2) God, the Father
Knowing the first person of the Trinity - The heavenly Father who loves us
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with revolutionary words: “Our Father, who art in heaven.” For the Jews of the first century, calling God “Father” in such an intimate way was something surprising. In this lesson, we will explore the first person of the Trinity: God, the Father.
The Father in the Old Testament
Is God called Father in the Old Testament?
Although the New Testament more fully develops the revelation of God as Father, this truth was already present in the Old Testament. God is Father of Israel as a nation and Father of all human beings as Creator.
In what sense is God the Father of all humanity?
The Father Revealed by Jesus
Who is the only source of true knowledge about the Father?
Jesus is the definitive revelation of the Father. Everything we know about the character of God the Father, we see perfectly in Jesus. “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father,” Jesus said to Philip.
How did Jesus frequently refer to God in His prayers?
“Abba” is an Aramaic word of filial intimacy, trust and closeness. Jesus revealed that we can draw near to God as Father without losing the reverence due to His name.
“Our God should be regarded as a tender, merciful father. The service of God should not be looked upon as a heart-saddening, distressing exercise. It should be a pleasure to worship the Lord and to take part in His work.” — Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him, p. 263, par. 2.
The Attributes of the Father
What is the essential nature of God the Father?
The Father is Spirit: invisible, incorporeal, omnipresent. This does not mean He is impersonal or abstract. He is a real person with will, emotions and relationships.
“God is a Spirit; yet He is a personal Being; for so He has revealed Himself.” — Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 413, par. 1.
Can God the Father be seen by human beings?
The Father dwells in “unapproachable light.” The theophanies (appearances of God) in the Old Testament were generally manifestations of the pre-incarnate Son, not direct visions of the Father.
Does God the Father change over time?
The Love of the Father
How did God the Father demonstrate His love for humanity?
The Father’s love is not abstract. It was demonstrated concretely in the sacrifice of Jesus. The Father did not send the Son unwillingly; He Himself suffered infinitely in seeing His Son die for our sins.
How does the Father treat those who repent and return to Him?
The parable of the prodigal son reveals the heart of the Father. He does not wait passively; He runs to meet the repenting sinner. He does not demand explanations; He embraces immediately. This is our heavenly Father!
“The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, bring out in distinct lines God’s pitying love for those who are straying from Him. Although following their own course of action in turning away from God, He does not leave them in their misery.” — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 198.
The Role of the Father in Salvation
Who planned the salvation of humanity?
The plan of salvation originated in the heart of the Father. It was not Jesus who convinced a reluctant Father to forgive us: the Father and the Son worked together, in perfect harmony, from eternity.
Is it the Father or the Son who draws people to Jesus?
And Now?
Knowing God as Father transforms our lives:
- We can pray with confidence: We speak with our loving Father, not some distant deity.
- We need not fear: The Father loves and cares for us as His children.
- We have a model of fatherhood: Earthly fathers can reflect the love of the heavenly Father.
- We belong to a family: We are brothers and sisters with all who call God Father.
My Decision
I accept God as my heavenly Father. I believe He loves me unconditionally and demonstrated that love by sending His Son to die for me. I desire to live as an obedient and loving child, trusting in His paternal care.