Death was introduced into God’s creation as a direct result of sin. The rulership of earth passed to Satan, who worked to deprave every aspect of human nature—intellect, emotions, spirituality, and willpower. Sin distorted the image of God in humanity, until the earth was filled with such wickedness that God destroyed it by a great flood. Only the righteous Noah and his family were preserved. “Love, no less than justice, demanded that God’s judgments should put a check on sin.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 100.3 JTL15 10.1
Adam’s rebellion estranged the race from God. Humanity became God’s “enemies” (Romans 5:10) and fell under divine judgment. Only the blood of Christ and grace, the operation of the Holy Spirit on the human heart, provide a way of redemption from the consequences of sin. JTL15 10.2