What is the Eternal Nature of God the Father? Explained

The eternal nature of God the Father is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity. It is the belief that God has always existed, and will always exist, without beginning or end. This concept is central to our understanding of God’s power and sovereignty, and it is the foundation of our faith.

In the Bible, we see evidence of God’s eternal nature in many places. In Psalm 90:2, for example, it says, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” This verse makes it clear that God has always been, and always will be, the same eternal being.

As Christians, we believe that God is not just eternal, but also a loving Father. This is seen in John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This verse shows us that God’s love for us is also eternal, and that He desires to have a relationship with us that lasts forever.

The Eternal Nature of God the Father

What Does Eternal Mean?

When we talk about the eternal nature of God the Father, we mean that He has always existed and will always exist. He is not bound by time as we are. Psalm 90:2 says, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” This verse tells us that God has always been and always will be.

The Father’s Eternal Nature in Scripture

The Bible teaches us that God is eternal. In Genesis 1:1, we read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse tells us that God was there at the beginning of time. Moses also wrote in Psalm 90:2 that God is eternal.

In the New Testament, we see that Jesus Christ is also eternal. In John 1:1, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse tells us that Jesus has always existed and is God.

The Trinity and the Eternal Nature of God

As Latter-day Saints, we believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one God in three distinct personages. This means that all three members of the Godhead are eternal.

We believe that the Father is the head of the Godhead and that He knows all things. He created all things and is the maker of human history. The Holy Spirit is also eternal and is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.

Our Relationship with the Eternal Father

As Christians, we worship and pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. We believe that we can have a personal relationship with Him and that He knows us individually. We also believe that we can receive guidance and direction from Him through the Holy Spirit.

In the Articles of Faith 1:1, we read, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” This statement of belief emphasizes the eternal nature of God the Father and His importance in our lives.

In John 8:58, Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” This statement shows that Jesus is eternal and has always existed.

In conclusion, the eternal nature of God the Father is a fundamental belief of Christians. We believe that He is the head of the Godhead and that He knows all things. We can have a personal relationship with Him and receive guidance and direction through the Holy Spirit. As we follow His commandments, we can draw closer to Him and experience the blessings of His eternal love.

The Father’s Relationship with His Son

The Father-Son Relationship in Scripture

The relationship between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is a central theme in the Bible. Throughout the scriptures, we see evidence of the Father’s love for His Son, and the Son’s obedience and submission to the Father’s will.

One of the most well-known verses in the Bible is John 3:16, which states: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This verse shows the depth of the Father’s love for His Son and for all of humanity.

In John 1:1, we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse highlights the eternal nature of the Father-Son relationship, as Jesus Christ is referred to as the Word and is shown to have existed with God from the beginning.

The Father’s Role in Jesus Christ’s Ministry

The Father played a crucial role in Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth. In John 8:58, Jesus declared: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” This statement shows that Jesus is the eternal God and that He and the Father are one.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus constantly seeking the Father’s will and guidance. In Matthew 26:39, Jesus prayed: “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” This shows Jesus’ complete submission to the Father’s will, even in the face of great suffering.

The Father also testified of His Son’s divinity. In Matthew 3:17, we read: “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'” This declaration from the Father shows that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and that the Father is pleased with Him.

In the Latter-day Saint Articles of Faith 1:1, it is stated: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” This statement affirms the belief in the Father-Son relationship and the doctrine of the Trinity.

In conclusion, the relationship between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is a central theme in the Bible. The Father’s love for His Son and the Son’s obedience to the Father’s will are evident throughout scripture. The Father played a crucial role in Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth, testifying of His divinity and guiding Him in all things. As believers, we can worship and pray to God the Father, knowing that He is the maker of all things, is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, and knows all things.

The Father’s Power and Authority

The Father’s Power in Creation

The Bible begins with the statement, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 NKJV). This verse establishes that the Father is the Creator of the universe and all that is in it. The scriptures further testify that the Father created all things through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:3).

The Father’s power is evident in the intricate details of creation, from the tiniest atom to the vast expanse of the universe. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 NKJV).

The Father’s Role in Salvation

The Father’s power is not limited to creation. He is also the source of salvation for all mankind. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Father offers us the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins and receive eternal life.

The Father’s role in salvation is one of love and mercy. He desires that all His children return to Him and receive the blessings He has prepared for them. As the Latter-day Saint Articles of Faith state, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:1).

As we worship and pray to the Father, we can feel His love and guidance in our lives. He has given us commandments to help us live righteous lives and return to His presence. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can receive revelation and direction from the Father.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Father’s power and authority are evident throughout human history. He knows all things and created all things. He desires that we have eternal life and has provided a way for us to achieve it through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we strive to follow His commandments and seek His guidance, we can develop a closer relationship with Him and receive the blessings He has in store for us.

The eternal nature of God the Father is one of the most mysterious yet central parts of Christianity, and has been the topic of debate for millennia. To best understand Him and His nature, it’s important to explore the concept of ‘eternal’.



The word eternal means without end or boundary. God, Himself, explains His eternal nature in several biblical passages. One of which says, “Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity You are God.” (Psalm 90:2). This passage reinforces the idea that God is, and always has been.



God’s eternity is encapsulated in the trinity, consisting of three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person is described differently yet are co-eternal. This means no one of them came into being before or after the other. In other words, the spiritual nature of God has existed forever.



The nature of God’s eternal character also means He is not limited by time or subject to change. He is not bound by mankind’s perception of time – the past, present, and future – but transcends those boundaries with His eternal being. He is immutable and has always been, and always will be the same; unlike people who change, grow and mature.



In terms of His relationship with mankind, God’s eternity gives us a sense of assurance and security knowing that He is, and always will be, the same. He is the same God ‘yesterday, today and forever’, and He will never leave us nor forsake us, despite the ups and downs of life.



In summary, the eternal nature of God is a great source of comfort and hope, as it gives a deep understanding of who He is and guides us when we face life’s difficult decisions. He is faithful, unchangeable, independent and unlimited in time, and will remain so forever.