God's Idea
The idea of family and fatherhood is not a human invention. It has its source in God Himself.
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name …” Ephesians 3:14-15 NASB
"Paul was not saying that God is the Father of all but rather that He is the Prototype of all fatherhood. “Father” is derived from God, not man. He is the first Father, the only One with “underived” fatherhood. Thus every human family derives its name, that is, exists as a family with a father, because of Him." (Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985)
An Illustration
In the Scriptures, God uses earthly family relationships (parents to children; husband/bridegroom to wife/bride) to illustrate His relationship with us as believers in Jesus Christ. This indicates the large importance God places upon conducting our earthly family relationships in a godly, righteous, loving, and affectionate manner. (Deuteronomy 1:31; Isaiah 61:10; 62:5; Hosea; Matthew 7:7-11; 25:1-13; Mark 2:18-20; Luke 15:11-32; John 3:29; Romans 7:1-4; Ephesians 5:22-33; Hebrews 12:4-11; James 1:17; Revelation 19:7-9)
~ Tom
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