Just One Rule and They Broke It!

Why did God put a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden?

Some people claim that God was tempting Adam and Eve, wanting them to sin. But God never tempts anyone (James 1:13-15). He tests us but He always gives us a "way out" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sin is always our choice.

And let's step back and think about this:

God gave Adam and Eve one rule (Genesis 2:16-17). Just one.

They had a plethora of choices for delicious, nutritious fruit (Genesis 2:8-9). And only one was forbidden. Just one.

God created Adam and Eve "very good" (Genesis 1:31). They could have chosen not to sin. They had regular fellowship with God and didn't have the insecurities, concerns, or fears of modern man.

But they had free choice and God tested them. And despite the fact that Adam and Eve were living in paradise without a care, they chose to sin and break the one rule God had given them.

This event should never be used as an argument against God's goodness, Instead, it is an argument for His goodness. Even though they broke the only rule He gave them, God immediately set in place His plan to redeem them.(2)

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(1) See Why Did God Create Man With the Ability to Sin?
(2) See Things that Make Me Sad About Adam.

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