How Deep the Father's Love

Recently the topic of discussion was "new music" vs old, or something like it. A good example of a new hymn that is also good theology was written by Stuart Townend -- How Deep the Father's Love for Us -- in 1995. His purpose, he said, was to shift our attentions from our self-serving and self-seeking emotions to ... well ... God. The song is not about us; it's about the Father's love. The first stanza begins,

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.

The object of the Father's love is not "cute little kittens" -- adorable us. It is "a wretch" ... like you and me.

Scripture says,

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)

Look at that for a moment. The "but" is a contrast. What is "God demonstrates His own love toward us" in contrast to? "For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die" (Rom 5:7) The premise is that it is not reasonable to expect anyone to give up their life for the ungodly. And where do I get that "ungodly"? "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom 5:6). Okay, so, Christ died for us, the ungodly. Dying for a good person is conceivable, but not for the ungodly. And we come to the contrast -- "But God ..." So, God demonstrates His love toward us, the ungodly. That is, as unlikely it might be that anyone would do it, but God proved His love for us, the ungodly, by sending His Son to die for us while we were still sinners -- "enemies" (Rom 5:10).

In Hebrews 2, the author of Hebrews seems to question whether it was fitting for the Son of God to die for sinners. At least, he answers the question.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. (Heb 2:10)

It was fitting for Him who is above the angels to suffer death for us in order to bring "many sons to glory." Not because we deserve it. Not because of who we are. Not because we are "just so special." It's all in order to glorify the Father and the Son who have chosen to adopt enemies to be children in His family. That is a depth of love that we cannot fathom and cannot glory in for ourselves.