Question 53: Why do you say “the Father Almighty”?

Answer:

I say “the Father Almighty” because God is both my loving Father and the sovereign Lord over all creation. He is almighty in power, authority, and wisdom, yet He tenderly cares for His children through Christ. (Isaiah 64:8, Matthew 6:9, Revelation 1:8, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Psalm 103:13)

Full Scripture References

“Yet You, O LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” — Isaiah 64:8 (BSB)

“So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.’” — Matthew 6:9 (BSB)

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty.” — Revelation 1:8 (BSB)

“‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.” — 2 Corinthians 6:18 (BSB)

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” — Psalm 103:13 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

To call God “the Father Almighty” is to confess both His intimate love and His infinite power. As Father, God is the source of life, the One who made us and knows us. He is not distant or impersonal, but near—loving, guiding, and disciplining His children. As Almighty, He is sovereign over all that He has made. Nothing is beyond His control, and no power can thwart His will. These two truths together—Father and Almighty—express the heart of the Christian’s trust in God.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father,” emphasizing the personal and relational nature of God. Yet this Father is not weak or limited; He is the Lord God Almighty, “the Alpha and the Omega,” the ruler of heaven and earth (Revelation 1:8). In the Apostles’ Creed, this title unites divine compassion with divine omnipotence. God is not only willing to care for us—He is able. This is the basis of our comfort in trial, our confidence in prayer, and our hope for salvation.

In Anglican worship, this language is used throughout the Book of Common Prayer, which regularly addresses God as “Almighty and everlasting Father.” Article I of the Thirty-Nine Articles confesses faith in “one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.” God’s fatherhood and might are never in tension—He uses His power to love, protect, and redeem His people.

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “What a perfect combination this is—almighty in strength, yet a Father in heart. We are never safer than in His care.” Knowing that our Father is also the Almighty gives courage to face fear, temptation, suffering, and death. He is both the Potter who shapes our lives (Isaiah 64:8) and the Protector who defends His children. He is above all, yet tenderly near to all who call on Him in truth.

To confess “the Father Almighty” is to rest in the arms of the One who created the universe and yet counts the hairs of our head. His almightiness means no enemy can overcome Him, and His fatherhood means no child is forgotten by Him. This is the God we worship—majestic in power, perfect in love, and faithful in all His ways.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) wrote: “The Father is Almighty because He is the source of all, the Creator, and the sustainer of His creation. His might is displayed in mercy and in the ordering of all things for good.” — Against Heresies, 2.28.4

Irenaeus emphasized both God’s sovereign power and His fatherly care for creation. Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) taught: “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, who made all things seen and unseen, whose might is shown in mercy and judgment.” — Against Praxeas, 2

Tertullian affirmed God’s almightiness in creation and redemption. St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) declared: “God the Father is almighty, not in a tyrannical way, but as one who governs all things wisely and lovingly, according to His eternal goodness.” — Against the Heathen, 3

Athanasius linked God’s power with His love, rejecting any distortion of divine might. St. Gregory Nazianzen (c. 329–390 AD) wrote: “He is Father because He begets the Son; He is Almighty because nothing exists outside His will. This is the faith we receive and profess.” — Oration 30.3

Gregory upheld both the relational and sovereign aspects of God’s nature. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) stated: “Call Him Father, that you may love; call Him Almighty, that you may trust. Both names are for your comfort.” — Sermon 213

Augustine highlighted the pastoral assurance found in these two great names of God.