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Should We Blame Cain?

In the Bible we learn that Cain, the brother of Abel, was the first to commit murder and he was cursed to live an immortality of hatred towards him by others. Do you attribute all the evil in the world to Cain or individual men? Where is Cain today - does he roam the earth or is he in hell?

Cain Blame Should

Interesting biblical topic. According to Jewish history, there was no belief in an eternal hell as modern religion believes in. The soul essentially waited for a period of time in sheol before returning to dust. Remember, from dust you came, and to dust you shall return. There definentily was no belief in roaming spirits. I personally believe that to much emphasis was but on cain. In was a metaphor to show that God deals with those who commit wrong deeds. Sin was already instituted by Eve and thus, Cain cannot be held responsible for evil in the world. Cain was a product of what the world does to you, not the cause.

Should We Blame Cain? Revealed Bible The

The principle of 'let the punishment fit the crime' is evident throughout the Bible. In Cain's case, God marked him so he would not be put to physical death. This was the penalty for his murder (first ref to this Gen 9:6). His fellows were obligated to carry out this sentence for justice. But God commuted his punishment. I assume he was not hated by all his peers in that time because he married and was part of a community in Nod.

Actually God showed mercy to this unrepentant man. Where is he now? No evidence is given in scripture. Did he repent and trust the promise of the Savior to pay for his sin so he wouldn't have to go to hell? It doesn't say. the fact remains according to the account that Cain was spared and lived a long natural life normal to Antediluvian people.

SteveB

Cain Blame Should

Was it a penalty for murder or a way of protection from the Lord?

He is the "Son of Perdition" and rules over Satan. Can such a being receive forgiveness?.

Cain Blame Should

I think LDS is correct, it wasn't punishment it was protection, that caused the Lord to mark Cain. However, I do think he is capable of repentence and forgiveness. Cain was a man. All men have the opportunity to repent, and if they do, are entitled to forgiveness through the atonement of the Savior (at least that is my understanding).

Seems to me that the Lord actually had some compassion for Cain at this stage. Otherwise, when Cain said his punishment was greater than he could bear, why didn't the Lord just answer "tough" or "too bad?" So, if the Lord would show compassion to him at this time, why not grant him forgiveness if he were to seek it?

Edited: funbikerchick on 19th Apr, 2005 - 5:02pm

Should We Blame Cain?

-- Neo... you asked: Do you attribute all evil in world to Cain or individual men? Actually I read Adam for the passing of the sin disease... and individual men for their choices regarding it. As for Cain... if unrepentent... no roam but in hell... Heb 9:27... For those repentent living by faith through Christ's shed blood... no roam but in heaven... 2 Cor 5:8

-- Konquarez... I won't address roaming spirits... I personally don't believe they are departed humans. As for Eve... I read she was deceived. Adam knew what was going down but appeared not to trust God to fix it because he loved her (my opinion)... that's why: Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. That's why Jesus coming in human flesh could not have an earthly father. The 'sin genome' that is passed resides in the male even though males and females are by nature 'sinners'.

-- LDS Forever... you wrote: "He is the "Son of Perdition" and rules over Satan. Can such a being receive forgiveness?" I'm not sure what you mean by a 'son of perdition' ruling over Satan? There are only two Bible references to "the son of perdition" II Thess 2:3-12, John 17:12 I'm not sure what you mean. Can you clarify?

Should Blame Cain

SteveB, sorry about that. I forgot that this is the Bible Revealed board and not the LDS doctrine board. You are very right about the Bible mentioning few instances the phrase "son of perdition". Latter-Day Scripture however, reveals a lot more about Cain.

Should Blame Cain The Bible Revealed

LDSForever... Is that on the LDS Doctrine Board? Even though I live in Utah and attend Cantebary Ward (on occassion), my answer as being 'Christian' (Cyber-person) in my profile locks me out of the LDS Doctrine Board. Oh well... it would be interesting to see what LDS folk say but by virtue of honesty (they call me a dry mormon) I can't go there. And I understand why it is so. I was curious about your take... thanks for your answer...

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