How do I respond when an atheist asks, “Who is the Father of Jesus?”
In answering that question, I would point that person to gospel language in the New Testament. I think the most theologically accurate way to respond is to point to God the Father.
In the opening chapter of the gospel of Mark, he argues that Jesus is the Son of God. He makes a tie in Mark 1:2–8 to the ministry of John the Baptist. Then he gets to the baptism of Jesus, where he points to God the Father affirming from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
A simple declaration that God the Father is the father of the Lord Jesus Christ is a clear, simple, gospel way to point to the truth about Jesus Christ.
This transcript is from a live Ask Ligonier event with H.B. Charles Jr. and has been lightly edited for readability. To ask Ligonier a biblical or theological question, email ask@ligonier.org or message us on Facebook or Twitter.
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H.B. Charles Jr.
Dr. H.B. Charles Jr. is pastor-teacher of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He is author of several books, including It Happens After Prayer: Biblical Motivation for Believing Prayer, On Preaching: Personal and Pastoral Insights for the Preparation and Practice of Preaching, and On Pastoring: A Short Guide to Living, Leading, and Ministering as a Pastor. He is host of The On Preaching Podcast.
