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Genesis 4:6-7

Cain had worshipped God in a way that God had never commanded. Cain was then upset that his gift was not accepted. This was fueled by the fact that his brother’s gift WAS accepted. God’s formula for Cain was simple, i.e., repent and worship God’s way, but Cain wouldn’t repent. God also gives Cain a warning. If he doesn’t repent more sin is inevitable. God tells him that he must master sin. Those of you who use the KJV would do well to compare translations for the phrase “and thou shalt rule over him.” The KJV makes it seem like a prophecy but notice:

ESV but you must rule over it.

ASV but do thou rule over it.

NKJ but you should rule over it.

NAS but you must master it.

NRS but you must master it.

God was giving Cain a command to master the sin. This he must do by obedience with regard to worship. If he failed to do this other sins would inevitable come. These sins began in the murder of his brother, Abel.

This is how apostasy works. When we refuse to obey God in one point and do what we prefer instead other sins are inevitable. The religious landscape is littered with the shells of churches that are a testimony to this truth.