January 23, 2026

Why did God reject Cain's offering? Because He had already commanded Adam, Eve, and their posterity to make sacrifices and showed them how to properly do it. When an angel asked Adam why he offered sacrifices, Adam replied that he did not know only that he was commanded, so he was obedient. AFTER his obedience, he was granted further light and knowledge. The angel told him it was in similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son. Cain's offering was rejected because he disobeyed the instruction of the Lord, and by so doing removed the symbolism of Christ from his sacrifice, which in turn symbolized removing Christ from his life.

From the beginning of time, we have been commanded to sacrifice as a symbolic reminder of our Savior, so that we may always remember Him. After Christ fulfilled His mission, the practice of animal sacrifice was done away with, and we have since been commanded to sacrifice a broken heart and a contrite spirit. This does not remove the symbolism of our Savior's sacrifice, but rather enhances it. In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior bled from every pore as He suffered, bore the agony of humanity, and began His atoning sacrifice for us. Where did the blood come from? A broken heart.

He also asked if this cup could pass from Him, but nevertheless submitted to His Father's will, a perfect example of obedience, of placing Heavenly Father's will above what Christ wanted himself (another sacrifice) that led to the most contrite moment anyone has ever know, DESPITE having never sinned Himself not owing contrition.

The sacrifice we are commanded to make, a broken heart and a contrite spirit, are not simply rooted in obedience, they point towards Christ. They remind us of God's love and His plan for us. They help us access the power of the Atonement of Christ in part by helping us taste a small, very small, sip from His cup, and helping us be more like Him.