The first two people to hear the gospel proclaimed by a man were Cain and Abel. They heard the testimony of their father concerning what happened in the garden. How God came and reconciled them and the substitution sacrifice of a lamb slain. By the death of this substitute they were restored into fellowship with God and a covering was provided to hide their nakedness. They were to view this sacrifice and covering in the light of the promised seed; the seed of woman who was yet to come. They heard the gospel of God’s redeeming grace in the promised redeemer. They both heard the same gospel from the same man who received it himself from the mouth and hand of God.

Cain heard this gospel and mixed what he heard with his own fallen depraved reasoning and logic. He took what appealed to him and what seemed right and changed what he didn’t like. He brought the works of his labor. He brought the very best he could do and with his eyes pointed up to heaven and his heart lifted up with pride he presented his gifts to the Lord expecting a full reward for his efforts.