For I say to you that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will in no way enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20, MEV)
Your right standing comes only from God. When we look deep in to the story of Cain and Able. Cain invested his faith into his version of sacrifice.
In Genesis 4, the account of Cain and Abel highlights the first recorded offerings made to God. Cain, a farmer, brought some of the produce from his fields, while Abel, a shepherd, offered the firstborn of his flock along with their fat portions. The difference between the two sacrifices was not simply in their substance but in the spirit behind them. Scripture indicates that Abel’s offering was given in faith and with a sincere heart, which made it acceptable to God. Cain’s offering, however, lacked the same devotion and was not received with favor. This rejection stirred deep resentment in Cain, ultimately leading him to commit the first murder by killing his brother Abel. The story serves as a powerful lesson about the importance of faith, sincerity, and the heart’s posture in worshiping God.
Many of us have done the same by thinking that anything that we could do would earn favor with God. Today God has given us Jesus the Christ as the way to enter fellowship with him.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6, MEV)
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