The drama of the courtroom has been entertaining by represented by the popular show, Perry Mason. Now we have the reality court room shows that many enjoy watching. We know there is drama and suspense in court room scenes. There are charges and counter charges and the testimonies of many witnesses and the determinations of experts in various fields that take place and arrest the interest of spectators. There comes a time when testimony has ended and the judge has to render a verdict. Guilty or not guilty, that is the question. If the verdict is innocent- freedom for the defendant; if guilty – the penalty must be paid.
We are going to enter a trial where God is Judge. All the people of the world are the defendants. The prosecuting attorney is the Gamaliel scholar, Apostle Paul. The charge against the world is that all men are guilty of breaking the law of God and the death penalty is demanded for every individual.
the first part we will hear is the accusation that all men are guilty of breaking God’s law. Secondly, we will listen to the plea of innocence presented by the defense counsel and consider the rebuttal of his arguments. Thirdly, we will five attention to the prosecutor as he lists evidence that substantiates his accusation. And now the trial is about to begin.
I. THE CHARGE OF GUILT
The prosecuting attorney, witha straight forward opening statement, declares that mankind stands guilty and deserves God’s wrath.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of smen, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them (Romans 1:18, 19).
A. Man’s Condition Described
The prosecutor does not mince words as he sets forth his portrayal of mankind. Men are ungodly and unrighteous. ungodliness is utter disregard of God, or living as if no holy God exists, man is not a morally responsible creature, and no final judgment awaits. The second descriptive word, “unrighteousness,” has reference to wickedness of conduct. it involves both self and others. It is the gratifying of self by the most degraded practices, and serving self even when it means trampling upon the rights and welfare of other people. Man is godless, in that he does not honor his Creator; unrighteous in relation to his fellow men.
B. man’s guilt declared
The “Apostle Paul, continuing his indictment of humanity, points out that men are not only desperately wicked, but are also resonsible for their sad plight. That is why God is angry with them. In Fact, His wrath against ungodly and wicked conduct is revealed from Heaven. Yes, even those who have never received the special revelation from God can observe, if they only will, that sin results in punishment. Furthermore, paul charges men with “holding down” the truth in unrighteousness. in their wickedness, they suppress the truth, resolutely refusing to acknowledge themselves as morally responsible creatures accountable to a holy God. Thus, within the compass of one long sentence (Romans 1:18, 19), Paul describes man’s deplorable condition and declares his unmistakable guilt before God.
Next we will consider the “Plea of Innocence
