What Manner of Love: Notes & Discussion

Because God delights in worship that is biblical, thoughtful and passionate—what we often call intentional—please consider the following overview of the biblical texts and doctrinal themes behind the hymn What Manner of Love:

What Manner of Love is a beautiful meditation on 1 John 3:1-3 that is filled with biblical allusions. Alexander’s profound text takes us from Christ’s incarnation, through His atoning death, to the joys His work has obtained for God’s beloved today and for eternity. Jones’ tune perfectly matches the text to express the awe and wonder Christians have at God’s great love revealed through Christ.

Verse 1 rejoices in the love bestowed on believers in Christ’s incarnation—His leaving the bliss of heaven for a wicked sinful world which, despite His great love, “did not know Him” (1 John 3:1). It closes with great truth that Christ’s great (and oft overlooked) motive was to carry out His Father’s will (John 4:34; 6:38; 17:4; 1 John 4:14).

Verse 2 alludes to Isaiah 53, wondering at the two-fold burdens Christ bore at Calvary—the sinner’s sin and the Father’s wrath (vv. 4-6, 10-12). The “man of sorrows” (vv. 3-4) died in our place, resulting in our healing and life (v. 5).

Verse 3 meditates on the Holy One’s being made sin for us (2 Cor 5:21) and the Sovereign One’s being scorned (Matt 27:29), and the Beloved One’s being forsaken (Mat 27:46), all to bring sinners to God (1 Pet 3:18).

Verse 4 revels in the joy of forgiveness (Psalm 32:1). We have no condemnation now (Rom 8:1) and the hope of heaven as our eternal future (1 Thes 4:17b).

Verse 5 anticipates the glory awaiting God’s beloved (Rom 8:18; 1 Pet 5:1)—glories not yet seen, heard or even imagined (1 Cor 2:9).

(The notes for What Manner of Love were written by Chris Anderson.)