Bible Study Scriptures Supporting God as Father
Using Abba to Address the Creator of All as Parent and Teacher
Aug 8, 2009
The Living God, who religious individuals believe provides for His children in all of their needs and delights in blessing them with unconditional love, is thought by many Christians to hold the role of a loving father and guiding teacher.
Many people — even Christians — see God as a distant figure who dishes out judgments or answers prayers on a whim. There is evidence in the scriptures, however, that has cultivated the belief in many Christians that God wants to have a much closer relationship with believers; that he wants to be present in all aspects of life in a parental role.
The Meaning of the Title Abba and Supporting Bible Verses
Abba is the Aramaic word for father. It was used by children to address their fathers, and by students to address their teachers.
There are two important verses declaring that God’s believers are to refer to Him as Abba:
- Romans 8:15 (NKJV) – "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.'"
- Galatians 4:6 (NKJV) – "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'"
Romans 8:15 illustrates that believers are adopted into God’s family, becoming His children. Galatians 4:6 recalls how God sent the Spirit of His Son Jesus into the hearts of believers to make them His children.
Bible Verses That Support Addressing God as Father
There are other Bible verses that support the right to address God as father:
- James 3:9 (NIV) – "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father."
- 1 John 3:1 (NIV) – "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
- 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) – "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
- Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV) – "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
These verses support the Christian belief that God relates to believers as His children and that He is the Father of all who follow Jesus. This includes the Christian view of God as giver of unconditional love, teacher and guide, provider of all needs and comforter.
Abba, Father also takes delight in His children by providing them with all of the wonders of His creation to inspire and amaze them. Many believers feel that sights like a newborn baby, a blazing sunset, towering mountains or the colors of a rainbow spur an immediate, intimate connection with a higher power.
Like a parent who feels unconditional love, Christians believe that God wants to be present in all areas of life, leading the way, taking care of needs and providing comfort.
Other articles with useful Bible study information include Facts About the Book of Psalms for Bible Study, Children of the Bible for Youth Group Activities and Colors and Activities for the Church Seasons.
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