But even as a sinner, man was in a different position from that of Satan. Lucifer in heaven had sinned in the light of God's glory. To him as to no other created being was given a revelation of God's love. 762 Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could do to save him. But man was deceived; his mind was darkened by Satan's sophistry. The height and depth of the love of God he did not know. For him there was hope in a knowledge of God's love. By beholding His character he might be drawn back to God.

Men selv om mennesket var en synder, så var det anderledes stillet end Satan. Lucifer havde i Himmelen syndet i selve lyset fra Guds herlighed. Guds kærlighed var blevet åbenbaret for ham som for ingen anden skabning. Trods forståelse af Guds væsen og viden om hans godhed valgte Satan at følge sin egen selviske, frie vilje. Dette valg var afgørende. Gud kunne ikke gøre mere for at frelse ham. Men mennesket var blevet bedraget. Dets sind var blevet formørket ved Satans forvanskninger. Det kendte ikke højden og dybden af Guds kærlighed. Ved at lære Guds egenskaber at kende kunne det måske drages tilbage til Gud.