Quest. 24: Who is God the Father?

​Ans: The Father is the eternal God, co–equal and co–eternal with God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Matt. 6:9. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

See also: Matt. 11:27; Rom. 8:14–16; 1 Cor. 8:4–6; Eph. 1:3.

COMMENTARY

For an introduction to this question and answer, see Questions 20–23. God the Father has revealed himself as “the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ,” the “Father” to the nation of Israel as a corporate covenant people (Isa. 64:8; Mal. 1:6; Jn. 8:41), and as “Father” to the Christian individually and corporately (Matt. 6:9; Rom. 8:14–16). This distinction is eternal and ontological, and not merely related to the Economic Trinity (i.e., God is not a trinity only in relation to creation and redemption, but the distinctions within the Godhead are eternal—the Father has always been the “Father” in relation to the Son and the Spirit). See Question 23. This self– revelation of God as “Father” in the Scriptures is for our understanding, comfort, confidence and hope.
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The revelation of God as our “Father” enables us, as finite creatures and his spiritual children, to apprehend him, know his love, love him in return and rejoice in such a filial relationship. This revelation enables the believer to know God as the One who loves him, receives him, protects him, provides for him, chastens him, hears his prayers, knows his trials and will one day receive him to himself in glory. Luther stated this blessed truth when he said that if he could but call God “Father,” he could pray—and so can we! See Questions 99–102.