The answer
Yes, there were two other alternatives, but both are fundamentally unacceptable for the following reasons:
❖ The First Unacceptable Substitution (Pardon)
Being that God pardons Adam and Eve, because He is an All-Loving God, bringing the whole matter to an end. However, if God were to pardon Adam because of His limitless love, where then would His limitless justice be, which sentenced with death? It is necessary for this just judgement to be carried out, because in God, there is no separation in His traits. For just as He is merciful, He is just, meaning that the mercy of God is full of justice, and the justice of God is full of mercy.
If we were to hypothetically assume that this is possible, we must consider that forgiveness is one thing, but purification and the restoration of the corrupted human nature is another, more important thing.
It is easy to pay on behalf of the thief the amount that he stole. However, what is more important is for his nature to be changed in order for him not to return to theft.
❖ The Second Unacceptable Substitution (Annihilation)
Being that God would annihilate Adam and Eve, and would create a new Adam and a new Eve, bringing an end to the problem…!
The death of man is against the mercy of God, for it would have been better for Him not to have created man… It is against the intelligence of God, because He in unable to find a solution for the dilemma… It is against the might of God, because He is unable to protect man… It is against the wisdom of God, for why then did He create man… It is against the honour of God, for man was created in the image and likeness of God…
It is a demonic approach which is unbefitting of God’s omnipotence, or His glory, or His honour as creator.
We must not forget that the opportunity for the fall of the new Adam and the new Eve is possible, still standing and ongoing, for the conditions are the same, and its repetition is plausible. Therefore, the only solution is the Incarnation and Redemption, in order for the forgiveness to be fulfilled, and for human nature to be restored.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Pope Tawadros II, My Faith: A Series of Dialogues on the Creed (Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, 2014), 69–70.
The pages in the book (69–70)
