Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

John 4:8). He reaches out to humanity "'with an
everlasting love'" (Jer. 31:3). The God who extends
the invitation to salvation is all-powerful, but His
love necessitates His permitting each person to
have freedom of choice in responding (Rev. 3:20,
21). Coercion, a method contrary to His character,
can have no part in His strategy.
The Divine Initiative
When Adam and Eve sinned, God took the
initiative in searching for them. The guilty pair,
hearing the sound of their Creator, did not run
joyfully to meet Him as they had done before.
Instead, they hid. But God did not abandon them.
Ever so persistently He called, "Where are you?"
With deep sorrow, God outlined the consequences
of their disobedience--the pain, the difficulties that
they would encounter. Yet in their absolutely
hopeless situation He revealed a wonderful plan
promising ultimate victory over sin and death
(Gen. 3:15).
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