Who, then, is the Father?

"And at that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes'" (Matthew 11:25 Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes.
American King James Version×).

God the Father is the supreme ruler of the whole universe. Everything in the heavens and the earth is subject to His authority (1 Corinthians 15:27-28 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 [27] For he has put all things under his feet. But when he said all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. [28] And when all things shall be subdued to him, then shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
American King James Version×). He is spirit (John 4:24 John 4:24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
American King James Version×) and possesses immortality (1 Timothy 6:16 1 Timothy 6:16Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach to; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
American King James Version×). Life is inherent within the Father. (To learn more, please request our free booklet Who Is God?)

He has absolutely perfect righteous character, and Jesus expressly told us to become like Him. "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect," said Christ (Matthew 5:48 Matthew 5:48Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
American King James Version×).

Further, God the Father is the source of every blessing. A passage in Ephesians 1:3-10 Ephesians 1:3-10 [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: [4] According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [5] Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved. [7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [8] Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [9] Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
American King James Version×makes this truth abundantly clear. The Father is the subject of these verses, and they show how He is generously working out His eternal plan for humankind. He has made known unto us "the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself" (Ephesians 1:9 Ephesians 1:9Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:
American King James Version×). We suggest that you study this whole passage carefully in one or more modern translations as well as the King James or New King James version.

What one word describes the character of God the Father perhaps better than any other?

"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16 1 John 4:16And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.
American King James Version×).

Love is the foundation of the character and law of God. It is the basis of everything that God has revealed to mankind in the Holy Scriptures (Matthew 22:35-40 Matthew 22:35-40 [35] Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, [36] Master, which is the great commandment in the law? [37] Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like to it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
American King James Version×). Eventually God, through His power, will overcome evil, forever banishing it from the coming holy city of God which will come down to earth (Revelation 21:1-27 Revelation 21:1-27 [1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [5] And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. [6] And he said to me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely. [7] He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. [8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [9] And there came to me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. [10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, [11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like to a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; [12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: [13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. [14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [15] And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. [16] And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. [17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. [18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like to clear glass. [19] And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; [20] The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. [21] And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. [22] And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. [23] And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. [24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. [25] And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. [26] And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. [27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
American King James Version×). Only those who have this kind of godly love will remain in the Father's presence.

Paul called love the greatest Christian attribute (1 Corinthians 13:13 1 Corinthians 13:13And now stays faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
American King James Version×). It is the first fruit of God's Spirit that he mentions (Galatians 5:22 Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
American King James Version×). It is the bond of perfection, binding everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14 Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection.
American King James Version×). It is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10 Romans 13:10Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
American King James Version×).

This word is used in the Bible to sum up the wonderful character of the Father. God is love.

But, lest we misunderstand, we must define our terms. In some instances the English language is not nearly as precise as the Greek. The word love is a case in point. In English love encompasses at least several attributes and feelings. In some ways it is one of the most abused words in the language. The Greek language, however, is much more specific. It uses at least four words for love, although two are not used in Scripture.

Eros encompasses sexual love—the love that a man and woman should enjoy within the marriage relationship. Storge is limited in its meaning to the love of parents for children (and vice versa) and the normal, familial love of siblings for each other. Philia is used in the Bible and describes warm and tender feelings between people. It can include physical affection that is decent and appropriate. But the Bible uses none of these three words to describe the Father.

Agape is the term the Bible uses to describe godly love, the love of God. Agape generously embraces concern for the one loved. It depicts unconquerable benevolence and goodwill. It even encompasses love for one's enemies.

God's nature and character are characterized by this kind of love. We can receive this type of love only from God Himself and His Son, Jesus Christ. Upon repentance we can begin to exhibit this kind of love through the Holy Spirit. Our Christian love must be patterned by agape. Read Matthew 5:43-48 Matthew 5:43-48 [43] You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if you salute your brothers only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
American King James Version×. Here we learn that the Father sends His rain on the just and the unjust, makes His sun shine on both good and evil and is kind even to the unthankful and evil.

We must learn to think as God thinks and do as He does—to love as the Father loves. In exercising this kind of love, we express the image of God (reflecting His character), even though we are still human. But we hasten to add that human beings cannot generate this type of love of and by themselves. It emanates ultimately only from God (Romans 5:5 Romans 5:5And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.
American King James Version×).

In what major way has the Father expressed this love (agape) for all people?

"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" (John 3:16 John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
American King James Version×).

From God's perspective, the world is not easy to love. Certainly the Bible tells us not to love its evils (1 John 2:15-17 1 John 2:15-17 [15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God stays for ever.
American King James Version×). Living in the world, we are all too aware of the many human problems that afflict every continent, island, region, city and village. But the Father is guided by His wondrous plan, not by the whims, foolish ideas and pervasive sins of mankind.

The Father began to rescue humanity from itself by sending His Son to earth. Jesus Himself said: "...I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself" (John 12:32 John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.
American King James Version×).

What is the relationship between God and Jesus Christ?

"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1 Mark 1:1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
American King James Version×).

"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son..." (Matthew 11:27 Matthew 11:27All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
American King James Version×).

"We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Colossians 1:3 Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
American King James Version×).

These passages describe a close family relationship.

So close is Their relationship that Christ could say, "He that has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9 John 14:9Jesus said to him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? he that has seen me has seen the Father; and how say you then, Show us the Father?
American King James Version×). These two Beings share a close and deep bond with each other (John 10:15 John 10:15As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
American King James Version×).

Perhaps more than any other apostle, John describes the relationship that Jesus Christ enjoyed with His Father. To gain a much clearer understanding, please read through the entire fourth Gospel and the first epistle of John with that one-of-a-kind relationship firmly in mind.

What is the motivating force that defines and guides this relationship?

"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again...This command I have received from My Father" (John 10:17-18 John 10:17-18 [17] Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. [18] No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
American King James Version×).

"But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do" (John 14:31 John 14:31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
American King James Version×).

The world at large rarely equates love with obedience. Yet Jesus expressed His love to the Father by obedience. That same kind of love is required of all Christians. Christ said to His disciples, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 15:10 John 15:10If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
American King James Version×). Also John, the apostle of love, wrote: "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3 1 John 5:3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
American King James Version×).

In what miraculous way did the Father express love to His Son?

"Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him [Jesus Christ], they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead" (Acts 13:29-30 Acts 13:29-30 [29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher. [30] But God raised him from the dead:
American King James Version×; compare Romans 8:11 Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you.
American King James Version×; Romans 10:9 Romans 10:9That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.
American King James Version×).

"...God...raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory..." (1 Peter 1:21 1 Peter 1:21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
American King James Version×; compare Ephesians 1:20 Ephesians 1:20Which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
American King James Version×; 1 Corinthians 6:14 1 Corinthians 6:14And God has both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
American King James Version×).

"Paul [is] an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead)" (Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
American King James Version×; compare Colossians 2:12 Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.
American King James Version×; 1 Corinthians 6:14 1 Corinthians 6:14And God has both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
American King James Version×; 1 Corinthians 15:15-17 1 Corinthians 15:15-17 [15] Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. [16] For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: [17] And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins.
American King James Version×; 1 Thessalonians 1:10 1 Thessalonians 1:10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
American King James Version×).

God the Father raised His Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead. This is clearly confirmed in many scriptures. Remember, after our reconciliation to the Father through the blood of Christ, we are saved by His life (Romans 5:10 Romans 5:10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
American King James Version×). The book of Hebrews shows that He regularly intercedes with the Father on our behalf as our High Priest.

Who came to reveal or unveil the Father to humankind?

"Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him" (Matthew 11:27 Matthew 11:27All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
American King James Version×; compare Luke 10:21-22 Luke 10:21-22 [21] In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in your sight. [22] All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knows who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
American King James Version×). One of the major reasons that Jesus Christ came in human flesh was to fully reveal the Father to especially called and chosen people (compare Acts 2:38-39 Acts 2:38-39 [38] Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
American King James Version×).

Who is the ultimate source of all biblical truth?

"And the Jews marveled, saying, 'How does this Man know letters, having never studied?' Jesus answered them and said, 'My doctrine is not Mine, but His [the Father's] who sent Me'" (John 7:15 John 7:15And the Jews marveled, saying, How knows this man letters, having never learned?
American King James Version×).

"...I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things" (John 8:28 John 8:28Then said Jesus to them, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father has taught me, I speak these things.
American King James Version×; compare John 8:26 John 8:26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
American King James Version×; John 14:10 John 14:10Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak to you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he does the works.
American King James Version×).

Who initiates salvation?

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day [the resurrection]" (John 6:44 John 6:44No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
American King James Version×; compare John 6:65 John 6:65And he said, Therefore said I to you, that no man can come to me, except it were given to him of my Father.
American King James Version×).

Although it is certainly true that we can be saved only through the name of Jesus Christ and His actions on our behalf (Acts 4:12 Acts 4:12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
American King James Version×), it is also true that God the Father begins the salvation process. Even the original disciples were drawn by the Father (John 17:6-11 John 17:6-11 [6] I have manifested your name to the men which you gave me out of the world: your they were, and you gave them me; and they have kept your word. [7] Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are of you. [8] For I have given to them the words which you gave me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from you, and they have believed that you did send me. [9] I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which you have given me; for they are yours. [10] And all my are yours, and your are mine; and I am glorified in them. [11] And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are.
American King James Version×). Jesus prayed all night to Him for guidance before He chose the 12 (Luke 6:12-13 Luke 6:12-13 [12] And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. [13] And when it was day, he called to him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
American King James Version×).

Of whom has this world always been largely unaware?

"Then they said to him, 'Where is your Father?' Jesus answered, 'You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also'" (John 8:19 John 8:19Then said they to him, Where is your Father? Jesus answered, You neither know me, nor my Father: if you had known me, you should have known my Father also.
American King James Version×).

"O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known Me that You sent Me" (John 17:25 John 17:25O righteous Father, the world has not known you: but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me.
American King James Version×).

This is why the apostle Paul called man's civilization "this present evil world" (Galatians 1:4 Galatians 1:4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
American King James Version×, KJV). This is why "the whole world lieth in wickedness" (1 John 5:19 1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness.
American King James Version×, KJV). Humankind has been blinded to the right knowledge of God and His plan for all of us—and the world suffers horribly as a result. A time is coming, however, when "the knowledge of the LORD" will cover this earth "as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9 Isaiah 11:9They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
American King James Version×; Habakkuk 2:14 Habakkuk 2:14For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
American King James Version×).

To whom should we address our prayers?

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven; hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9 Matthew 6:9After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name.
American King James Version×).

"So he said to them, 'When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name'" (Luke 11:2 Luke 11:2And he said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
American King James Version×).

What is commonly called the Lord's Prayer is a model, or outline, prayer. Although it is certainly not wrong to repeat the prayer verbatim, a better practice is to include the elements Jesus Christ discussed in this outline in most of our prayers rather than repeating the exact words (see Matthew 6:9-13 Matthew 6:9-13 [9] After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. [10] Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
American King James Version×; Luke 11:2-4 Luke 11:2-4 [2] And he said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. [3] Give us day by day our daily bread. [4] And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
American King James Version×). The Bible discourages needless repetition in prayers (Matthew 6:7 Matthew 6:7But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
American King James Version×).

Did Jesus Christ follow the instructions He gave to His disciples?

"Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: 'Father, the hour is come...'" (John 17:1 John 17:1These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you:
American King James Version×).

The 17th chapter of John records a long prayer of Jesus Christ. Several times during this prayer, Christ shows that He is directing His prayer to His Father (John 17:5-25 John 17:5-25 [5] And now, O Father, glorify you me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was. [6] I have manifested your name to the men which you gave me out of the world: your they were, and you gave them me; and they have kept your word. [7] Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are of you. [8] For I have given to them the words which you gave me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from you, and they have believed that you did send me. [9] I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which you have given me; for they are yours. [10] And all my are yours, and your are mine; and I am glorified in them. [11] And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are. [12] While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. [13] And now come I to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. [14] I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth. [18] As you have sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. [19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. [20] Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [21] That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] And the glory which you gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: [23] I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as you have loved me. [24] Father, I will that they also, whom you have given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which you have given me: for you loved me before the foundation of the world. [25] O righteous Father, the world has not known you: but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me.
American King James Version×).

Is God the Father of Jesus Christ only?

"Jesus said to her [Mary Magdalene], 'Do not cling to Me [touch me, KJV], for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God'" (John 20:17 John 20:17Jesus said to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brothers, and say to them, I ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
American King James Version×).

This important passage serves as a fitting introduction to the final section of this lesson: the knowledge of the purpose for human life. But, speaking of a Christian's time as a human, the apostle Paul's fondest desire for Christians was "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
American King James Version×).