Counsels on Secular Worldview

Counsel #7 — Why Sin Was Permitted

Picture: Counsel #7 — Why Sin Was Permitted CSe 62.1

God created humanity from love. He desires our companionship and treasures communication with us. Human beings were not created as robots, programmed randomly to serve and worship God. Love requires the freedom to choose. Because God, our Maker, is Love, truly obeying Him can only exist where there also resides the freedom to disobey. Love never forces. Lucifer perverts this freedom, clinging to feelings of animosity and jealousy toward God. He could have resisted his pride but chose instead to nurture his ruthless ambition to be equal with God in power.^[63] CSe 62.2

We, too, are granted freedom to choose sides in the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Jesus gave His life to redeem us and save us from the destructive power of Satan, but He will not force us into His kingdom of light and glory!^[64] CSe 62.3

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Lord’s Spirit is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 ISV CSe 62.4

“God desires from all His creatures the service of love—service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34 CSe 62.5

Reflect: Why do you think God allows us full freedom to choose either good or evil? CSe 62.6