Some hymns feel like they’ve always existed. But “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” isn’t from the 1700’s … it was written in 1995. It spread quietly … then globally. It is one of my favourite hymns.

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would 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 powr, 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

Stuart Townend and Keith Getty

Here is the story of the hymn … 

Hymn Born in Humility
The hymn was written by Stuart Townend, a British worship leader and songwriter. Townend didn’t set out to craft a “modern classic.” He was simply meditating on the cross of Christ and the overwhelming love of the Father in sending His Son.

  • No hype.
  • No emotional manipulation.
  • Just Scripture-saturated worship.

In an interview, Townend said “I wanted to focus on what the cross meant for the Father as well as for us … the cost of love, the pain of sacrifice, the depth of God’s love in giving His only Son.” (Cross Rhythms Magazine)

Three Verses, One Crucified Saviour
The hymn has 3 simple, yet deep verses that proclaim the gospel line by line …

Verse 1: The Father’s immeasurable love is revealed in giving His Son, willingly crushing Him for our redemption.

Verse 2: The focus turns inward, as we confess that it was our sin that held Christ to the cross until His work was done.

Verse 3: The hymn ends in humble wonder…. no boasting, only gratitude and awe that we share in His reward through grace alone.

Echoes of Isaiah & Romans
Though modern, the hymn reads like it was lifted from the Puritans. Its backbone is Isaiah 53, the “Suffering Servant”: “It was the Lord’s will to crush Him…” It also echoes Romans 5:8, Galatians 6:14, and 1 Peter 2.

  • Sin.
  • Substitution.
  • The Father’s will.
  • The Son’s obedience.

Deep theology in simple poetry.

Uncomfortable Truths
Townend once said the hymn wasn’t meant to be “nice.” It confronts us: “It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished …” This isn’t vague spirituality. It’s personal guilt. Personal redemption. That’s why it hit modern ears so hard. It was counter-cultural.

A Counter-Trend Song
When Christian music in the 90s leaned toward pop hooks and performance, Townend’s hymn was:

  • Quiet
  • Meditative
  • Scripture-heavy
  • Christ-centred
  • Emotion shaped by doctrine

No flashy band. No driving drum beat. A hymn meant for reflection, not applause.

From Church Basement to Global Worship
It began in small U.K. churches. Recordings spread. Conferences picked it up. Then congregations worldwide were singing it. No marketing campaign. Just hearts stirred by Jesus crucified. God exalting Christ through a simple melody.

Stuart Townend’s Legacy
Townend later co-wrote other modern hymns with Keith Getty: In Christ Alone and The Power of the Cross. He helped spark the modern hymn movement, renewing church worship with reverent, doctrinally-rich songs. Not entertainment. Discipleship set to music.

Why This Hymn Endures
It’s not trendy. It’s not complex. It doesn’t exist to impress. It invites us to look at Christ and to behold His wounds, His love, His victory: “Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.” Devotion through wonder. Not self-focus. A hymn for every generation.

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