God as Father - Christianity (God)

"Father" Biblical meaning

Oldest male in the society who was responsible for, respected by and had control over the whole group.

Roles of God as Father in OT

- Creating the universe

- Rescuing Israel when in trouble

- Setting standards of behaviour

- Exercising justice, rewarding obedience and punishing misdemeanours

Setting standards of behaviour example

Ten Commandments

Roles of God as Father in NT

- Ideas of protective love and power

- Jesus' references to God as Father

- The Lord's Prayer

- Abba

- Apostle's Creed

Jesus' references to God as Father

Parable of Forgiving Father: Shows God's unconditional, eternal love

The Lord's Prayer

- Jesus told his disciples that their Heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him

- Teaches them a prayer that addresses God as "our Father"

Abba

- Intimate Armaic term for Father

- Used by Jesus in his prayer in Gethsemane

- Shows Jesus' relationship with God

Abba quote

"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you."

Paul's view of "Abba"

When Christians perform this prayer, they become adopted children of God.

Apostles' Creed

Refers to God as Father in two senses:

- Creator of universe

- Father of Jesus

Apostles' Creed quote

"I believe in God, Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord..."