The Song
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
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
(REPEAT)
- The Author
Stuart Townend
Stuart Townend is a British Christian worship leader and writer of hymns and contemporary worship music. His songs include “In Christ Alone” (2002, cowritten with Keith Getty, Townend’s first collaboration with any other songwriter), “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us”, “Beautiful Saviour” and “The King Of Love”. The Christian website Crosswalk.com commented that, “the uniqueness of Townend’s writing lies partly in its lyrical content. There is both a theological depth and poetic expression that some say is rare in today’s worship writing”.
Townend, son of a Church of England vicar in Halifax, West Yorkshire, was the youngest of four children. He studied literature at the University of Sussex. Townend started learning to play the piano at age 7. At the age of 13, he made a Christian commitment, and began songwriting at age 22. Stuart has led worship and performed events across the world, at many conferences and festivals including the Stoneleigh Bible Week in the early 90s to the early 00s.
