God, the Father | The Trinity

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?

No, this is an exclusive revelation of the New Testament Yes — 'O Lord, You are our Father' Only in a metaphorical sense, not literal Only for the kings of Israel

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?

Because we are all born of the Spirit Because we are His offspring as Creator Because we will all be automatically saved Only in a symbolic sense

The Father Revealed by Jesus

Who is the only source of true knowledge about the Father?

Philosophers and wise men The angels of heaven The Son, who reveals the Father to whomever He wishes Nature and the universe

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?

Almighty Lord Abba, Father (Daddy) The Great I Am Creator of the Universe

“Abba” is an Aramaic word of intimate family affection, something like “daddy” or “papa.” Jesus revealed that we can relate to the Creator of the universe with such surprising intimacy.

“When we call God our Father, we acknowledge that we belong to His family. He cares for us with tenderness and guards us with vigilant interest.” — Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 104

The Attributes of the Father

What is the essential nature of God the Father?

God is an impersonal force God has a physical body like humans God is Spirit God is cosmic energy

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.

Can God the Father be seen by human beings?

Yes, many prophets saw God face to face No one has ever seen God; the only begotten Son has revealed Him Only the saints can see Him We will see God when we die

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?

Yes, He evolves and learns With Him there is no change or shadow of turning He changes according to our prayers His character changes, but His essence does not

The Love of the Father

How did God the Father demonstrate His love for humanity?

By creating a perfect world By giving His only Son to die for us By sending angels to protect us By giving us free will

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?

With severe judgment and punishment With indifference, waiting for proof of change Runs to meet them, embraces and kisses them With distrust and caution

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!

“God loves the fallen ones who have strayed farthest from Him, and desires earnestly that they should return to Him.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 185

The Role of the Father in Salvation

Who planned the salvation of humanity?

Jesus convinced the Father to save us The Father chose us and predestined us in Christ before the foundation of the world Salvation was an idea of the angels We ourselves initiated our salvation

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?

People come to Jesus by their own decision only Angels draw people to Jesus No one can come to Jesus if the Father does not draw them Satan prevents everyone from coming to Jesus

And Now?

Knowing God as Father transforms our lives:

We can pray with confidence: We speak not with a distant God, but with our loving Father.
We do not need to 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.

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.

2) God, the Father