Theology Proper
Theology Proper: Understanding God the Father Through a Parent's Lens
Have you ever wondered what it means to truly know God? Theology Proper, the study of God the Father and His attributes, invites us to explore His character and actions in depth. While God’s majesty and perfection can sometimes feel overwhelming, a simple analogy—that of a parent—can help us grasp His nature and relate to Him more personally. Let’s dive into what Theology Proper teaches us about God and how the parent analogy can deepen our understanding.
What is Theology Proper?
Theology Proper focuses on God the Father, derived from the term “Paterology,” which combines the Greek words for “father” and “word.” It emphasizes God’s attributes, which reveal who He is and how He relates to His creation. The Bible describes God as one, yet bearing multiple attributes that are intrinsic, eternal, and inseparable from His being. For example, God is not simply good; He is goodness itself, perfectly and unchangingly.
Theologians classify God’s attributes into two categories:
Incommunicable Attributes: These are qualities unique to God, such as His self-existence, eternity, immutability, and omnipresence. They remind us of His infinite and unparalleled nature.
Communicable Attributes: These are qualities God shares with humanity, such as love, mercy, justice, and truthfulness. Through union with Christ, these attributes are reflected in His people.
Understanding these attributes provides a clearer picture of God’s nature, but how do we relate these truths to our everyday lives? This is where the parent analogy helps.
God as the Ultimate Parent
Think about the role of a loving parent. A parent’s actions, emotions, and decisions often reflect deeper truths about who they are. Similarly, Theology Proper reveals God’s actions and attributes, helping us understand His heart and character.
A Parent’s Authority (Sovereignty) Just as a parent lovingly guides their child’s steps, God reigns over His creation with supreme authority and care (Isaiah 46:9-10). His sovereignty reassures us that no detail of our lives escapes His plan. Like a parent’s rules are meant to protect and nurture, God’s sovereignty is exercised for our ultimate good.
A Parent’s Presence (Omnipresence) A good parent strives to be present for their child, offering comfort and security. God’s omnipresence assures us that we are never alone (Psalm 139:7-10). Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, He is always there, walking with us through life’s challenges.
A Parent’s Wisdom (Omniscience) Parents often seem to know everything about their children, anticipating needs and guiding decisions. God’s omniscience goes infinitely further; He knows everything—past, present, and future (Psalm 147:5). His perfect knowledge gives us confidence to trust Him, even when we don’t understand His plans.
A Parent’s Strength (Omnipotence) Children rely on their parents for strength and provision. God, as our omnipotent Father, is all-powerful and able to accomplish anything consistent with His character (Jeremiah 32:17). His strength sustains us in every circumstance.
A Parent’s Character (Holiness) A parent’s character often sets the tone for their child’s growth and behavior. God, as the ultimate Father, is perfectly holy—completely set apart, pure, and without sin (Isaiah 6:3). His holiness calls us to revere Him and pursue righteousness. Just as a parent’s integrity inspires their child to live uprightly, God’s holiness invites us into a life of worship and moral excellence.
Why Does This Matter?
Theology Proper isn’t just about knowing facts; it’s about encountering the living God. The parent analogy helps us relate to His attributes in a tangible way, moving beyond abstract ideas to a personal connection. When we see God as a perfect parent, we gain:
A deeper trust in His plans, knowing He rules with wisdom and care.
A greater sense of security, assured by His constant presence and strength.
A stronger desire for relationship, drawn by His love and grace.
Practical Application
Reflect on these questions as you consider God as your ultimate parent:
How does recognizing God’s authority shape your response to life’s uncertainties?
In what ways has God’s presence comforted you during difficult times?
How can you reflect His communicable attributes, like love and grace, in your relationships?
As you explore Theology Proper, take time to meditate on His attributes and look for ways they are evident in your life. For example, when you experience forgiveness, consider how it reflects God’s grace. When you see justice upheld, think about God’s righteousness.
Conclusion
Theology Proper invites us to know God the Father intimately by studying His attributes and actions. The parent analogy offers a relatable framework to understand His nature and draw closer to Him. By seeing God as the ultimate parent—sovereign, present, wise, powerful, and loving—we can trust Him more deeply and live in response to His character.
Let’s continue this journey of knowing God together. What aspect of His character stands out most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our additional resources for deeper study.