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Chapter 29—Why Was Sin Permitted?
Many see the work of evil, with its woe and desolation, and
question how this can exist under the sovereignty of One who is
infinite in wisdom, power, and love. Those who are disposed to
doubt seize upon this as an excuse for rejecting the words of Holy
Writ. Tradition and misinterpretation have obscured the teaching
of the Bible concerning the character of God, the nature of His
government, and the principles of His dealing with sin.
It is impossible to explain the origin of sin so as to give a reason
for its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning the
origin and final disposition of sin to make fully manifest the justice
and benevolence of God. God was in no wise responsible for sin;
there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, no deficiency in
the divine government, that gave occasion for rebellion. Sin is an
intruder for whose presence no reason can be given. To excuse it
is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, it would cease to be
sin. Sin is the outworking of a principle at war with the law of love,
which is the foundation of the divine government.
Before the entrance of evil there was peace and joy throughout
the universe. Love for God was supreme, love for one another
impartial. Christ the Only Begotten of God was one with the eternal
Father in nature, in character, and in purpose—the only being that
could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. “By him were
all things created, that are in heaven, ... whether they be thrones, or
dominions, or principalities, or powers.”
Colossians 1:16
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The law of love being the foundation of the government of God,
the happiness of all created beings depended on their accord with
its principles of righteousness. God takes no pleasure in forced
allegiance, and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render
Him voluntary service.
But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin orig-
inated with him, who, next to Christ, had been most honored by
God. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy
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