God loved humans is evident in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve committed sin, by choosing to eat the forbidden fruit, God punished them and did not eliminate them. Just similar to pressing the trash button on a computer, God could have eliminated his creation and could have created it all over again. But he did not as he is not interested in even a single person to perish. (II Peter 3:9)
1) Free Will: God took a risk by giving Free Will to Adam and Eve. To fear and obey the Lord should come from their Free choice and not out of compulsion.
2) Redemption: God had the plan of redemption ready if Adam and Eve would fail. The plan included the incarnation of the Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, of course the redeemed of God, the Church. So, Paul writes that believers are chosen before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)
3) No eyewitnesses: There were no human eyewitnesses for God’s creation. Even if God had decided to eliminate and nullify the whole creation including Adam and Eve, there were no eyewitnesses. Perhaps, angels could know, and Satan also would have known.
4) Cosmic effect: If God would have eliminated the first couple, it could have had an effect on angels. The Angels would have been under fear, not love.
5) Not accountable to anyone: God as self-existing, eternal and sovereign God, need not give account for His actions. However, his actions are consistent with his attitude, actions, and behavior.
6) Conceding defeat? Satan would have rejoiced for he would have destroyed the Plan and Purpose of God for the human race. Satan as a simple creature wanted to wreck God’s great plan. Neither God nor His purpose could be defeated.
7) Love: God’s love was demonstrated by God’s offering of sacrifice to forgive them, clothe them, and give Promise to them and whole humanity regarding the redeemer/savior Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Seed of a woman. (Genesis 3:15)
Do I understand the depth of God’s love for humans?