Every religion can be traced back to two brothers, Abel and Cain. These men desired to worship the Lord and sought to be accepted by Him. Abel approached God as a sinner on the basis of a blood sacrifice, for this was the way God had appointed. The innocent must die for the guilty if the guilty is to go free. The Lord illustrated this to the parents of these brothers when He killed animals and clothed their nakedness, thereby hiding their shame. Abel believed the only sensible way to worship was to come the only way God had established. His offering of the firstling of his flock pictured the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God. How can God be just and justify the unrighteous? Abel knew the answer. God remains just and at the same time justifies sinners by means of a suitable substitute taking the place of the guilty and dying their death which satisfies divine justice. Mercy is never shown at the expense of justice, but in a manner consistent with and honoring to divine justice. All who come to God through Christ will, like Abel, be received by the Father.
Cain, on the other hand, dared to approach God by the labors of his hands. His carnal reasoning went something like this. "Surely if I work hard and bring God the very best I have, He will accept me." Cain tried to draw near to God believing that his sincerity, good intentions and hard work would commend him. God was not impressed for Cain had no sin-offering, no sacrifice, and no substitute! The Lord refused to accept Cain's offering and that man was rejected. His was the way of human effort, the unacceptable way.
Let us be clear on this matter. All who seek acceptance with God through the person, merits and work of Jesus Christ will be accepted. This is the way of life; this is true Christianity! All who seek acceptance on the grounds of human effort will be rejected. This is the way of death; this is the religion of the natural man!