God the Father
- Ken Kalis
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
I know a woman who asked God what she should call Him.
He replied clearly in a strong voice in her mind, The Almighty.
This is how William Blake portrays Him here.
Jesus teaches us to call Him "Our Father."
He is both, and has called us to be his children.
His duality is powerfully expressed in the Apostles' Creed, which identifies God as "the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth," and highlights Jesus* (4BC-30AD) as "his only Son, our Lord." This structure emphasizes both God's universal role as creator and His personal relationship with Jesus and believers.
An asterisk* after a name means that person is in SPIRITUAL LIVES.
The Nature of God as Father
In modern Christianity, God is often addressed as the Father. This title reflects His active interest in human lives, much like a father's care for his children. For instance, many believers find comfort in scriptures like Matthew 7:9, which states, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” This illustrates God’s nurturing nature, as He desires to provide for His children’s needs.
Prayer is central to this relationship. Many Christians express that through prayer, they feel closer to God, experiencing His guidance and support. According to a 2018 survey conducted by Pew Research, approximately 55% of U.S. adults pray daily, highlighting the importance of this intimate connection. For those who engage in prayer regularly, this practice not only fosters a sense of dependence and trust but also reinforces the belief that God, as a loving Father, is always attentive to their needs.
The Title "Father" and Its Implications
The title "Father" is rich in meaning within Christian theology. It signifies God's role as a life-giver and authoritative protector. Like earthly fathers, He is a worker and provider. God is often described as massive, powerful, and life-sustaining, embodying qualities beyond human comprehension. The understanding of God as Father is more than a simple metaphor; it represents a crucial theological truth that influences Christians daily.
St. Thomas Aquinas*(1225-1274), a significant figure in Catholic theology, once noted that even after finishing his major work, Summa Theologica, he felt he had merely scratched the surface of understanding God as Father. This acknowledgment reminds all believers to seek deeper insights into God’s nature continually.
Gender and the Concept of God
While the term "Father" suggests male characteristics, it is important to recognize that God transcends human definitions of gender. The Catechism of the Catholic Church asserts that "God is neither man nor woman: he is God." This perspective broadens our understanding, emphasizing that God transcends human biology and gender constructs.
Although the term "Mother" is not commonly used for God, certain passages in the Old Testament hint at nurturing qualities. For example, Isaiah 42:14 states, "For a long time I have kept silent; I have been quiet and held myself back." This verse suggests a comforting, motherly presence, illustrating that God’s love incorporates both paternal and maternal attributes. Recognizing this duality allows believers to appreciate the full spectrum of God's character.
The New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, Jesus deepens the concept of God as Father through His teachings. He frequently referred to God as His Father, establishing an intimate bond that invites believers into a similar familial connection. This relationship is not confined to a distant creator but is characterized by love and closeness.
The Lord's Prayer, which begins with "Our Father," emphasizes the communal nature of this relationship. This simple yet profound phrase invites believers to see God as a loving parent, fostering a sense of belonging within the divine family. According to a 2020 Barna Group study, 79% of American Christians believe they have a personal relationship with God, illustrating the impact of this perspective on their everyday faith and actions.
The Role of God the Father in Salvation
The duality of God as Father plays a crucial role in understanding salvation within Christianity. The belief that Jesus is the Son of God centers on the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Through Jesus's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers find reconciliation with God.
This act of redemption illustrates the father's love. An impressive 70% of Christians believe God actively seeks to establish a relationship with humanity. This reflects the depth of God's commitment to restoring connection with His creation. The narrative of salvation goes beyond creation; it is rooted in fatherly love, aiming to unite humanity with Him.
The Journey of Understanding
The concept of God as Father in Christianity encompasses a rich understanding that goes beyond creation. It encourages believers to build a personal relationship marked by love and support. This duality of God as both the creator of all and the Father of Jesus Christ enriches the Christian experience. It provides a profound sense of belonging and purpose.
As Christians navigate their faith, understanding God as Father lays a solid foundation for their relationship with the divine. It encourages them to approach God with confidence, knowing they are cherished children. This relationship shapes their spiritual journey and influences how they interact with others, reflecting God's love and grace in everyday life.
By exploring the duality of God as Father, Christians are invited to deepen their understanding of His nature and embrace their identity as His children. This journey is transformative and essential for fostering a rich and meaningful faith.
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
Of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.
All laud we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.
Wal¬ter C. Smith, Hymns of Christ and the Chris¬tian Life, 1876.
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim 1:17
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