Hi - Looks like this thread is very interesting and an opportunity to consider things in a new light.

First, how do I believe? Without my belief nothing makes sense to me in this world. I also rely on the feelings of my heart which tell me that God is real. Finally, I pray and I know He listens because I get answers.

This is my opinion on God forgiving Adam and Eve:

Why didn't God forgive Adam and Eve - He did. He provided a way that they could repent so he could forgive them.

Even though He loved them, they still had to face the consequences of what they had done. God knew they could not fully pay the consequences themselves and that not only would they die, but they would not be able to be in His presence.

When Adam and Eve transgressed the law, two things happened. First, they brought mortality into the world - death of the body. Second, they died spiritually or in other words were separated from God.

God loved them and wanted them to reverse these things, only there are two forces at work - justice and mercy. As things were, only one of the two could be satisfied. Because of this a third party was required. Christ stepped in so that Adam and Eve could be forgiven and all the changes, death of the body and spirit, undone. He paid the price for justice and since justice was then satisfied, having been paid, mercy could claim the sinner if they turned to Christ who meets out mercy. So through Christ, Adam and Eve were forgiven by God because they accepted Christ.

I believe that the blood sacrifices were offered up until Christ was sacrificed as a symbol of what was to come since it had not happened yet - it was a reminder and a sign of faith. Now that it has happened, we sacrifice our hearts - place ourselves symbolically on the alter as an offering to God instead.

Thanks for letting me share my views.