He preferred to talk of what he called the cruelty of the Creator in punishing the race. Instead of offering in sacrifice a lamb, which only could represent the sacrifice of Christ, he brought the fruits of the ground. He thought as sometimes people do now, that what we have to offer is good enough, even if it is not just what the Lord calls for.
In Cain's offering there was nothing to point to the offering of Christ. There was no blood showing that death follows sin, and that Christ was to bear it for us. It was in every way contrary to God's plan, and so it showed no faith. There was therefore no Gospel in it, and no salvation. The Lord did not accept Cain's offering, and there was no answering fire.
As Cain saw the difference, he charged God with partiality, and then began to hate his brother, as all wicked people hate the good. The next act was to kill his brother, which was the result of his hatred.
Then the Lord spoke to Cain and asked him, "Where is thy brother Abel?" Cain tried to cover up his sin by lying about it, as some people try to get out of trouble now. He said, "I know not; Am I my brother's keeper?"
But the Lord knew all about it, for Cain could not hide his sin from the Lord any more than we can hide ours. The Lord sent him forth as a wanderer in the earth, and a hateful look marked his face as long as he lived. Faces show character.
Outside the Ark