What Does It Mean That God Is the Father?

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6)

Today’s big question: what does it mean that God is the Father?

In truth, we can never fully answer that question, as it delves deep into the eternal character of God and the unfathomable richness of the Trinity. As we see in today’s verse, God’s authority as the Father is not limited in scope; it encompasses every aspect. God truly is the “Father of all”—of believers in particular, but also of all creation in general.

The wonders of God’s nature and authority as the Father reach far beyond our human understanding, but He has revealed many of these awesome truths for our comprehension in His Word. Already in this devotional series, we have discussed many of these truths. We observed how God is the Father of all creation who made the earth to be inhabited (Isaiah 45:18), and the Father of mankind because He formed and gave life to the first man, Adam (Genesis 2:7).

Although God’s original creation was perfect, Adam (like each of us) chose to rebel against God’s authority—and death is the penalty for our treason against the Creator. That’s why it is so awesome to know that God our Creator is also our Redeemer. God the Father sent Jesus Christ His Son to pay the death penalty for our sins, so that mankind could be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:18).

And what a glorious reconciliation that is! The Apostle Paul wrote:

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:15–16)

Not only have we been rescued from bondage to sin and eternal judgment, but as we saw in a previous devotional, we have “received the Spirit of adoption” and are brought into the family of God to the honored position as His children. From children of the world to children of God—now that’s something for which we can be thankful!

Today’s big idea: God is the Father of all—especially those who believe.

What to pray: praise the Father for his authority over all, and for your position as a redeemed child of God.