The Unforgettable Words To "Awesome God": Rich Mullins' Legacy And The Shocking New Version In 2024

Few songs in contemporary Christian music (CCM) history hold the iconic status of "Awesome God," a powerful anthem whose simple, yet profound, lyrics have resonated with millions of worshippers across generations. As of this $current_date, the song remains a staple in churches worldwide, yet many fans are unaware of the songwriter’s personal struggles, his tragic end, and the surprising new life breathed into the track by a modern worship leader.

This deep dive explores the complete, unforgettable words to the original masterpiece by Rich Mullins, the hidden meaning behind its creation, and the recent, chart-topping reimagining by Phil Wickham, ensuring the song’s legacy continues to inspire a new era of believers.

The Complete Biography and Tragic End of Rich Mullins

The man behind "Awesome God" was Richard Wayne Mullins, a gifted, eccentric, and deeply spiritual singer-songwriter whose life was as unconventional as his music. His story is essential to understanding the raw, honest power of his most famous song.

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• Full Name: Richard Wayne Mullins
• Born: October 21, 1955, in Richmond, Indiana
• Died: September 19, 1997 (Age 41)
• Cause of Death: Killed in a tragic car accident on Interstate 39 near LaSalle, Illinois, after being thrown from his Jeep and struck by a semi-truck.
• Notable Albums: Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988), The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume One (1991), A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band (1993)
• Signature Songs: "Awesome God," "Screen Door," "Sometimes By Step," "Elijah"
• Legacy: Known for his unique blend of folk music with biblical themes, his commitment to living a simple, non-materialistic life, and his donation of all his royalties to charity.

Mullins was famous for his commitment to simplicity, often living in poverty despite his success and using a hammered dulcimer in his music. His untimely death in 1997 shocked the Christian music world, but his music, especially "Awesome God," ensured his legacy endured.

The Original, Powerful Words to "Awesome God" (Rich Mullins, 1988)

The song "Awesome God" was first released on Rich Mullins' 1988 album, Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth. The track became an instant worship anthem, famous for its sing-along chorus and its vivid, almost intimidating, imagery of God's power. Ironically, Mullins himself reportedly disliked the song, calling it "silly," yet it became his most iconic work.

The Full Lyrics:

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Verse 1
When He rolls up His sleeves, He ain't just puttin' on the ritz
(Our God is an awesome God)
There's thunder in His footsteps and lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)
And the reason the Father sent His only Son
Was to die and rise again and to make us righteous ones
(Our God is an awesome God)

Chorus
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Verse 2
When the sky was starless in the void of the night
(Our God is an awesome God)
He spoke into the darkness and created the light
(Our God is an awesome God)
Judgment and wrath He poured out on the Sodomites
Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross
I hope that we have not too quickly forgotten that
Our God is an awesome God

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Chorus
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

The Meaning and Theological Context

The song's genius lies in its balance. It juxtaposes God’s terrifying power—His "thunder in His footsteps and lightning in His fists"—with His ultimate act of love: sending His Son to the cross.

Mullins’ lyrics draw heavily on Old Testament imagery of God's might and judgment, reminiscent of the Psalms, while simultaneously anchoring the message in the New Testament theme of salvation through Christ. The core message is clear: God is not merely a comforting friend, but a sovereign, powerful King who deserves awe and reverence.

The song's repetitive structure, particularly the chorus, is one reason it became so popular in youth groups and church camps, making it an easy-to-learn, yet theologically rich, declaration of faith.

The Modern Revival: Phil Wickham's "What An Awesome God" (2024)

In a significant update for fans of the classic, contemporary worship leader Phil Wickham released a reimagined version of the song in 2024 titled "What An Awesome God." This collaboration with co-writer Jonathan Smith aimed to introduce the timeless chorus to a new generation while adding fresh, modern verses.

New Verses Rooted in Scripture

Wickham's new verses move beyond the original's focus on God's judgment and power by incorporating lyrics that reflect a more modern, devotional worship style. The new lyrics are directly inspired by the prayer of the Levites in Nehemiah Chapter 9, which is a powerful Old Testament passage praising God's creation and faithfulness.

The new lyrics emphasize God's role as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe, echoing themes of:

• Sovereignty: "You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens."
• Creation: Highlighting the majesty of creation as proof of His awesome nature.
• Worship: Positioning the song as a direct act of praise and adoration, fitting for a modern worship setting.

This fresh take successfully bridges the gap between the classic CCM sound of Rich Mullins and the modern worship sound of artists like Wickham, ensuring the powerful central message of God's "wisdom, power, and love" remains relevant today.

Topical Authority: Other "Awesome God" Anthems

To fully appreciate the scope of this worship theme, it is important to note that "Awesome God" is not the only song to use this powerful declaration. Another major anthem, often confused with the Mullins classic, is "My God Is Awesome."

Charles Jenkins' "My God Is Awesome"

In 2012, Pastor Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago released the gospel hit "My God Is Awesome" (sometimes mistakenly titled "My God Is an Awesome God"). This song has a distinctly different, more contemporary Gospel sound and is known for its powerful, declarative lines:

• "My God is awesome, He can move a mountain."
• "Keep me in the valley, hide me from the rain."
• "Heals me when I'm broken."

While sharing a similar sentiment, the two songs—Rich Mullins' "Awesome God" and Charles Jenkins' "My God Is Awesome"—represent different eras and styles of Christian music, both contributing significantly to the worship landscape by exalting God's mighty nature.

The Lasting Legacy of the Lyrics

The enduring power of Rich Mullins' "Awesome God" lies in its ability to capture the dual nature of the Almighty. It is a song that invites both fear and devotion, reverence and relationship. The simple words—"He reigns from heaven above / With wisdom, power, and love"—serve as a timeless theological statement, reminding listeners that the God of the universe is not only capable of thunder and lightning but is fundamentally motivated by love.

Whether you sing the original, raw version from 1988 or the newly polished rendition by Phil Wickham, the central truth remains: the words to "Awesome God" are a profound declaration of faith, ensuring Rich Mullins’ ragged, passionate ministry continues to impact the world today.