Sin was permitted in order that the universe might be convinced of God's justice in His dealings with evil and that sin might receive eternal condemnation. Ellen White explains that God is love, and His law is love, but He created beings with free will. When Satan rebelled, God did not immediately destroy him because, if He had, the loyalty of His creatures would not have been based on understanding but on fear. By allowing sin to exist for a time, the true nature and consequences of sin could be fully revealed to all created beings. Here are some key points from Ellen White's writings: - "For what was the great controversy permitted to continue throughout the ages? Why was it that Satan's existence was not cut short at the outset of his rebellion? It was that the universe might be convinced of God's justice in His dealing with evil; that sin might receive eternal condemnation." (Education, p. 308) - "God is love. His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been; it ever will be... With Him 'is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.'" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33) - "Again Satan was defeated, and again he resorted to deception, in the hope of converting his defeat into a victory. To stir up rebellion in the fallen race, he now represented God as unjust in having permitted man to transgress His law. 'Why,' said the artful tempter, 'when God knew what would be the result, did He permit man to be placed on trial, to sin, and bring in misery and death?'" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 331) - "Sin is the transgression of God's law, and the penalty of sin is death. There would have been no discord in heaven or in the earth if sin had never entered. Disobedience to God's law has brought all the misery that has existed among His creatures." (Steps to Christ, p. 75) In summary, sin was permitted so that the character of God and the true nature of sin could be fully demonstrated to all, ensuring that the universe would understand the justice, love, and righteousness of God’s government. This would prevent sin from ever arising again. References: - White, E. G. (1903). Education, p. 308. - White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 33, 331. - White, E. G. (1892). Steps to Christ, p. 75.