Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? - Heb. 12:9
"God truly is our Father, the Father of the spirits of all mankind," said Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of Quorum of the Twelve in the October 1991 general conference.
"We are His literal offspring and are formed in His image. We have inherited divine characteristics from Him. Knowing our relationship to our Heavenly Father helps us understand the divine nature that is in us and our potential. The doctrine of the fatherhood of God lays a solid foundation for self-esteem.
"The hymn titled `I Am a Child of God' (Hymns, 1985, #301) states this doctrine in simple terms. Can a person who understands his divine parenthood lack self-esteem? I have known people who have a deep, abiding assurance of this truth and others who understand it only superficially and intellectually. The contrast in their attitudes and the practical effect of these attitudes in their lives is remarkably apparent.
"Knowing that Jesus Christ is the firstborn Son of God in the spirit and the Only Begotten Son in the flesh gives a far more noble and majestic view of Him than if He were just a great teacher or philosopher. He is our Lord, the Redeemer of all mankind, our Mediator with the Father."
