Cain and Abel Considered Dispensationally

Cain and Abel were not simply interesting because they chronicled the first murder in the Bible. They are also types for important people that were to come. Cain symbolized the Jews and their rejection of Jesus Christ. Abel symbolized Jesus Christ and His sufferings.

Cain murdered Abel because he was jealous of him and because he was upset that God would not accept his own sacrifice on his own terms. This resembles the Jews that killed Jesus Christ. They were steeped in tradition and did not care for Jesus’ interpretation of the holy scriptures. His interpretation gave God the glory instead of them. Furthermore, they were also jealous of Jesus. The scriptures tell us that the Pharisees were upset that so many people were listening to Him and following Him. They longed for the people to hang on their words and obey them like they did with Jesus.

Abel represented Jesus because he was murdered after doing his Father’s will. Abel knew what God required of him, so he gave it to God. He did not insert his own bias or desires into God’s requirements. God was pleased with Abel’s sacrificial offering just like God was "well pleased" with His Son.

Lastly, God blesses those that love and obey Him. God also punishes those that disobey Him. The punishment Cain received was similar, in type, to the ones the first century Jews received. They were both cast away to live with the Gentiles.