Is 'In the End' a hopeful story or a sad one?

'In the End' seems like a hopeful story because the Lord is giving back the Garden of Eden to mankind. This means that man can live in paradise again and not have to suffer anymore. The humans seem happy and behave themselves, the Serpent is no longer evil, and God is pleased. However, it also seems like a sad story because the humans have given up their free will and knowledge in order to regain paradise. This story seems to suggest that mankind could never regain paradise and true happiness, or the goodwill of God, while still retaining their free will.