by Rehema Jonathan | 21 May 2021 08:46 pm05
Key Passage:
Ephesians 3:14-15 (NIV)
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
Paul’s words emphasize the all-encompassing fatherhood of God. When he says “every family in heaven and on earth derives its name from Him,” he is referring to God’s role as Creator and Sustainer of all beings—angels in heaven and humans on earth.
This is not about fatherhood by adoption (which is the case for believers through Christ, see Romans 8:15), but rather a foundational fatherhood rooted in creation itself. All creatures owe their existence to Him. This mirrors the Old Testament understanding of God as the Father of all humanity (Malachi 2:10), but Paul expands it even more.
Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.”
This verse reinforces the cosmic scope of God’s authority and ownership—everything exists through Him and for His purposes. His “fatherhood” is not sentimental but authoritative and providential.
A true father provides, sustains, and protects. Jesus highlighted this in His teaching about God’s care for creation:
Matthew 6:26-30 (NIV)
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? … If that is how God clothes the grass of the field… will He not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
Jesus points out that God’s providence extends even to the smallest parts of creation—birds and flowers—showing how much more He cares for us as His children.
Paul’s act of kneeling (Ephesians 3:14) reflects humility and worship in response to the majesty of God’s fatherhood. The recognition that God is Father in both heaven and earth leads to worship, submission, and trust.
Philippians 2:9-10 (NIV)
“Therefore God exalted Him [Jesus] to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
This universal worship includes all realms—spiritual and physical, heaven and earth—again echoing the idea that God’s rule and fatherhood are absolute.
Although God is the Creator and Father of all, He is the Abba Father to believers in a special, redemptive sense. Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family.
Romans 8:15 (NIV)
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
This deeper father-child relationship is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ. While all creation belongs to God, only believers are spiritually adopted into His eternal family.
Being God’s children means trusting Him for our daily needs, but also living according to His ways.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This is a call to trust in divine provision and to live in alignment with His righteousness. Our Father knows our needs and promises to supply them, but we must prioritize His kingdom.
Conclusion:
God is not only the Creator of all but the sustaining Father over all creation—both in heaven and on earth. He deserves our worship because of His sovereign authority, loving provision, and redemptive work through Christ. While all families and beings find their origin in Him, only through faith in Jesus do we become His children in the fullest, most intimate sense. Let us therefore kneel before Him, seek His kingdom, and live as true sons and daughters of the Most High.
Be blessed.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/05/21/understanding-the-fatherhood-of-god-a-theological-reflection/
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