The doctrine of the Trinity asserts that there are three Persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While much attention is often given to the Son and the Holy Spirit in biblical studies, God the Father remains less explored. As a result, there is sometimes a lack of clarity about His unique attributes, roles, and responsibilities. This study aims to deepen our understanding of God the Father by exploring two major areas: His Fatherhood and His works. Together, these areas offer a comprehensive view of His person and His relationship with all creation, including believers. Additionally, we will address common false or wrong teachings about God the Father to provide a clear biblical perspective.
I. The Fatherhood of God
God the Father’s nature as a Father is seen in six specific aspects, each revealing His relationship with different beings and groups.
A. The Father of the Messiah
God’s Fatherhood over Yeshua (Jesus) is unique and central to understanding the Trinity.
Begotten by the Father
Jesus is described as the “only begotten Son” of God, emphasizing His uniqueness and eternal existence rather than implying creation. This relationship is highlighted in both Old and New Testament passages, such as Psalm 2:7 (“You are My Son; today I have begotten You”) and John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”).
The term “begotten” is often misunderstood by cult groups, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, who claim that Jesus was a created being and not eternal. However, in biblical context, it denotes “uniqueness”—a Sonship that is eternal and unequaled. The Son shares the same divine essence as the Father, reflecting His glory and nature.
Acknowledged by the Father
God publicly affirmed Jesus’ Sonship on multiple occasions. For example, at Jesus’ baptism, a voice from heaven declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Such proclamations underline the Father’s approval and relationship with the Son.
Acknowledged by Yeshua Himself
Jesus consistently referred to God as His Father, further confirming their relationship (e.g., John 14:6-11). He revealed that knowing Him was equivalent to knowing the Father.
Acknowledged by Others
Individuals like Peter recognized Jesus as the Son of God: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). These declarations by humans underscore God’s unique role as Father of the Messiah.
Acknowledged by Demons
Even supernatural beings, like demons, acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God, as seen in Matthew 8:28-29. Their recognition reinforces the truth of God’s Fatherhood.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Some liberal theologians and secular interpretations reject the deity of Jesus and deny His unique Sonship. Instead, they view Jesus merely as a moral teacher or prophet. This undermines the core Christian belief in His divine nature and eternal relationship with the Father.
B. The Father of Creation
God is called the “Father of Lights” (James 1:17), highlighting His role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. All life emanates from His creative power, and His creation bears testimony to His glory and majesty. Passages such as 1 Corinthians 8:6 (“from whom are all things”) establish His connection with creation.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Pantheism claims that God is not distinct from creation but is instead identical to it. This view contradicts the biblical understanding of God as the Creator who is separate and sovereign over His creation.
Deism suggests that God created the world but remains uninvolved with it, a belief that ignores Scripture’s portrayal of God’s active role in sustaining and governing creation.
C. The Father of Angels
God is the Father of all angels. In this sense, “sons of God” is a title attributed to angels in Scripture, indicating their origin as created beings under God’s authority. This is evident in passages like Job 38:7 (“when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy”).
False Teachings on This Aspect
Some New Age beliefs equate angels with divine beings or even God Himself, contradicting the biblical teaching that angels are created and subordinate beings.
Certain groups, such as Gnostics, incorrectly ascribe creative powers to angels, undermining God’s sole role as Creator.
D. The Father of All Men
God’s Fatherhood extends universally to all humanity by virtue of creation (Acts 17:29). While this affirms His role as Creator, it does not imply a salvation relationship. Humanity’s relationship to God as Father in this general sense should not be confused with the redemptive relationship granted through faith.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Universalism falsely claims that all people are automatically saved because God is the Father of all. This contradicts Scripture, which teaches that salvation is through personal faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
E. The Father of Israel
Israel holds a unique position as the national “son” of God. Scriptures like Exodus 4:22 declare, “Israel is My firstborn son.” This covenantal relationship highlights God’s special role in guiding, protecting, and disciplining the nation as a loving Father.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Replacement theology incorrectly claims that the Church has completely replaced Israel as God’s chosen people, denying Israel’s ongoing covenantal relationship with God as His “firstborn son.”
F. The Father of Believers
God becomes the Father of believers through their spiritual adoption in Christ. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” This relationship is intimate and unique, reflecting the transformative power of salvation and the new birth. Believers share in the privileges of sonship, such as guidance, inheritance, and fellowship with God.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Legalism distorts this relationship by emphasizing works over grace, denying the unconditional love of the Father.
Antinomianism, on the other hand, abuses this relationship by rejecting the need for obedience or discipline, contrary to Hebrews 12:6-7.
II. The Works of God the Father
God’s works emphasize His roles and responsibilities within the Godhead. Five primary works are attributed to Him:
Eternal Generation of the Son
God the Father generates the Son eternally (John 5:26). This truth preserves the eternal relationship within the Trinity, without implying creation or subordination.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Arianism denies the eternal nature of the Son, falsely teaching that He was a created being rather than eternally generated.
Author of Divine Decrees
The Father’s sovereignty is evident in His decrees, such as Psalm 2:7-9, which declare His authority over nations and history.
Work of Election
The Father is the author of election, choosing individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-6). This demonstrates His grace and purpose in redemption.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Some argue that election removes free will, misrepresenting the harmonious relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.
Sending the Son for Redemption
The Father sent Jesus into the world to accomplish the work of salvation. John 3:17 emphasizes this purpose: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
Discipline of Believers
As a loving Father, God disciplines His children for their spiritual growth and holiness (Hebrews 12:5-11). His discipline is an act of love, refining believers into Christlikeness.
False Teachings on This Aspect
Prosperity theology ignores the concept of divine discipline, teaching that God’s blessings are always material and physical rather than spiritual.
Conclusion
The doctrine of God the Father reveals His distinct role in the Trinity and His relational engagement with creation, humanity, Israel, and believers. He is the eternal Father of the Son, the Creator, and the loving disciplinarian of those adopted into His family. Addressing and correcting false teachings on this subject helps maintain the integrity of biblical truth while enriching faith and inspiring awe for His sovereign love and grace.
