How do you explain that God is our Father?

Christians call God their Father primarily because Jesus Christ taught his followers to do so, emphasizing a new relationship based on redemption rather than just creation.

## The Foundation: Jesus' Teaching

The practice of referring to God as "Our Father" is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. As the reference states, **Christians call God their Father because that is what Jesus taught his disciples to do.** This wasn't merely a continuation of the idea that God is the Creator of all things, though that is certainly true.

## The Emphasis: Redeemer, Not Just Creator

According to the reference, Jesus taught his disciples to call God Father **not in order to emphasize that God was their Creator (though of course he was) but because he was their Redeemer.** This distinction is crucial. While God is the Father of all creation in a general sense, Jesus introduced the concept of God as Father in a more intimate, relational way for those who follow him and are redeemed through his work.

This focus on God as Redeemer-Father highlights:

*   **A New Covenant Relationship:** Redemption brings believers into a new spiritual family.
*   **Forgiveness and Adoption:** Through redemption, believers are forgiven and adopted into God's family as sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5).
*   **Intimacy and Access:** This relationship grants believers the privilege of approaching God with the intimacy and trust a child has with a loving parent.

## Sharing Jesus' Unique Relationship

The reference also highlights that **Jesus had a unique relationship with God the Father that he wanted to share with his followers.** Jesus is the eternal Son of God. By teaching his disciples to call God "Father," he invited them into a shared, though distinct, familial relationship with the divine. Believers participate in this relationship through faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

## Understanding the Relationship

Calling God "Father" signifies more than just a title; it reflects a living relationship characterized by love, trust, and dependence.

Here are some aspects of this relationship:

*   **Access Through Prayer:** Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven..." (Matthew 6:9), indicating direct access to God.
*   **Divine Care and Provision:** Just as an earthly father cares for his children, believers trust in God's loving care and provision (Matthew 6:25-34).
*   **Guidance and Discipline:** God the Father guides and disciplines His children out of love (Hebrews 12:5-11).
*   **Inheritance:** As children of God, believers are heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

## Key Takeaways

The teaching of Jesus is the primary reason Christians call God their Father. This title emphasizes a redemptive relationship, inviting believers to share in a profound intimacy with God that was made possible through Jesus' work.

Here is a summary of the core reasons:

| Aspect                | Explanation                                                                 | Basis in Reference                                                                    |
| :-------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Jesus' Teaching**   | He explicitly instructed his disciples to call God "Father."                | "**that is what Jesus taught his disciples to do**"                                   |
| **Redemption Focus**  | The title emphasizes God's role as Redeemer, bringing people into a new family. | "because he was their Redeemer" vs. "not in order to emphasize that God was their Creator" |
| **Shared Relationship** | Jesus desired to share the privilege of calling God Father with his followers. | "Jesus had a unique relationship... that he wanted to share with his followers."      |

This identity as children of God through faith in Jesus shapes Christian understanding of prayer, God's character, and their place in God's family.