Getting to Know God the Father

In Chapter 3 of Faith Basics, we begin exploring the foundation of the Christian faith — God Himself. I will warn you, we are going to go a bit deeper into aspects of God that can be challenging. Everything we believe, everything we do, and everything we hope for rests on who God is. To follow Jesus rightly, we must understand the will and character of the One who sent Him — God the Father. Our time today isn’t just about learning theology (the study of God); it’s about knowing the Father personally.

The Foundation of Our Faith

A.W. Tozer once said, “When God justifies a sinner, everything in God is on the sinner’s side. All the attributes of God are on the sinner’s side.”

That’s the wonder of grace — the infinite, holy God turns every part of His being toward the redemption of those He loves. But to trust Him fully, we must know Him truly. The Bible gives us a glimpse into His majesty and character:

“A God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around Him.”
Psalm 89:7–8

“Before Me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after Me.”
Isaiah 43:10

“I am the LORD; that is My name; My glory I give to no other.”
Isaiah 42:8

There is no one like Him. And knowing this, God is not optional — He’s the essence of eternal life itself. John 17:3 says, “This is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” But what does that mean? How can we get to know the Father through Jesus?

Seeing the Father Through the Son

The beautiful truth of Scripture is that Jesus reveals the Father perfectly.

“Whoever has seen Me [Jesus] has seen the Father.”
John 14:9

Through Jesus, we see God’s heart in action — His compassion, His power, His holiness, His love. Every word, every act of mercy, every moment of sacrifice reflects the Father’s nature and character. Knowing the Father, then, begins with trusting His Son. So let’s explore who the Bible describes God to be and His attributes.

The Attributes of God the Father

When we talk about the attributes of God, we’re not describing abstract qualities. We’re describing the very essence of His being — the ways He has revealed Himself to His creation. Let’s look at a few of these key attributes that define God the Father, and later we will explore further the attribute of God’s Love:

• Holiness — God is completely set apart and morally perfect. (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 99:9)
• Righteousness & Justice — Everything He does is right; He Himself is the standard of right. (Psalm 89:14)
• Sovereignty — God rules over all creation with authority and purpose. (Isaiah 46:9–10)
• Eternality — He has no beginning or end; He stands outside of time yet acts within it. (Isaiah 44:6)
• Immutability — God never changes; His promises and purposes are sure. (Malachi 3:6)
• Omniscience — He knows all things — past, present, future, and possible. (Psalm 139:1–6)
• Omnipresence — God is fully present everywhere. (Psalm 139:7–12)
• Omnipotence — He is all-powerful, able to do all His holy will. (Jeremiah 32:17)
• Truth — God is truth, and His Word is the final standard of truth. (Psalm 31:5)
• Mercy — He acts with compassionate tenderness toward our weakness. (Psalm 145:8–9)
• Love — God eternally gives Himself for the good of others. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)

These attributes don’t just describe who God is — they reveal how He relates to us. At first glance, most of us might read through this list without much hesitation. Yet, each one offers a glimpse into the depth and complexity of God’s nature. For the rest of our time together, I want to focus on just one of these attributes — God’s love — and explore its richness and depth for you to reflect on.

The Depth of God’s Love

Few truths are celebrated more — or misunderstood more — than the love of God.

Theologian D.A. Carson once wrote:

“The love of God has been sanitized, democratized, and above all sentimentalized.”

In other words, our culture often redefines love as mere emotion or tolerance. But God’s love is richer — it’s holy, righteous, and sacrificial.

The Bible describes several distinct expressions of His love (which I would note, none of them are in any form, passive):

1. Intra-Trinitarian Love — The Father’s love for the Son (John 3:35).
2. Providential Love — His care for all creation (Matthew 6).
3. Saving Love for the World — “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16).
4. Particular Love for His People — His chosen and redeemed (Romans 9:13).
5. Conditional Love for the Obedient — Experienced through abiding in Christ (John 15:9–11). The outpouring of His blessings is conditional on our obedience (abiding in His Word).  God’s love doesn’t change for us, but we can block or hinder the outpouring of His love by disobedience. 

Each expression shows how deep and multifaceted the Father’s love truly is. And yet, if we want to see that love most clearly, we look to one place: the cross.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

The cross is where God’s love and justice meet — perfectly, powerfully, beautifully.

Living in Light of the Father’s Love

When we grasp even a fraction of the Father’s love, it changes how we live. 

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son… Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:9-11

To be engulfed by the Father’s love is to be transformed by it.

Here are a few reflection questions:

• How does understanding God’s love shape your relationship with Him?
• How do you respond to His love when you’ve failed or feel distant?
• How might His love reshape the way you love others?

This week, take time to read John 15:9-11 each day. Reflect on one aspect of God’s love that you want to grow in. Let His love draw you into deeper trust and worship.

“We must be engulfed by the Father’s love if we are to live and minister faithfully.”
— D.A. Carson

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If this post encouraged you, take a moment to share it with someone who might need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and love today. Each chapter of Faith Basics builds on the next — helping us not only understand what we believe, but also why we believe it.

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the foundations of the Christian faith, drawing closer to the God who reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Spirit.