But if there was one sin above another which called for the destruction of the race by the flood, it was the base crime of amalgamation of man and beast which defaced the image of God, and caused confusion everywhere. God purposed to destroy by a flood that powerful, long-lived race that had corrupted their ways before him. He would not suffer them to live out the days of their natural life, which would be hundreds of years. It was only a few generations back when Adam had access to that tree which was to prolong life. After his disobedience he was not suffered to eat of the tree of life and perpetuate a life of sin. In order for man to possess an endless life he must continue to eat of the fruit of the tree of life. Deprived of that tree, his life would gradually wear out. {1SP 69.1}

Men dersom der var en synd frem for en anden som krævede menneskeslægtens ødelæggelse ved syndfloden, så var det den lave forbrydelse at menneskene blandede sig med dyrene, hvilket forvanskede Guds billede, og forårsagede forstyrrelse overalt. Gud besluttede at ødelægge hin mægtige slægt som opnåede så høj en alder, men havde fordærvet sine veje for ham, ved en vandflod. Han ville ikke tillade dem at leve alle deres naturlige livs dage, som ville blive hindreder af år. Det var blot nogle få slægter siden Adam havde adgang til det træ som var givet til at forlænge livet. Efter sin ulydighed fik han ikke tilladelse til at æde af livets træ og forevige et syndigt liv. For at mennesket kunne besidde evigt liv måtte han vedblive at nyde frugten af livets træ. Berøvet hint træ ville hans liv gradvis dø bort.