Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator’s law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish. God had made them the recipients of rich blessings; but should they disregard His will, He who spared not the angels that sinned, could not spare them; transgression would forfeit His gifts, and bring upon them misery and ruin. {FLB 179.3}

Ligesom englene, er beboerne i Eden blevet sat under prøve; deres lykkelige ejendom kunne kun være i besiddelse på betingelse af troskab mod Skaberens lov. De kunne adlyde og leve, eller være ulydige og gå fortabt. Gud har gjort dem til modtagere af rige velsignelser; men var de ulydige mod Hans vilje, Han, som ikke sparede engle der syndede, kunne ikke spare dem; ville overtrædelsen føre til tab af Hans gave, og pådrage dem fortabelse og ruin.