In an attempt to defend both divine providence and free will, Milton's God justifies the inherent discrepancy between fate and free choice. By upholding the belief that Man is created with sufficient qualities to stand on his own, Milton's God effectively distances himself from the implications of the fall of Man due to Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Although Milton's God foresees what the future will bring, he does not manipulate Man's destiny. Not only is free will compatible with Milton's doctrine of God, but it also serves as the epitome of God's purity and uncorrupted nature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In no way does Milton's God predetermine the destinies of man. In a seemingly defensive but convincing speech, God claims to have "made [man] righteous and upright, / Sufficient to stand, though free to fall" (III. 98-99). Man is created with distinctive characteristics that complement his virtue, and God gave him “all that he could have” (III. 98). These characteristics can lead to man's acceptance or rejection of obedience to God. Milton's God convincingly defends the idea that man's virtue does not necessarily protect him from falling, but simply allows him to act freely. The plethora of archangels falling from Heaven is a testimony to the truth that even the sinless angels who once served God in Heaven are susceptible to falling. Created by Milton's God, "the ethereal powers / and spirits, both those who stood and those who failed" (III. 100 - 01) control their respective destinies because "Freely stood those who stood and fell those who fell" (III 102 ). Omniscient God, on the other hand, despite being aware of the future of his creations, has no influence on their individual destiny and therefore preserves his justice. Those who "resisted" embraced God's obedience while those who "fell" rebelled and were the cause of their own deaths. An omnipotent and flawless figure, Milton's God esteems those who abide by his doctrine. Nonetheless, it allows Man to act in the way his character will guide him. Valuing “true faithfulness, steadfast faith, [and] love,” (III. 104) Milton's God grants Man the choice whether or not to embrace such qualities. Regardless of what the repercussions might be if Man were to underestimate God's values, the simple reality that Man is given the ability to choose his own destiny verifies God's granting of free will. The fallen angels, “ authors of themselves in everything, / Both of what they judge and of what they choose”, they have no right to contest the judgment of God, as they are formed free, “free they must remain” (III. 122 – 24). Free choice is therefore, clearly, the determining factor that dictates the destiny of Man. Meanwhile, God remains an impeccable and virtuous spectator who simply grants man free choice. Milton's God does not seek satisfaction by witnessing the fall of his subjects. On the contrary, he is appalled by such circumstances and desires the most glorious future for those under him: What pleasure have I, for such obedience given, When Will and Reason (Reason too is Choice), Useless and vain, of freedom both private, Both rendered passive, I had served the Necessity, hadn't I? (III. 107 – 11) Any feeling of “Necessity” that may arise is not a feeling of need to obey God, but rather is a feeling of temptation to obey Satan. There is no sense of conformity to God in the fact that Man is created with.