The song reflects on the deep and immeasurable love of the Father, who gave His only Son to make a sinner, represented as a wretch, His treasured possession. It explores the pain and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, carrying the weight of sin and experiencing searing loss as the Father turns His face away. The singer admits their own guilt and shame, acknowledging that their mocking voice was among those who scoffed at Jesus. Yet, in the realization that it was their sin that held Him on the cross, the singer finds hope and assurance in the finished work of Christ, boasting in His death and resurrection. The lyrics conclude with a profound reflection on the unanswered question of why the singer should gain from Christ's reward, but a firm belief that His wounds have paid their ransom.

Meaning of "How Deep The Father's Love For Us" by Selah

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us" is a contemplative and deeply spiritual song that delves into the core aspects of Christian theology and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It highlights the profound love of God the Father for humanity, described as being "deep" and "vast beyond all measure." The lyrics emphasize the magnitude of this love by stating that the Father willingly gave His only Son, the Chosen One, to redeem sinners and make them His treasured possession.

The song then delves into the crucifixion and the pain Jesus endured on the cross. It depicts the moment when the Father turned His face away, symbolizing the separation between God and Jesus as He bore the weight of humanity's sin. The wounds suffered by Jesus are described as the means by which "many sons" are brought to glory, indicating that through Christ's sacrifice, believers are reconciled with God and can experience eternal life.

The lyrics also acknowledge the personal culpability in Jesus' crucifixion. The singer admits to their role in mocking Jesus and joining the scoffers. However, a shift occurs as the singer realizes that their own sin held Jesus on the cross until His purpose was accomplished. This realization leads to a transformative understanding that the life of the singer has been bought and given by Jesus' dying breath.

The song then takes a humble stance, with the singer refusing to boast in worldly achievements, gifts, power, or wisdom. Instead, the focus shifts to boasting in Jesus Christ, finding ultimate worth and hope in His death and resurrection. Here, the lyrics emphasize the centrality of the Christian faith and the redemptive power found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

In the final repetition of the question of why the singer should gain from Christ's reward, the lyrics acknowledge the mystery and unanswerable nature of this question. Yet, the certainty remains that the wounds of Jesus have fully paid the ransom for humanity's sin, providing salvation and reconciliation with God.