding grace.
Abel’s offering was accepted by God because he brought an animal that was slain, a prophetic picture of the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world, and our obvious need for a Saviour. Cain however brought the fruit of his own produce, which is a prophetic type of man’s own efforts to find favour with God. The only way we can find favour with God is through grace, and not our own efforts. For this reason, Cain’s offering did not please the Lord. When Cain saw that his offering was displeasing to God, but Abel’s offering was accepted, He killed his brother because of jealousy.
Now, from an Old Testament standpoint we are probably thinking that God should punish Cain for this. But how does God treat Cain? God’s solution was not to punish Cain, but to punish Jesus. Yes Abel’s blood is crying from the ground for vengeance, but this is Abel’s blood crying from the ground, not God’s.
Hebrews 12:13 says the blood of Jesus speaks better things than that of Abel.
The blood of Abel cries for vengeance, the blood of Jesus cries for mercy. When we are pleading the blood of Jesus the judgement of God passes over us and we receive mercy instead! The significance of the blood of Jesus Christ is such that it completely reverses the effects of sin that Adam brought upon the whole human race. Through the sacrifice of Calvary, we are washed in the blood of Jesus and satan has no power over us.
Instead of avenging the death of Abel by killing Cain, God put a mark on him so that no-one would take vengeance on him. It’s amazing when you come to an understanding of grace, you start to see everything through a grace filter, and you notice grace even in the OT. It’s all through the Bible.
Notice in verse 16 it says that Cain went out from the presence of the Lord. It does not say God cast him out, it says he “went out.” When we are guilty, we want to hide. But God wants to bring us near.
In Ephesians 2:12, 13 it says that we who once were without hope, have now been brought near. We are near to God, through Christ that dwells in us. “Christ in you, the hope.”
Lam. 3:18 “And I said, “my strength and my hope have perished.”
Is. 35:3,4 strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are feeble-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Do you know what the vengeance of God looks like?
The vengeance of God is to show mercy and grace, and save us! He does not cast us away, He draws us close to Himself. He puts the mark of Christ on us, so when He sees us the blood of Christ He will not take vengeance on us. Judgement is not our portion, but grace and mercy! We are covered by the precious blood of Jesus.
Part 1 - Finding forgiveness in the Bible after adultery
Part 2 - Showing mercy and graciousness
Part 3 - The blood of Jesus speaks better things
Sermon Directory: 1990 - 1999 I 2000 - 2009 I 2010 - 2014
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