SDA According to Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) theology, the tension between God's perfect design and man's imposed influence is the central theme of the "Great Controversy" between Christ and Satan. The core of this belief system is that humans were created in God's perfect image, but their misuse of free will introduced sin, which marred that image and distorted the created world. God's original design Seventh-day Adventists believe God created a world that was "very good," perfect, and without the presence of evil, suffering, or death. Perfect creation: The universe and Earth were made by God in six literal days. The world and all life were created to reflect God's perfect character. Humanity's nature: The first humans, Adam and Eve, were created in God's image, possessing moral, spiritual, and physical wholeness. They were given free will, individuality, and dominion over creation, with the responsibility to care for it as stewards. A world without sin: In the original design, humans lived in perfect harmony with God, each other, and nature. Animals and the natural world were also at peace. Man's imposed influence (The Fall) SDA theology emphasizes that human disobedience, instigated by Satan, was the cause of humanity's fallen state and the subsequent corruption of the world. Rebellion against God's law: Adam and Eve's decision to disobey God's command and eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was an act of rebellion. It denied their dependence on God and introduced sin into the world. Marred image and corruption: As a result of this original sin, the image of God in humanity was marred, and all of their descendants inherited a fallen nature with sinful tendencies. Consequences of sin: This human influence led to suffering and death entering the world, as well as the cursing of the earth. Humanity's struggle with toil and the presence of natural disasters are considered consequences of sin. Separation from God: Sin created a state of alienation and brokenness in humanity's relationship with God, who is the source of life. Reconciling God's design and man's influence The core of the gospel message in SDA theology is God's plan of redemption to restore humanity and creation to His original design. Christ's sacrifice: Through Jesus Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, God provided a way to undo the effects of human sin. The sacrifice of Christ reconciles humans to God and offers the promise of eternal life to those who accept it by faith. Restoration through the Holy Spirit: By the power of the Holy Spirit, repentant individuals can be renewed and restored to the image of their Creator. The law of God is written on their hearts, and they are empowered to overcome sinful tendencies. Stewardship and mission: Even in a fallen world, humans are called to be faithful stewards of God's gifts and resources. This includes caring for the environment, their bodies, and their abilities, using them to serve others and proclaim the gospel. The Second Coming: The climax of God's plan will occur at the Second Coming of Christ, when the wicked will be destroyed and the earth will be restored to its original, paradisiacal state. The redeemed will live for eternity in a world no longer distorted by human sin. LDS In the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), God's design for humanity is a Plan of Salvation that includes moral agency, or the ability to choose between good and evil. Man's "imposed influence" can be understood as the use of that agency to either align with or rebel against God's plan, resulting in both righteous stewardship and destructive actions. God's design: The Plan of Salvation Latter-day Saints believe that before this life, all humans lived as spirit children of God. In the premortal life, God proposed a plan for His children to progress toward eternal life, which included receiving a physical body and being tested in a mortal state. This divine design includes several key elements: The Creation: The earth was created as a place for God's spirit children to gain experience in mortality. Agency: God gave His children "moral agency"—the power to choose for themselves and to act rather than simply be acted upon. This choice would enable them to learn and grow, but it also carried the risk of failure. The Fall: Adam and Eve's choice to eat the forbidden fruit was a necessary step to introduce mortality, opposition, and the ability to have children. The Fall was a purposeful step forward in God's plan, enabling humanity to know both good and evil and to experience sorrow and joy. The Atonement: Because God foreknew that humanity would sin, a Savior, Jesus Christ, was chosen to atone for the sins of the world. Through the Atonement, all people are redeemed from physical death, and through repentance, they can be cleansed from sin and return to God. Man's imposed influence: The use of agency While God's plan provides the framework for eternal progression, man's influence comes from how he exercises his moral agency. The use of this gift determines the nature and extent of man's impact on himself, others, and the world. Righteous use of agency: Stewardship Exercising agency righteously leads to blessings and an expansion of one's influence for good. Stewardship over the earth: As stewards, not owners, of the earth, humans have a divinely commanded responsibility to care for God's creations. This requires self-restraint and wisdom in how they use the earth's bounty and resources. Positive personal influence: Individuals who choose to live righteously become a force for good. By following Jesus Christ's example and setting a righteous example, they can positively influence their families and communities. Obedience and growth: Wise use of agency keeps choices open and strengthens one's capacity to choose correctly. Obedience to God's commandments leads to greater agency and increasing opportunities for personal growth. Unrighteous use of agency: Transgression Exercising agency unrighteously results in negative consequences and diminishes one's freedom. Rebellion against God's plan: In the premortal world, Satan rebelled against God's plan by seeking to destroy agency. He and his followers were cast out. This opposition continues in mortality, as Satan seeks to blind and deceive people and lead them into captivity through sin. Unrighteous dominion: Mankind can impose unrighteous influence by seeking power and control over others, rather than serving them. This is the same impulse that led to the War in Heaven and diminishes the freedom of both the oppressor and the oppressed. Corruption of the world: The choices of individuals and societies to transgress have resulted in broken families, war, suffering, and environmental decay. This "fracturing of God's good design" has brought death, pain, and misery into the world. The interplay of design and influence In LDS theology, God's design and man's influence are not separate but operate in a synergistic relationship. God provides the perfect plan and the gift of agency, but humanity's ultimate destiny depends on how it uses that agency. By righteously influencing the world for good, man can fulfill his role as a steward and realize his divine potential. Conversely, unrighteous influence leads to personal misery and societal breakdown, frustrating God's design.

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