How Deep the Father's Love for Us
One of the 94 hymns we sing together at Cornerstone Reformed Baptist Church on the Gold Coast. Browse the full hymnbook.
Lyrics
Verse 1
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 los
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Verse 2
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 li
I know that it is finished
Verse 3
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
Behind the Hymn
"How Deep the Father's Love for Us" was written by Stuart Townend in 1995, making it one of the most beloved modern hymns of the late twentieth century. Townend, a British worship songwriter based in Brighton, England, deliberately wrote the hymn in a traditional style, using rich theological language that echoes classic hymn writing. He has said the song came from meditating on the cross and being overwhelmed by the depth of the Father's love in sending His Son. The hymn moves through the crucifixion narrative from the Father's perspective, capturing both the cosmic scope and the deeply personal nature of Christ's sacrifice. The haunting line "that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure" echoes the language of John Newton's "Amazing Grace" and the theology of substitutionary atonement. It quickly spread across denominations worldwide and is now considered a modern classic, frequently sung alongside centuries-old hymns in both traditional and contemporary services.