Question: Dear Greg,

I am wondering why we as humans always address God in male terms, and just what did Jesus mean when he made the statement that those who had seen him had seen the Father? I have always thought of God as being a Spirit and those that worship him must worship him in the Spirit. Can you explain these questions to me? Thanks, and may God continue to bless you and your ministry.

Bob

Answer: Dear Bob,

You are correct, God is Spirit and we must worship him in the Spirit. But because of the "communication barrier" God has decided to make himself known to us using human terminology. Many metaphors for God are used in Scripture – God is a rock, a shield, our Shepherd, etc. – but of all of them the most commonly used is Father. This, of course, does not mean that the same kind of relationship exists between us and God as does between human parents and children, with all of our limitations and fault. But it is one of the best human relationships we have that gives us a glimpse into the reality of the relationship we enjoy with our Heavenly Father. Anything God has done, including giving us the Bible in human language, is an imperfect picture, metaphor, or analogy of his reality. All attempts are accommodations to our human limitations, imperfections and mortality.

God is outside of time and space. He "dwells/lives" in eternity. He uses words like love, fear, jealousy, to describe his attributes, his "emotions". They are all inadequate, but they are the best and only way he can reveal himself to us. "Eye has not seen, nor hear heard…" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Hope this helps, Bob. Good to hear from you again. May God bless you.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht