Hymnology: How Deep the Father
The question, “How deep the father’s love for us?” resonates through the ages, echoing in our hearts and minds. It’s a query that seeks to understand one of the most profound and powerful forces in existence. Love, in its purest form, is often exemplified by the bond between a father and his children. But when we speak of “the Father’s love,” we often delve into a realm that transcends earthly understanding, reaching towards the divine.
This exploration isn’t just a philosophical exercise; it’s a deeply personal and spiritual journey. To grasp the depth of a father’s love, particularly in a spiritual context, can be transformative. It can reshape our understanding of love itself, of sacrifice, and of our own worth. One poignant expression of this profound love is captured in the hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” written by Stuart Townend in 1995. This hymn, now a global classic, eloquently articulates the immeasurable nature of divine fatherly love.
Stuart Townend, a significant voice in contemporary hymn writing, has gifted the Church with songs that resonate deeply with believers worldwide. Alongside “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” his works like “In Christ Alone” and “The Power of the Cross” showcase his ability to articulate complex theological truths with emotional depth and musical beauty. Reflecting on the creation of “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” Townend shared insights into the inspiration behind this powerful hymn, revealing a journey of theological reflection and heartfelt expression.
This hymn has been interpreted and performed by numerous Christian artists, each bringing their unique style to this timeless message. Versions by Stuart Townend himself, Austin Stone Worship, Phillips, Craig, & Dean, Shane & Shane, and David Wesley offer diverse musical arrangements, allowing listeners to connect with the song’s message in varied and meaningful ways.
The Lyrics: A Window into Divine Affection
To truly understand how deep the father’s love is for us, we must delve into the lyrics of this impactful hymn:
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.
These verses are not mere words; they are a theological tapestry woven with threads of sacrifice, redemption, and boundless love. The opening lines immediately set the stage, questioning and proclaiming the sheer depth and immeasurability of the Father’s love. This love is so profound that it motivated the ultimate sacrifice – giving His only Son. The hymn doesn’t shy away from the pain and separation inherent in this act, acknowledging the Father turning His face away as His Son bears the weight of sin. Yet, it is through this suffering that redemption and glory are brought to humanity.
The second verse personalizes the experience, bringing the listener face-to-face with the crucifixion. It acknowledges personal sin as the burden Christ carried, and evokes a sense of shame and repentance. The powerful declaration “It is finished” marks the completion of Christ’s redemptive work, offering life through His death.
The final verse is a response of humility and gratitude. It rejects any notion of self-merit, instead focusing solely on Christ’s sacrifice. The rhetorical question, “Why should I gain from His reward?” emphasizes the undeserved nature of this grace, concluding with a heartfelt affirmation of faith in the ransom paid by Christ’s wounds.
Exploring the Unfathomable: Theological Depths
To truly understand how deep the father’s love for us is, we must consider the theological underpinnings of this hymn. Humanity has long grappled with fundamental questions about existence: “What is wrong with the world?” and “What is the solution?”. From a Christian perspective, sin is identified as the core problem. This sin has fractured our relationship with God, with each other, and with the world around us, leading ultimately to death.
However, the Christian faith doesn’t stop at identifying the problem; it proclaims a powerful solution rooted in the very nature of God’s love. This holy God, fully justified in judgment, instead chose to extend love in its most radical form. He entered the world as Jesus Christ, taking on human form and ultimately bearing the consequences of our sin. The crucifixion is presented not as a random act of violence, but as a deliberate act of substitutionary atonement, where Christ died in our place, absorbing the punishment we deserved.
This concept of substitutionary atonement can be challenging. Some might find it offensive, questioning why such a drastic measure was necessary or if humanity is truly deserving of such a fate. Others might struggle to comprehend the logic, finding it incomprehensible. Yet, for those who experience a spiritual awakening, this message becomes “the power and wisdom of God,” as articulated by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-26.
The Apostle Paul encountered similar resistance in his time. The Jewish expectation of a conquering Messiah clashed with the reality of a humble carpenter crucified on a cross. Greek philosophers dismissed the Christian message as foolish, preferring their own systems of wisdom. In contemporary society, these objections persist. However, the transformative power of God’s love remains unchanged. Just as in the first century, people from all backgrounds, even those initially skeptical or hostile, are drawn to the message of salvation. Romans 5:8 powerfully states, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse encapsulates the astounding depth of the Father’s love – a love extended even to those who were alienated from Him.
Our appropriate response to such profound love is one of overwhelming gratitude and humility. The hymn poignantly asks, “Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.” Recognizing our unworthiness and ill-deserving nature leaves us with no ground for boasting. Our focus shifts entirely to Christ’s sacrifice – His death and resurrection – as our sole source of hope and redemption, as Paul emphasizes in Galatians 6:14.
Ultimately, understanding how deep the father’s love for us is not merely an intellectual exercise; it’s a spiritual revelation. It is through God’s calling and the work of the Holy Spirit that we can grasp and embrace this love. While its full comprehension may remain beyond our grasp, we can, with complete conviction, declare, “Christ’s wounds have paid my ransom.” This is the heart of the gospel and the answer to the enduring question of how deep the Father’s love truly is for each of us.
