Why did God let Adam and Eve sin?
In chapter five of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he tells us that sin and death entered the world through Adam, and then spread to all men. Why did God let that happen? Why did He let Adam and Eve sin?
Free will.
God gave them a choice, just as God gives us a choice. That is clear from the words the Bible uses, such as:
Repent, as in Mark 1:14-15: “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’ ”
Follow, as in John 1:43: “The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ ”
Believe/Faith, as in Romans 3:21-22: “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe. . . .”
Persevere, as in James 1:12: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Obey, as in Acts 5:30-32: “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Love, as in Luke 10:25-28: “And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And He said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.’ ”
Each of these words—repent, follow, believe, persevere, obey, love—involves a choice. God gives us a choice: we can follow Him, trust Him, obey Him, love Him—or we can go our own way.
Why does He give us a choice? Why did He give Adam and Eve a choice? Because He wants us to choose Him. But that requires that He also give us the option to choose Not Him. Adam and Eve chose to trust the serpent instead of God. They made a poor choice. God did not make them sin, nor did He want them to sin. But He gave them the choice to sin.
And God gives us a similar choice—we can choose to trust God, to love God, and to obey God as well as we are able. Or we can choose to go our own way. I hope you will choose God.
0 Comments