Topical Encyclopedia
God the Father is the first person of the Holy Trinity, which also includes God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the eternal and omnipotent being who exists outside of time and space. The Father is often depicted in Scripture as the source of all life and the one who initiates the divine plan of salvation.
In the Old Testament, God the Father is revealed as the sovereign Lord over all creation.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes God as the ultimate authority and the origin of everything that exists. Throughout the Old Testament, God is portrayed as a loving and just Father to His people, Israel, guiding them, providing for them, and calling them to holiness.
The New Testament further reveals the nature of God the Father through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus frequently referred to God as His Father, emphasizing a unique and intimate relationship. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "The Father and I are one" (
John 10:30), highlighting the unity and co-equality within the Trinity. The Father is also depicted as the one who sent Jesus into the world to accomplish the work of redemption (
John 3:16).
God the Father is characterized by His attributes of holiness, love, mercy, and justice. He is described as "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort" (
2 Corinthians 1:3), demonstrating His compassionate nature. Believers are encouraged to approach God as their Father, as Jesus taught in the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (
Matthew 6:9).
Lord Jesus ChristThe Lord Jesus Christ is the second person of the Holy Trinity, fully God and fully man. He is the eternal Son of God who took on human flesh to accomplish the work of salvation. Jesus is central to the Christian faith, as His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the gospel message.
The New Testament provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and ministry. The Gospel of John opens with a profound declaration of His divine nature: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (
John 1:1). This passage affirms the pre-existence and deity of Christ, identifying Him as the Word made flesh (
John 1:14).
Jesus' earthly ministry was marked by teaching, miracles, and acts of compassion. He proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God and called people to repentance and faith. His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), provide ethical and spiritual guidance for believers.
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are pivotal events in Christian theology. Jesus willingly laid down His life as a sacrifice for sin, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53). His resurrection on the third day is a testament to His victory over sin and death, providing the hope of eternal life for all who believe in Him (
1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Jesus is also recognized as the exalted Lord and King. After His resurrection, He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father (
Acts 1:9). He is the head of the Church, His body, and will return in glory to judge the living and the dead (
Revelation 19:11-16).
Believers are called to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior, trusting in His redemptive work and living according to His teachings. The Apostle Paul writes, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (
Philippians 1:21), reflecting the centrality of Christ in the life of a Christian.