Why Did God Even Bother?

In a men’s group this week, a good question came up during the discussion.  “If God already knew that Adam and Eve were going to fall, why did God  go forward with his decision to create mankind?”

I helped with giving an answer to this question, although it was a short answer at the time.  I have been reflecting on this question all week, so it is my hope that this detailed answer is easy to follow.  This is a very deep question, and my answer to it is the best that I have to offer. Hopefully I answer the question properly, but if I don’t feel free to chime in or add your two cents.

The overarching theme of the bible is  a) Paradise b) Paradise lost c) Paradise regained. At the center of these themes is the cross of Jesus Christ.  God knew and ordained that Jesus would go to the cross and die so that many would be saved  (Matthew 28:20). This was God’s will that Jesus would be the way for eternal life even before to the foundations of the world was formed.

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:4–5 (ESV)

So if God knew about the fall of mankind and is in total control of the situation, since He is indeed God, why would he bother with the paradise lost section? Why not just go from paradise to paradise regained? We could have then simply skipped all of this messy stuff called life and Jesus therefore would not have had to come to Earth, to die for us as an atonement for our sins.

We however, forget one thing. God is God.  He is indeed the one in perfect control. He knows what is best for us.  He is the Author of this story we call mankind, so He is the one who gets to decide the different chapters of the book.  God’s purpose for creating this world was to have all of His glory in full display. The  part involving the fall from God, redemption through Jesus Christ, and wrath to those who deny Him are all a part of this glory.

The ultimate exhibition of His glory was at the cross where His mercy, justice, and wrath come to the forefront. The  judgment of all sin was placed at the cross, and God’s grace was on display in pouring His wrath for sin on His Son instead of on us. God’s love and grace are on display in those whom He has saved. In the end, God will be glorified as His people worship Him for all eternity with the angels, and the wicked will also glorify God as His justice and righteousness will finally be vindicated by the eternal punishment of all unrepentant sinners. None of this could have come to pass without the fall of Adam and Eve.

So in short, this life is not really about us, but it is about Him.