Q&A Home > F > Forgiveness Why did God not forgive Adam and Eve immediately when He is so forgiving? God is most forgiving. Consider for a moment all that God gave Adam and Eve and the one thing that was forbidden. Why did Adam and Eve not ask for forgiveness? They had the chance but did not seize it. Rather, they blamed each other.
"Then the Lord called to Adam and said to him, 'Where are you?' So he said, 'I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.' And He said, 'Who told you that you were naked" Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?' Then the man said, 'The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.' And the Lord God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'the serpent deceived me, and I ate'" (Genesis 3:9-13).
The opportunity to repent was granted to Adam and Eve only. The serpent received immediate consequences without an opportunity to ask for neither forgiveness nor explanation. Even after Adam and Eve had been expelled from the garden, God continued to care and provide for not only their physical necessities, but by a sure plan for their salvation and redemption. Too many people remain stuck in a devastating quagmire refusing to repent and confess their sins. Nevertheless, our Lord still extends His invitation saying:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on his throne" (Revelation 3:20,21).
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