One could argue, perhaps, that if Satan was that good at deception and connivingly persuasion, why did God allow him into the garden. Because everything (the whole point of life) is a test. It always has been and it always will be.
I would call your comment profound thinking. Not the usual fair provided by those who mistakenly believe Adam and Eve to be somehow unworthy of respect due to their transgression. To think otherwise is to deny the atonement of Jesus Christ for our sins and transgressions.
Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden by God, with certain stipulations. They passed their test and what we have now is a continuation of God’s plan for his children, the test as you call it. Satan’s role was minor and consistent with his continuing role as potential slave owner and tormentor of man whose days are numbered.
I do like how God honored Eve as the “mother of all living”, and revealed it to Moses so it would be written in scripture.
“Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden by God, with certain stipulations. They passed their test and what we have now is a continuation of God’s plan for his children, the test as you call it. Satan’s role was minor and consistent with his continuing role as potential slave owner and tormentor of man whose days are numbered.”
My take is different than yours. I would argue that Adam and Eve did not pass the test, that being one of obedience. God’s love, however, prevailed and they were given the chance to live, love and procreate... thus fulfilling God’s plan of humankind on planet earth. The ongoing and continuing test for them and their progeny (that would be us)... is that same obedience to God’s word.
The fact that we have been inflicted with Satan and his minions and the temptations (and evil) which that presence represents... man being weak and easily tempted... required a further act of God to save us... that being Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
I would posit that Satan’s role was not minor then and is not minor now. It is a crucial part of the ongoing “test”.
Thank you for this very enjoyable discussion.