The King-Father: A Biblical Theology of God as Both King and Father Over His Kingdom Children

Abstract

In this project, I argue that the dual-themed royal-family image of God as the King and Father over his kingdom-children is the consistent witness of Scripture and a necessary foundation for teaching and applying biblical theology. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to this study. In chapter 2, I argue that commitment to the glory of the triune God negates a one-sided royal-theme paradigm. I present the Trinitarian foundations for understanding the King-Father image throughout the Old Testament. In chapter 3, I present the dual theme as the consistent witness of the beginning and end of all things, culminating in Jesus who reveals the Trinitarian God (especially the Father). In chapter 4, I demonstrate the royal-familial theme as a central and unifying thread that runs throughout the Old Testament through the medium of covenant. In chapter 5, I present the new covenant royal-familial reality in the New Testament writings.