Gospel Substitution

Thabiti Anyabwile:

In Philemon 17-18, Paul says to Philemon...

1. Welcome Onesimus just as you would welcome me.

2. And, charge me with the wrongs and debts you would charge Philemon.

Philemon would recognize the logic right away. It’s the logic beneath the same message that saved him. It’s not difficult to see the cross looming all over this exchange between these two “partners” in Christ. For the cross presents the exact same logic:

1. God treats us sinners as though we were Jesus. We get Jesus’ righteousness and spotless record.

2. God treats Jesus as though He were sinners. Jesus bears our guilt and debt of sin.