7 Shocking Facts About 'Our God Is An Awesome God' And Its 2025 Revival

Few songs in the history of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) have achieved the enduring, cross-generational power of "Our God Is An Awesome God." This iconic anthem, originally penned by the late, great Rich Mullins, continues to be a staple in churches and concert halls worldwide, demonstrating a timeless theological depth that transcends musical trends. As of this current date in December 2025, the song is experiencing a massive, fresh resurgence thanks to a modern interpretation by a leading worship artist, proving that the message of God's overwhelming majesty is as relevant today as it was when the song was first released over three decades ago.

The track’s simple, repetitive chorus belies a profound biblical message about the nature of the Almighty, inspiring both reverence and joy. From its humble origins to its recent, high-profile reimagining, the story of this anthem is one of a ragamuffin songwriter's unexpected legacy and a new generation's desire to reclaim a classic. This article dives into the history, the profound theology, and the very latest updates on the song that defines a generation of worship.

The Ragamuffin's Legacy: A Biography of Richard Wayne Mullins

The enduring power of "Awesome God" is inseparable from the remarkable, often contradictory life of its creator, Richard Wayne "Rich" Mullins. His journey was one of profound faith, artistic genius, and a radical commitment to simple living that stood in stark contrast to the commercialism of the music industry he helped define. He remains one of the most influential and beloved figures in Contemporary Christian Music.

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• Full Name: Richard Wayne Mullins
• Born: October 21, 1955, in Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana.
• Died: September 19, 1997 (Age 41), in an automobile accident outside Bloomington, Illinois.
• Occupation: Contemporary Christian Music Singer-Songwriter.
• Notable Works: "Awesome God," "Step by Step," "Creed," and "Sometimes By Step."
• Albums: Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988), The World As Best As I Remember It, Vol. 1 & 2, and A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band.
• Legacy: Mullins was known for his raw, honest lyrics, his skillful use of the hammered dulcimer, and his commitment to living on the average American income, donating the rest of his royalties to charity and ministry. His life was a testament to his "Ragamuffin" philosophy—a belief in God's grace for the broken and imperfect.

Mullins originally released "Awesome God" in 1988 on his album Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth. Ironically, Mullins himself was reportedly ambivalent about the song's massive popularity, believing it wasn't his best work, yet it quickly became his signature anthem and a global worship standard.

The Shocking Theological Meaning Behind 'Awesome'

The word "awesome" in modern English is often overused to describe something merely good or impressive, like a sandwich or a movie. However, the song's title and chorus deliberately reclaim the word's original, terrifying, and reverent biblical meaning. The true theological concept of an "Awesome God" is far more profound than a simple compliment.

The Biblical Roots of Awe and Fear

In the biblical context, "awesome" (often translated from Hebrew words like yare or nora) means to inspire awe, reverence, admiration, and fear. This is a fear not of punishment, but of overwhelming, unimaginable power—a sense of one's own smallness in the presence of the Creator of the universe. The lyrics of "Awesome God" are deeply rooted in this understanding, drawing from passages that celebrate God's unparalleled might.

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• Creation and Power: The song speaks of a God who "holds the lightning in His fist" and "spoke and the mountains stood." This imagery reflects scriptures like Psalm 104, which details God's creative power, and the book of Job, where God challenges man with the sheer scope of creation.
• Judgment and Wrath: The verse about God "taking sin seriously" and "holding the keys to death and hell" highlights the aspect of divine judgment. This is a direct reference to the holiness and justice of God, a critical component of what makes Him truly "awesome."
• Biblical References: Mullins drew from passages like Nehemiah 1:5 ("great and awesome God") and Psalm 99:3 ("Let them praise your great and awesome name—He is holy"). The song’s structure itself is similar to Psalm 136, where a central point (God is awesome) is repeated and supported by lines detailing His mighty deeds.

The song is a powerful reminder that only God is truly worthy of our complete awe. It calls believers to a "reverent fear" that encourages joyful obedience and surrender, rather than casual familiarity.

The 2025 Revival: Phil Wickham and 'What an Awesome God'

The legacy of Rich Mullins' anthem is not confined to the 80s and 90s. In a powerful move that introduced the song to a new generation, modern worship artist Phil Wickham released a reimagined version titled "What an Awesome God" in April 2025. This revival is the most significant update to the song's history in decades, ensuring its continued relevance in contemporary worship spaces.

A Modern Anthem Built on a Timeless Chorus

Wickham, known for multi-Platinum songs and anthems like "Battle Belongs" and "Living Hope," co-wrote the new version with Jonathan Smith. "What an Awesome God" serves as a musical thank-you note to Mullins, keeping the unforgettable, driving chorus of the original intact while adding new verses and a modern musical arrangement.

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The new verses expand on the themes of God's majesty and love, seamlessly blending the raw energy of the 80s CCM classic with the polished production of today's modern worship sound. This creative approach pays homage to Mullins' original vision while making the song accessible to listeners who may not be familiar with the 1988 recording.

Touring and Cultural Impact

The immediate impact of the 2025 release was substantial. Phil Wickham has been performing "What an Awesome God" extensively, most notably on the high-profile Summer Worship Nights Tour, where he has often been joined by other major artists like Brandon Lake and Michael W. Smith. The live performances have solidified the song's status as a powerful, communal worship experience, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary Christian music.

This revival ensures that the core message—that the God who spoke creation into existence and is worthy of all reverence—is sung by a fresh wave of believers. It is a testament to the fact that while musical styles evolve, the truth of God's awesome nature remains an eternal constant.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The enduring success and topical authority of "Our God Is An Awesome God" are supported by a wide array of interconnected entities and concepts within Christian theology and music:

• Theological Concepts: Divine Sovereignty, Holy Spirit, Redemption, Divine Justice, Creation, The Trinity, Reverent Fear, and Christ's Sacrifice.
• Biblical References: Nehemiah 1:5, Psalm 99:3, Psalm 136, Book of Job, Psalm 104, and the concept of God's Holiness.
• Musical Entities: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), Worship Music, Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith, Brandon Lake, Michael W. Smith, The Ragamuffin Band, Winds of Heaven Stuff of Earth (Album), and the Hammered Dulcimer.
• Mullins' Philosophy: Simple Living, Radical Generosity, and The Ragamuffin Legacy.

The song's power lies in its ability to connect these deep theological truths with a singable, memorable melody. It serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding millions of the staggering, wonderful reality of the God they serve.