Living By Faith Blog

Icon

Biblical, battle-tested, real-life help for "living by faith in the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). — Steve Fuller

Worship God For His Love (How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” worship video)

CrossGod Endured Pain For Us

Because God is sovereign over everything, and because everything is under His control, we can think God is separated from pain and aloof from suffering.

But the Bible teaches that to save us God chose to endure intense pain and suffering.

God the Father endured the pain of delivering up His own Son to the Cross (Rom 8:32), and crushing His own Son for our sin (Isaiah 53:4-5).

And God the Son endured such pain on the Cross that as He anticipated it He was “greatly distressed and troubled” (Mark 14:33) and “very sorrowful, even to death” (Mark 14:34).

God is not separated from pain or aloof from suffering.  God chose intense pain and horrifying suffering.

Because Of Love

But why?  Why would God choose to suffer for us?

God the Father chose to endure pain because He loves us —

But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinner, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)

And Jesus the Son chose to suffer because He loves us —

… the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.  (Gal 2:20)

John Piper has defined God’s love something like this —

God’s love is His willingness to do whatever is necessary — even suffering unimaginable pain — to bring us undeserving rebels the all-satisfying and everlasting joy of knowing Him.

Think of it.  God has existed from eternity past.  He created everything.  He is sovereign over everything.  He is perfect goodness and beauty and love and joy.

And this infinitely glorious God chose to save us by suffering intense pain, because He loves us.

“How Deep The Father’s Love For Us”

Let this worship song fill you with awe as you consider the depth of God’s love for us.  (The complete lyrics are posted below.)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKDujmtyAVk

Comments?  Feedback?

I’d love to hear them.  Leave a reply below — thanks.

If you know someone this would help, email it to them using the “share” button below.  Or use the other buttons to share it on your favorite social media.

If you would like to interact with others who are seeking to live by faith in Christ, visit our Forums page.

If you would like to receive a Saturday email summarizing the week’s posts — subscribe here.  (I will only use your email address for Living By Faith Blog communications, and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)

And here are some related posts you might find helpful –

And here are the lyrics by Stuart Townend —

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 left 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

Category: Worship Videos

Tagged:

4 Responses

  1. Ian says:

    Hi Steve- I have not been able to stop singing this hymn over and over the last few weeks. Whenever I grow weary or begin to murmur and grumble, I remember what the Father decreed, what the Son endured, and what His Spirit has accomplished.

    I’m so thankful to be forgiven, and to share that joy with brothers in Christ like you. Thank you for your constant encouragement.

    Ian

  2. Rachel says:

    Thanks Steve, for your wonderful newsletter and faithful encouragement.
    God bless you!

Leave a Reply to Rachel × Cancel reply

Join 3,436 people who receive Living by Faith updates —

More Help for Your Faith

  • RSS Feed
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Feedback

"I just found your blog recently, and I've NEVER found such clarity, understanding and comfort before." (Sarah)

"AWESOME. Going to mangle this sin tonight with the Promises of God." (Alec)

"If I could subscribe to only one blog, yours would be it." (Lyn)

"I think you are really on to something with this blog. I don’t know of anything else like it." (Doug)

"Excellent comment. Really well put and wisdom that is strangely lacking in much evangelical thinking." (John)

"Thank you -- I needed to hear this. So clear and concise yet captivating." (Stacey)

"Such a helpful post. I’ve bookmarked it and reread it two or three mornings just this week." (Doug)