Topical Encyclopedia
God Our FatherIn Christian theology, God is recognized as the eternal, omnipotent, and omniscient Creator of the universe. He is the first person of the Holy Trinity, which also includes the Son and the Holy Spirit. The concept of God as "Father" is deeply rooted in Scripture, emphasizing His role as the loving and sovereign Creator who cares for His creation and His people.
The fatherhood of God is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, God is often depicted as the Father of Israel, guiding and nurturing His chosen people. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 32:6, Moses reminds the Israelites, "Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you?" .
In the New Testament, the fatherhood of God is further revealed through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus frequently referred to God as His Father, highlighting a unique and intimate relationship. This relationship is extended to believers, who are invited to call God "Father" through their faith in Christ. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (
Matthew 6:9).
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the fatherhood of God in his epistles. In
Romans 8:15, he writes, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" . This passage underscores the intimate and personal relationship believers have with God, made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus ChristJesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, recognized as the Son of God and the second person of the Holy Trinity. He is both fully divine and fully human, having been incarnated to accomplish the work of salvation for humanity. The title "Lord" signifies His authority and divinity, while "Christ" (from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One") affirms His role as the promised Messiah.
The New Testament provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John detail His teachings, miracles, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In
John 1:14, the incarnation is described: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" .
Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is central to Christian doctrine, as it provides atonement for sin and reconciliation with God. In
Romans 5:8, Paul writes, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" . His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. As Paul declares in
1 Corinthians 15:20, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" .
The Lordship of Jesus is affirmed throughout the New Testament. In
Philippians 2:9-11, Paul proclaims, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" .
Believers are called to follow Jesus, acknowledging Him as Savior and Lord. This relationship is marked by faith, obedience, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. In
John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" , emphasizing His unique role in salvation and the path to eternal life.