~ God the Father ~
In this study, we will examine what the Scriptures say concerning God the Father.
Let's begin by again reading the relevant section of the statement:
The Tri-unity
We believe that God is one but has manifested Himself in three separate and distinct Persons. Hence, we believe that God is a Tri-unity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is the creator of all things. He is infinite and perfect, eternally existing in three equal persons, each possessing the nature of deity, as well as the characteristics of personality. He is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 48:16; Matthew 28:19; John 6:27; Acts 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:8)
By personality in the statement is meant "personhood", the essential attributes of which are: intellect, the ability to think, reason and plan; emotions, the ability to feel affectively with one's spirit; and will, the ability to choose a course of action.
God the Father
The statement continues:
Part 1: God the Father - We believe He is Father over all creation, and thus its sovereign ruler; Father of Israel, whom He has chosen as His unique people; Father of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), whom He sent into the world to redeem mankind and creation; and Father of all who trust in His gracious provision. (Exodus 4:22; Matthew 3:17; John 1:12, 3:16; Acts 17:29; Galatians 3:26)
"God the Father"
- The Father is God. Galatians 1:3: Grace to you, and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
- The Father is a Person. He possesses intellect, emotions, and will, as can be seen in John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
b. The Father Possesses Emotion. God's love for the world reveals that He possesses emotions.
c. The Father Possesses a Will. That He gave His only Son for the purpose of saving sinners reveals that He possesses an iron will.
"We Believe He is the Father Over All Creation"
1 Corinthians 8:6: ... there is only one God, the Father, from whom everything came into being and for whom we live.
"And Thus Its Sovereign Ruler"
Job 9:5-7: [He] removes the mountains, shakes the earth out of its place. Speak[s] to the sun, and it does not rise; and seals up the stars.
"Father of Israel"
Exodus 4:22: Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:
"Whom He Has Chosen as His Unique People"
Deuteronomy 7:6: Jehovah your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
"Father of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)"
Matthew 3:17: And lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
"Whom He Sent Into the World to Redeem Mankind"
John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
"And Creation"
Romans 8:21: That the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
"And Father of All Who Trust in His Gracious Provision"
John 1:12: But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name.