Why did God create human beings, knowing that they would sin?

Why did God create human beings, knowing that they would sin?
Work during the week—but leave weekends for worship and recreation.
Genesis 6:5-6 | posted 1/30/2009

1 of 1

5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.

This question assumes that people are victims caught in the vise of fate. But the Bible teaches that God in his goodness created a world of moral order in which Adam and Eve were free agents. By creating them in his image and likeness, God gave them a unique quality of relationship with each other and with him. God entrusted them with freedom. This freedom included the freedom to turn away from him, and unfortunately, that is what they did.

Even though God knew beforehand what Adam and Eve would do, he granted them the capacity to do as they chose. God condemns no one unjustly by causing anyone to sin. He is the judge of all the earth, and he will do right by everyone. He does not compel or coerce human creatures made in his image. Yet nothing can thwart his glory and grace.

Furthermore, God shows that he is abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6) by not leaving the human race in its sin. In Jesus Christ, the Creator graciously became the Redeemer. Through his death and resurrection, the way to eternal life has been opened to all who turn away from sin to follow him (John 14:6).

1 of 1