Why did God put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden?

Bible Question:

Are we not all paying for Adam and Eve's mistake of eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Why would God put that tree in the garden to begin with? Why would He even tempt them with it if it was so bad?

Bible Answer:

God has not told us why He placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden (Genesis 2:9, 17). As you have already indicated, God warned them to not eat of the tree. Otherwise they would die a spiritual death.

The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” Genesis 2:16 (NASB)

If you were Adam or Eve and we asked the question, “How would you feel about only being able to do good and not having a choice to do anything else?” What would you say? Would you like being denied the freedom of choice? Is it possible that someone might complain that they did not have a choice? God gave Adam and Eve the freedom of choice. They were created without sin in a perfect environment and they still chose badly.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned . . . Romans 5:12 (NASB)

They suffered for their bad choice and so do we today! Many today believe that one’s living conditions contribute to one’s morality. The theory is that the conduct of others is worse when they live in an abusive family or poor socioeconomic stituation.The truth is that Adam and Eve lived in a perfect environment, and they still sinned and brought pain and suffering upon all of us.

Conclusion:

The only real solution to our plight in life is Jesus Christ. He will forgive our sins and then start to change us by the Holy Spirit. We would encourage you to visit Searching For God and read about the only real solution to the world’s primary problem – sin!

Suggested Links:

Did God know Satan was going to tempt Adam and Eve?
If I am born a sinner, how can I have self-worth?
Searching For God
What did God mean when He told Eve not to eat of the tree of knowledge?