It’s Saturday! Let’s put a song 🎵 in our hearts.❤️
Author: Stuart Townsend (b 1963)
The lyrics were inspired while he was contemplating on the Cross and the power of the Cross and what it cost for the Father to give His Son for us.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16
Hymn Story
Occasionally you hear a song that you know will stick with you, that in two centuries, Christians will still be singing it. This hymn is among them. Written by Stuart Townend in 1995, this hymn became a “instant classic” and is currently sung in churches worldwide. One of our generation’s best hymn writers is Stuart Townend.
In addition to “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”, he is the author or coauthor of “Beautiful Savior”, “The Power of the Cross”, and “In Christ Alone”.
Lyrics
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 the 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.
With regard to the writing of this hymn, here’s Stuart himself sharing the story:
https://youtu.be/BdVQNyQmdM4
You can listen here:
Hymn Study
Something is wrong with the world, a reality acknowledged across various religions and philosophies. At the heart of this dilemma lies sin, as understood in Christianity. We were fashioned by a Holy God but have chosen our own paths, violating His sacred law. This rebellion has fractured our relationships—with God, humanity, and the natural world. The impact of sin is profound, leading not only to discord but ultimately to death. To address this problem, faith, repentance, and restoration through Christ are essential. Only by returning to God can we hope to heal the brokenness and find true life.
In a world filled with pain and suffering, the notion of divine judgment can be daunting. However, there is hope rooted in the love of a Holy God. This God, who has every right to judge and punish humanity for its sins, chose instead to embody human form through Jesus Christ. By willingly sacrificing Himself on the cross, He paid the ultimate penalty for our sins, demonstrating profound love and mercy. This act of atonement not only delivers us from the curse of death but also offers a path to reconciliation with God, reminding us that love triumphs over judgment.
