The Gospel in One Little Letter

I love the Bible. I love that it is so much more than a religious rulebook or a list of moral principles to follow. The Bible, though 66 distinct books with various different stories, tells one overarching story—the story of redemption through Jesus Christ. Running through every single book in every single story on every single page are threads that connect to the One Great Story. The believer will be served well to look for The Story in all the stories.

Even in Paul’s short letter to Philemon, we catch a glimpse of Christ’s great work of redemption. In a letter meant to encourage reconciliation between two first century people—a slave (Onesimus) and his master (Philemon)—the work of Jesus Christ shines through. In this letter, Paul writes to Philemon, “But if [Onesimus] has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account” (1:18).

Is that not a glorious picture of the gospel? Is this not what Christ has said to God on our (on my!) behalf? Oh, how I can hear the Savior say, “Father, if [Bryan] has wronged you in any way [and oh, how he has!] or owes you anything [and oh, how he does!], charge that to my account.” How glorious! This is a phrase that I (the ransomed wrongdoer) will marvel in forever as I worship the One who paid the debt on my account!

Just as Paul (the mediator) offered to pay the debt that Onesimus owed Philemon, so too Jesus has offered (and has!!!) paid the ultimate debt that I owe to God. In one short phrase in one little letter to one slave owner regarding one slave, we catch a glimpse into The Great Story of ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. Jesus is Great Mediator. Jesus is the Great Debt Payer. Praise the One who paid my debt!