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Cain was the first born human being, the first created by the union of two other humans. Despite this position of great honor, this role as a powerful representation of the result of love, we read an unfortunate record of Adam’s son: “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Yahweh. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Yahweh had respect unto Abel and to his offering, but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
“And Yahweh said unto Cain, ‘Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.’
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. […] And Yahweh said unto him, ‘Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.’ And Yahweh set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.” (Gen 4:3-8, 15)
The mark placed on Cain was, according to the purpose of Yahweh, a way of preventing a cycle of violence from developing in the newborn human race. In those days, human beings lived for hundreds of years, and the Creator knew that the world would soon be filled with people, some of whom might similarly forsake holy principles. Should that happen, those who wished to take a life might use Cain’s guilt as an excuse; therefore, Yahweh made it known that Cain was not to be killed by human hands.
Here we see a very early revelation of an aspect of Yah’s character, described much later through the work of various inspired writers, including the Apostle Paul, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ saith Yahweh.’” (Rom 12:19)
The nature of the mark was actually twofold. As indicated, it would protect Cain from the violence of his fellow men, but at the same time, it revealed him to be a murderer. He would not be accepted among the faithful. He would forever be an outcast, and in that sense it was a curse as well as a blessing. Certainly, Yahweh could have protected Cain from violence without this outward sign, but it was His purpose that the killing of Abel have lasting consequences, and so He did not preserve Cain’s life by any supernatural method, but instead by a permanent mark of separation.
Yahweh put a mark on Cain that separated him from his fellow men, but He is not a God of force. He does not impose sentence on those who do not consent to His authority and judgment. Some may ask, “Why would anyone consent to being destroyed in the final judgment that takes place after Yahshua returns?” It is not that they desire to be destroyed, but they will acknowledge the justice of their destruction. It is written of Yahshua, “Wherefore Yahweh also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Yahshua every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Yahshua the Messiah is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11)
Every knee shall bow, and every sinner will confess his guilt. Even the demons, who are in rebellion against the Most High, will bow. Those who are ultimately lost will agree that they are not suited for Heaven. It does not mean that they will consent to, or enjoy, the suffering that results from their destruction... but in their honest estimation, they will know that they violated the Law of Life, rejected the King of Heaven, and forfeited the gift of salvation that He offered. The consequences will be what they have always been ordained to be, and the lost will accept their fate. It is not true that Yahweh does not destroy… but it is true that He does not destroy without great love and mercy, as paradoxical as that may sound to the mortal mind.
So, Yahweh put a mark on Cain. Since this was not done through force, it means that something inside of Cain already bore a mark. His character was already scarred by his transgression of the Law of Love, and that is why He was able to kill His brother. That is why he allowed himself to commit that outward act of sin. I say “able,” and “allowed himself,” because while almost everyone has the physical power to pick up a rock or sharp object and strike another human being until he or she is dead, few have the ability from a spiritual or psychological perspective. Everyone has the power and the freedom to disobey the Law of Yahweh, but those who are born again “cannot” sin, because the Spirit that dwells within them is Holy. Those who sin, who choose to sin, are already marked in their character as unregenerate, and this status, of “sinner,” allows them to commit acts of sin. This is why conversion is not about changing the behavior, but the heart. This is why, in the only verse of the Bible that defines what “sin” is, 1John 3:4 we read that it is “lawlessness,” a hostility to the Law, rather than the violation of a particular rule. Translations into English can vary in their accuracy with regard to John’s meaning here, but the Apostle is not talking about particular actions, rather a state of the soul and mind, so that one “transgresseth also the law” when he sins, as it reads in the King James Version. Being a sinner results in acts of transgressing the Law; they are not one and the same.
We read, “‘If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto My name,’ saith Yahweh of Hosts, ‘I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.’” (Mal 2:2) Even before an “act” of sin, Yahweh has ordained the consequences in righteousness, because His Law is not honored in the heart of the sinner.
When I speak in this study, then, about the “Mark of Cain,” I am not speaking about the visible mark that Yahweh placed on him. That had a two-fold purpose, and is actually less important because it was an effect, not a cause. Today I would like us to examine Cain’s spiritual mark, the one that led to his transgression of the Law. The 144,000, who will be cleansed of all sin, will certainly not commit any overt acts of transgressing the Law, but more fundamentally, more importantly, they are translated without seeing death because they are clean within as well as without. They have no scars on their souls that lead to destruction. They do not bear in their spirits the Mark of Cain.
I will now say two things that sound as if they contrast, but I will show that they are one and the same.
1) The mark of Cain is that he believed in a works-based religion.
2) The mark of Cain is discontent.
Now, if both those things are true, that must mean that discontent and works-based religions are equivalent; we can show that the presence of one always indicates the presence of the other... they are linked together in such a way that discontent means that one has a religion of works with no exceptions, and conversely, if someone believes in a works-based religion, they will always experience discontent, or we might say a lack of Sabbath Rest. We can absolutely, and convincingly, demonstrate these things from the Bible.
Let’s first establish them separately as each one being a scar on the soul.
The Bible says this of religions based on human work and effort: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:8, 9)
“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Gal 5:4)
Those who do not have corresponding works are not justified, of course. The Scriptures say that those who claim to be saved, but do not cease from sin and turn to righteousness demonstrate that they do not have saving faith; in fact, they actually deny Yahweh. Paul writes of these individuals, who are the rule, rather than the exception, in modern Christianity, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Titus 1:16)
And what of discontent? Is that similarly a mark of one who is not redeemed? We read, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1Tim 6:6-10)
Those “many sorrows” are not just earthly misfortune. It goes much deeper than that, as we read here: “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” (1Cor 10:9, 10)
We see, then, that both of these, works-based religion, and a spirit of discontent, lead to destruction. What we must understand is how works-based religion arose in the first place, and we will see that it arose in one who was discontent because of his lack of contentment.
We read Lucifer’s “mission statement,” his declaration of intent, through the words of the Prophet Isaiah, and for which he will be judged. “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isa 14:13, 14)
What was Lucifer’s problem? Why did he say these things? It is because he desired something that he did not have, and something that he could not have.
I want to be clear that when we see Lucifer’s character being displayed in these words, we are not reading a condemnation of all ambition. The Scriptures do not discourage legitimate ambition. Yahweh has given us the capacity to desire things, to want things... food to eat, a promotion, to read a book you haven’t before. These are things we are permitted. If I am saving up for a new car, even though I don’t have it yet, I am content that I am working toward it, and the goal is not forbidden to me. So the process is pleasant, and my patience allows me to be content with what I have, even though I do have a goal.
Discontent can look very similar to this on the outside, but it involves impatience, or a goal that Yahweh does not permit us to reach after. Adultery, stealing, murder... these things forbidden by the Law; we cannot legitimately desire them. To want these things indicates that one is unhappy, discontent, with both what Yahweh has already given, and what He permits us to have as goals. That is when “sin lieth at the door.”
Lucifer wanted dominance in Heaven. Because of this, he was not content with what he had, nor was He content with the allowable goals, the limit of his authority before the Father and Son. As a result, he thought that he needed to DO something contrary to his intended destiny. And that, right there, is the origin of works-based religion; it is the idea that our ability to fulfill our desires (even if that desire is something good, like pleasing Yahweh), depends on our own efforts and power above or instead of our Father’s strength. “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ saith Yahweh of Hosts.” (Zech 4:6)
When someone is called to do something outside of his normal, anticipated routine, Yahweh sends a vision, a conviction, or a prophet. He sends an unmistakable divine message: “You did not intend to do this. You had no inclination or notion to do this, but Yahweh is giving you this work to do.” Now, what was originally an un-unthinkable goal (e.g., freeing the Israelites from Egypt, going on a mission trip to Africa) becomes a part of one’s divine destiny. Thereafter, one may accomplish that task, work toward it, without discontent.
Lucifer was not permitted to have authority in Heaven, and He had received no divine command to grasp after that authority. Even though the goal was forbidden, however, he worked toward it. He gathered support from susceptible angels, he resisted the appeals of the Father and Son. He rebelled against legitimate authority, all in the name of his intended goal. His discontent forced him to “work” for something Yahweh had placed out of His legitimate ambitions, beyond his limits and capabilities; therefore, he fell.
Returning to our original example, Cain wanted something he did not have. He wanted Yahweh’s acceptance. That is a good goal; however, he did not want that acceptance on Yahweh’s terms. He knew that a sacrifice of blood was necessary for the true religion of his day. He knew that he would need to submit himself to his brother’s labor, to acknowledge his younger brother’s work for Yahweh, and this he would not do. He became discontent. Because he was discontent, he tried to do his own works in order to accomplish his goal (there is his works-based religion) and offered the fruit of his own labor, literally. Yahweh desired blood, not because He needs an animal to die, but because of the impact the sacrifice has on humanity. To take an innocent life because we fell short of Yahweh’s glory is not a pleasant thing. It is pleasant that our sacrifices are acceptable to our Father, and that He has offered a plan of redemption by which He receives them. It was necessary that the Old Testament saints, who would not have the Gospel record, should have a foreshadowing of the death of Christ; but the step of killing an animal for something that is our fault is not pleasant. This, Cain needed to understand... it was the very thing he needed in order to dissolve his pride and dissatisfaction. But he would not have the religion of Yahweh, which is to receive the gift of salvation freely, and then respond naturally with works of righteousness. Instead, the works-based religion says to perform the works that you believe are righteous, and then you will receive, not a gift, but a reward.
While salvation is sometimes associated with the word “reward” in the Bible, in truth it is a gift. That is the proper connotation of the term, and it is a very significant difference.
Here we see in Lucifer, and in Cain, a discontent that led them to actions they believed would cause them to obtain their goals. They held a twisted view of cause-and-effect, believing that Yahweh would acknowledge their efforts, or stand aside and permit them to succeed, because they were sincere and dedicated. There’s nothing wrong with sincerity or dedication, but when they are in pursuit of forbidden goals, when they cause one to wander in pathways contrary to the principles, the Word, and the prophets... then they become the fruits of one’s own labor, and an unacceptable sacrifice. They do not accomplish the refinement of character, the healing of spiritual wounds caused by the carnal nature. They do not prepare a soul for everlasting life. Those who had immortality, like Lucifer, are stripped of it. Those who awaited it, like Cain, received destruction instead, and a mark that reflected outwardly the state of the soul within. Yahweh does not force Himself on anyone, but His judgments, His pronouncements, accurately indicate reality.
Some are confused by the idea Yahweh is not a God of force, and say, “Oh, this means that God does not destroy.” He does destroy, but only when there is no remedy for the subject of His judgment. It is cause-and-effect that they earn destruction, yes, but the destructive event itself is ordained as a sign, a warning, or a way of removing a danger or obstacle from those who are blessed. All things work together for good for Yahweh’s people, (Rom 8:28) and sometimes this involves a holy angel destroying an opposing army.
The point here is that Yahweh’s judgment and Yahweh’s approval both arise from the state of one’s soul. The soul that permits Him to cleanse it receives the gift of approval as a “reward.” The soul that seeks its own way is not cleansed, and Yah’s disapproval follows with all its inevitable consequences.
This applies directly to the Gospel, and to the gift of Victory over sin. Many do not desire the gift of being cleansed by Yahweh’s work and power, so they feel that they must work for it, or wait for it, on their own. This is a religion based on works. To accept Yah’s gift, and then live it out, that is a faith-based religion that produces works. There is a world of difference here. The first is always seeking something it does not have, and in un-sanctifying ways... thus, it is the spirit of discontent working itself out in the life.
“I don’t know if I am approved yet,” says this soul, “so I will learn the Bible, I will pray, I will keep the Sabbath, I will reject false doctrines like the Trinity, I will teach people the right beliefs, I will study a lot, I will post all over social media...” all these things. This is not true religion. Even if someone like this visits widows and orphans, it is not true religion. They are seeking something they don’t have, and they are seeking it in ways contrary to the Plan of Salvation. Lucifer did this. Cain did this. Those who reject the gift of Righteousness by Faith all do this, and therefore have no victory over their discontent. They bear the Mark of Cain, reflecting him in carnal ambition and in spirit, and they receive a mark from Yahweh, His disapproval, to reflect their inner condition.
By contrast, there are those who rejoice that they have already been given the gifts, all that they need. Because they asked Yahshua for His salvation, they received it. They did nothing to earn it but ask. They did nothing to receive it but believe that they were loved, and heard, and accepted. And now that they have these things, yes... they have goals. To go on a mission trip, to build a hospital, to memorize a passage of the Bible, to speak to his neighbor about God’s love, to understand the prophecies in the Book of Daniel, to move to a more comfortable house, to have a healthy diet, to post all over social media… these ambitions, both great and small, are pursued in joy and contentment. They are things that some may desire, but they pursue them according to the divine plan, and with thanksgiving for the knowledge that they will always have all that they need. And if Yahweh has something extraordinary for them to do, that they would not have figured out or imagined on their own, inspiration of some sort will guide them. They do not have the Mark of Cain, so they will never receive the Mark of The Beast, but rather the Seal of Yahweh.
We have spoken about how this applies to the First Angel’s Message: Victory over sin. With contentment and godliness, as the Scripture says, there is great gain. (1Tim 6:6) We have the Holy Spirit. We know by faith we are justified. We have The Parable of The Banana so that we need never be anxious about our sanctification. Victory over sin removes the Mark of Cain, and cleanses us from discontent.
What about the Second Angel? We see people online raging back and forth about doctrines. The Trinity is False! Everyone must be a vegetarian! God does not cause anyone’s death! Hell fire is a lie! Some of these statements we accept, with others we disagree, and still others we understand differently than the rest of Christianity. Among ourselves, we have differences when it comes to certain beliefs and practices. None of this affects our love for Yahweh, our or our love for one another. None of this damages our contentment, because we know that every secret thing is going to be brought into the light. Those who hide things in the dark may see that as a threat, but for brethren who legitimately disagree, nothing is in the dark, nothing is hidden. Where there are differences in doctrine because people sincerely see things differently, there is no sin. There is no illegitimate ambition to lord one’s opinion over others, or to prove one’s superior Bible knowledge. These are things about which Yahshua’s disciples fought before they were converted, (Luke 9:46) before the Holy Spirit fell upon them as a united Body. After Pentecost we did not see that behavior any longer. These are not things found among the people of Yahweh today, because they know that Babylon has fallen, that confusion has ended, and that we may be content, even while we await the answers to some of the more complex questions. In the power of the Second Angel, we teach the truth in Yahshua as we understand it, and we are open to learning more light. At every step, we are content.
What about the Third Angel? Here we come close to the limit of some people’s patience with our message, because this is where we talk about unity, about Church Membership, about discerning the Beast, its Image, and its Mark. It’s just as Biblical as everything else that our Father has given us to share… but it is very offensive to those with a discontent spirit. As we saw in the last study, those who do not have unity, and do not seek it, have not been anointed by the “oil” of Heaven to be a vessel for divine wisdom or power. Psalm 133 tells us that it is where brethren dwell together in unity, where they love the one-ness of being Christ’s, that is where eternal life is found, and not anywhere else. That is where the blessing is placed.
And so we find solitary worshippers and those ensnared by the various disorganized ministries out there are discontent, and you don’t have to talk to them long before they will tell you in various ways that they are discontent. They are striving, and doing their best, and studying according to all they know how... very dedicated and sincere in many ways, and that is good so far as it goes. But they are presenting an altar of Cain’s fruits to Yahweh, and saying, “Please accept my efforts, because I didn’t receive the gift.” “You did not give me what I needed to get to my goals,” they say, “so I must do the work. I don’t have what I want yet... peace, acceptance, assurance of salvation... I didn’t get it, I don’t have it, and I am not sure if I believe the promise that You will definitely give it to me, so please, accept my work instead of Yours.”
This is the prayer of the sinner… a sad, sad way to think of the Christian life. What a great tragedy, that there are people out there who have been taught that the Father and Son paid an infinite price for their redemption, yet they feel that they must work to obtain it. This is the sorrow of the ages, and it allows Satan to say of that soul, “This one is mine. He never believed in, or received, the promises of Heaven.”
These are they who turn away from the Gospel, because they will not believe that Yahshua’s Spirit in them accomplishes perfect righteousness, and that it manifests in their thoughts, and words and actions. These are they who cling to false ideas about the Father and Son, because they did not receive the promise that Babylon has fallen, and that confusion has ended. These are they who will have no protection when grace is removed from the earth, when the Holy Spirit is withdrawn as probation closes... they will have no protection from the strong delusions, and they will believe that they are doing God a service, while at the same time pursuing the very things that He has forbidden, including going to the courts of Caesar for aid. They will not be able to understand that their course of action is rebellion against Heaven, and they will betray their own brethren, betray their own souls, in pursuit of a false sense of righteousness. They will offer at the altar the fruits of their own labor, the best they can do, but not the sacrifice that was required.
Because of discontent, these are they who never learned to be their own Intercessors before the Father, so there will be none to plead for them when Yahshua takes off His Priestly Robes, and instead takes up His Kingly Garments. These are they who never sought unity with the Church, whose apostles, and prophets, and teachers, and brothers, and sisters would have helped them to perfect the divine character, (Eph 4:11, 12) and so they fall short, infinitely short, of the Christ-like spirit that was their true destiny.
The CSDA Church exists for one, simple purpose: To gather together those who are Christ’s. It is to draw together as one, a little Flock, those who have received the promises of Heaven, and have therefore become content. In fact, one could say that the Church is built on a foundation of contentment: of the Sabbath rest, of the grateful acceptance of our Father’s promises. Remember the “two questions” that we sometimes ask of those with whom we share our message? “Are you satisfied with the life that Yahweh has given you?” “Is Yahweh satisfied with the life that you are giving Him?” These are asking about contentment. Without that foundation, we would just be one of the many disorganized, independent molecules of faith drifting around and seeking what it does not already have.
Our members have goals and ambitions, certainly, as I have said, but these are all pursued in the context of faith, love, and contented thanksgiving. This is what we have to share with the world. Let us be about our Father’s Business. Let us be teachers of truth, teachers of righteousness, teachers of contentment, in our words and in our example to others, so that they will learn the difference between the Mark of Cain and the Seal of Yahweh, so that they will avoid the Mark of The Beast, and discern the true character of Christ and His People. That is, after all, the purpose of Yahweh’s priesthood, to reveal to the world the difference – because the world needs to know the difference – between the holy and the unholy, between the sacred and the profane, (Lev 10:10) between the Mark of Cain and the Mind of Christ. All who are a part of that chosen people, that holy generation, that royal priesthood, will do so.
David.
An Enduring Witness
“There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There will be no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body. ” [The Great Controversy, p. 667]
“Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death.” [The Ministry of Healing, p. 241]
“True religion brings man into harmony with the laws of God, physical, mental, and moral. It teaches self-control, serenity, temperance. Religion ennobles the mind, refines the taste, and sanctifies the judgment. It makes the soul a partaker of the purity of heaven. Faith in God’s love and overruling providence lightens the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with joy and contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot.” [Christian Education, p. 68]