Understanding why people do evil against the Innocent

 Read Genesis 4.

Here we have the third recorded sin and the first murder on earth.  How did this happen?  And, the greater question is why do people do evil?

What is self-evident in this chapter is that the LORD had made clear that to worship Him involved a blood sacrifice.  Such an understanding establishes the rest of the Bible's teaching regarding forgiveness and one being accepted in a relationship with God.  "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22)  "But as it is, he (Jesus) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." (Hebrews 9:26)

However, Cain wanted to conduct his life and his worship on his own terms.  The results were disastrous and they still are today.
1. Cain disregarded what God said to do.

2. Cain decided to do what he wanted instead.  And, to add insult to injury, he actually expected God to accept his wrong behavior.

3. Cain became angry at God when his choices were rejected.

4. When God pursued Cain to confront his anger and his wrongdoing, Cain refused to repent.

5. Cain became jealous of Abel and turned his hatred of the LORD on his brother.  Instead of dealing with his sin, Cain compounded it by taking evil action against an innocent person.  Why did he murder Abel?  "Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous." (1John 3:12b)  This, then, is the first mention of the persecution of those who are accepted by God. 

6. God pursued Cain again, giving him every opportunity to repent and experience forgiveness.

7. But Cain lied and his refusal to submit himself to God brought about a curse on his life.

Do it yourself religion has never worked.  God's statement in verse 7 is key: "If you do well, will you not be accepted?"  How different life is when one simply responds to God's word and His promptings.