Wow, so much in so little time. In regard to some earlier posts. Before sin there was no death and God walked with man in harmony and man did have a job - to tend creation. After sin entered the relationship we see the first sacrificial death with an animal being slain to provide for clothing. Such a serious offense was sin that blood was shed. Man had striven for equality with God (just like lucifer) and from that point forward the relationship with God was changed. Death entered the world. God had made preparation for this event and from the beginning of time Jesus was to be the ultimate sacrifice (
through shed blood)for this discretion. The angels stand amazed according to the scriptures; for although created beings like us, they were apparently not given any atonement for their rebellious acts but were sentenced to an eternity apart from the Creator. Cain's sacrifice was not acceptable to God and we're not sure why. We don't know if God required a blood sacrifice or just what the problem was but we are told that Abel brought the "first fruits" and it can be inferred that Cain did not of the best give or otherwise gave with the wrong attitude.
Throughout the Old Testament the idea of sacrifice is continued and we are given a list of clean and unclean (Leviticus and Deuteronomy) foods and acts. Scholars suspect a practical reason regarding some of the requirements was health and hygine. God is practical after all. By the time we get to Acts (9:36-43) we see the clean/unclean food designation clarified for Peter (yes, he held some prejudices). And we are under the New Covenant now. Praise God. This is just a synopis from my recollection but hope it clears up a few thoughts instead of creating a bigger mess.
