“For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” Rom. 5:13.
Note.—The fact that sin was imputed before the law was given at Sinai is conclusive proof that the law existed before that event.
4. When did sin and death enter the world?
“Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Verse 12.
5. With what words did God admonish Cain?
“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.” Gen. 4:7.
6. What shows that God imputed sin to Cain?
“And He said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand.” Verses 10, 11.
7. What was the difference between Cain's and Abel's characters?
“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.” 1 John 3:12.