Adam and Eve’s Freedom of Choice
The answer lies in the freedom of choice that God gave Adam and Eve when He created them. God could have created them so that they cannot sin. They would not be able to choose right or wrong because they would be “programmed” to only do right. Had God chosen to do this, there would be no meaningful relationships between Him and His created beings.
But instead, God created them with freedom of choice that could respond to His love and trust Him or choose to disobey.
God appeals to His creature’s love, their senses and reasoning. However, He never uses force because love doesn’t use force. God says, “Choose you this day who you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). The only service accepted by God is voluntary service moved by love. God does not want His children to obey Him out of fear.
The devil also played a role in deceiving our first parents by his lies (Genesis 3). He tried to raise doubt in their hearts in regard to God’s love. Instead of believing in God, they chose to distrust Him and disobey His clear instructions (Genesis 2:16,17). Consequently, they fell.
Sadly, it is God Himself that paid the price for our man’s disobedience and sin. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God offered His only Son to pay the death penalty of our sin. Christ risked all to redeem us back to the Father. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Jesus didn’t only offer pardon for our sins but He also gave us the power to overcome every sin through His enabling grace (2 Corinthians 5:17). He made every provision for men to live fulfilled, triumphant, and happy lives. For He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
