[Although this story is omitted from 6 of our 7 earliest sources, we will assume for the purpose of this study that the account in Genesis 4 is accurate.]
People often say God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s because God desires animal bloodshed. This cannot possibly be the reason since all the prophets agree that God does not desire or require animal sacrifice. God favored Abel’s gift because Abel’s was offered by faith, meaning he offered his best to God without holding back. There is insufficient evidence to prove Abel’s offering was a slain lamb rather than the presentation of a healthy living lamb, perhaps newborn and suckling milk from the lamb’s mother’s bosom. The reason the gift was accepted was because Abel offered his all to God from faith, not because God desires bloodshed of animals.
The complete study guide can be viewed, printed, or downloaded in pdf form below:
Here is the recording of the Vegan Christian Discipleship School meeting discussing this study guide:
To watch the Friday Night Live Talk (30-minute Presentation and Q&A) on this topic, based on this study guide, click here:
To join the discipleship school’s email list and be able to participate in the live meetings, email craig.wescoe@gmail.com.
Study guides and recordings from previous Discipleship School meetings can be found here.
Craig does not get paid for any of his work as church pastor, study guide writer, or discipleship school instructor. It is completely voluntary and offered for free, in order to be accessible to as many people as possible. To help support the continuation of his work (by helping to pay for website costs, materials, and other expenses), please consider contributing what you are able to his Swords to Plowshares ministry here.
Please also share this page to spread the message of God’s love for all creation.
Thank you and God bless!
