Philemon

Put It On My Account

This letter, written by Paul, to Philemon is a beautiful type of the how Christ takes our sins upon Himself and asks the Father to forgive us as sinners.

Onesimus, a servant of Philemon, had stolen from his master and then left.  While gone, he met Paul and was converted and became a servant of Christ.  Paul writes to Philemon (a person Paul knew well and most likely a convert of Paul's - see v. 19) and begs him to forgive Onesimus and restore him not just as a servant, but also as a brother in Christ.  Paul states that he will be fully responsible and will fully repay Philemon for what Onesimus took.

We, the followers of Jesus Christ, are Onesimus.  We stole from God (typed by Philemon), we showed Him disrespect and dishonored His name.  We purposely ran as far from God as we could.  But Christ (typed by Paul) finally got our attention and led us to salvation.  Then, in His mercy, Jesus Christ has God impute all of our sins to Him! He pays the debt we owe.  Jesus also beseeches the Father on our behalf and asks Him to restore fellowship with us, not just as servants, but as brothers in Christ.  Because of Jesus' intercession on our part, we are completely forgiven and fully restored forever (v. 15) to God.  Praise the Lord!

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.