How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
How Deep the Father's Love for us Video
How Deep the Father's Love for us Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
How Deep the Father's Love for Us by Stuart Townend: A Profound Reflection on God's Love
Introduction:
How Deep the Father's Love for Us is a powerful hymn written by Stuart Townend in 1995. The song has become widely popular in Christian worship and has been sung in churches around the world. With its deep theological message and reflective tone, the song invites believers to contemplate the incredible love of God the Father, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Key Messages of the Song:
1. The Depth of God's Love:
The opening line of the song immediately sets the tone for the profound reflection on God's love - "How deep the Father's love for us." This verse speaks to the immeasurable, unfathomable depth of God's love that goes beyond human comprehension. It emphasizes the sacrificial nature of God's love, highlighting His willingness to give His only Son as a means of making undeserving sinners His treasured possession.
2. The Cost of Redemption:
The second verse of the song focuses on the cost of redemption and the pain that Jesus endured on the cross. It describes the Father turning His face away from Jesus, as He bore the weight of our sins. The lyrics vividly portray the suffering and searing loss experienced by both the Father and the Son. This verse reminds us of the high price paid for our salvation and the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice.
3. The Accomplishment of Salvation:
The third verse declares the completion of Christ's work on the cross, stating, "It is finished." These powerful words echo Jesus' final words on the cross as recorded in John 19:30. They affirm that through His death, Jesus accomplished the salvation of all who believe in Him. The verse acknowledges that it was our sin that held Him on the cross until His mission was fully accomplished.
4. Boasting in Christ Alone:
The final verse of the song shifts the focus to our response to God's love and grace. It emphasizes that our boasting should not be in our own abilities, gifts, or wisdom but solely in Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection. The lyrics point to the humility and surrender required of believers, acknowledging that our salvation is entirely dependent on the work of Christ.
Meaning and Inspiration behind the Song:
How Deep the Father's Love for Us is a deeply introspective song that encourages believers to meditate on the profound love of God. Stuart Townend, the songwriter, explained that he was inspired to write this hymn while contemplating the cross and the tremendous cost of God's love. The lyrics reflect Townend's personal journey of understanding and appreciating the depth of God's love, leading him to marvel at the sacrifice of Jesus and to respond with humble adoration.
Biblical Analysis:
Critically analyzing the biblical foundation of the song, we find that How Deep the Father's Love for Us is firmly rooted in biblical truth. The song draws from various passages of Scripture to convey its message.
1. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse aligns with the central theme of the song, highlighting God's immense love demonstrated through the gift of His Son.
2. Galatians 6:14 - "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." The final verse of the song echoes this biblical truth, emphasizing the importance of boasting in Christ alone and recognizing the cross as the ultimate source of our salvation.
3. Hebrews 2:10 - "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." This verse supports the idea of the cost of redemption and the suffering Jesus endured for our sake.
4. Psalm 22:1 - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This verse, referenced in the second verse of the song, captures Jesus' cry on the cross and highlights the deep anguish He experienced as He bore our sins.
Conclusion:
How Deep the Father's Love for Us by Stuart Townend is a profound hymn that invites believers to reflect on the immeasurable love of God the Father and the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The song's key messages emphasize the depth of God's love, the cost of redemption, the accomplishment of salvation, and the call to boast in Christ alone. With its biblical foundation and introspective lyrics, the song serves as a powerful reminder of God's love and challenges us to respond with humble adoration and gratitude.
