In the book of Philemon, the apostle Paul was asking his dear friend and co-worker, Philemon, to accept Onesimus, his runaway slave back. Paul appealed to receive him, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother. He referred to him as his own son and heart. He acknowledged that he had been unprofitable, but said, perhaps, he departed for this purpose, that he would return forever. Paul wished Onesimus could have stayed with him, as he had been ministering to him during his imprisonment for the gospel, but he didn’t want to assume. In his letter, Paul asked if he would receive him as himself, a partner, and if he had wronged or owed anything to put that on his account. In his pleading for redemption, Paul said he, himself, would repay, and that his reception would bring him joy and refresh his heart as well. This is such a beautiful picture of grace! Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption through the blood of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Forgive in the Greek means to permanently dismiss, to liberate (free) completely, to release someone from an obligation, cancelling their debt. When we accept Jesus as Savior our sins are freely and “completely” removed at Jesus great expense. As we put our wrong on His account, He accepts us as His beloved child; Ephesians 1:6. All praise to Him! Grace truly is Amazing!
Grace is Amazing!
