THE TRIAL OF MANKIND
(Romans 3:9-26)

1. THE ACCUSED.

Rom. 3:9 "both Jews and Gentiles...all under sin"
Rom. 3:9-12 (Emphasize the words "none" and "all.")

 

2. THE CHARGE.

a. OUR CHARACTER IS SINFUL.

By nature: Rom. 3:10,11 "none righteous" Rom. 8:7.
By choice: Rom. 3:12 "all gone.. .none.. .doeth good"

b. OUR CONDUCT IS SINFUL.

In word: Rom. 3:13,14 "throat...tongues...lips...mouth"

In deed: Rom. 3:15,16 "their feet...their ways (whole life)"

In thought: Rom. 3:17,18 "way.. .not known" "no fear of God"

 

3. THE WITNESSES.

Rom. 3:9 says, "we have before proved," i.e., in Chapters. 1,2.
a. THE WITNESS OF CREATION.

Rom. 1:20 "creation...so that they are without excuse"
b. THE WITNESS OF CONSCIENCE.

Rom. 2:14,15 "their conscience also bearing witness"
c. THE WITNESS OF THE LAW.

Rom. 2:12 "shall be judged by the law"
d. THE WITNESS OF THE GOSPEL.

Rom. 2:16 "God shall judge...according to my gospel"
Each witness to us, if rejected, becomes a witness
against us. All mankind has had the testimony of Creation
and Conscience. The Jew's guilt is greater; he had these
two witnesses and also that of the Law. TODAY man's re-
sponsibility is greatest, for Gospel has been added also.

 

4. THE JUDGE.

Rom. 3:19,20 "all the world...before God...in His sight"
Man is not qualified to act as judge (Rom. 2:3,5).
God alone has the knowledge to give a just verdict, and
the power to enforce His decision.

 

5. THE VERDICT AND THE SENTENCE.

Rom. 3:19 "guilty." The justice of the verdict is apparent;

no defense is offered--"every mouth stopped." Matt. 22:12.
Rom. 6:23 "death." Sin is a serious matter. Ezek. 18:20.

 

6. THE EXECUTION.

Rom. 3:25 "Christ Jesus...a propitiation". In our stead He
paid the penalty for ALL the sins (#2) of ALL men (#1).
Isa. 53:6; John 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24.

 

7. THE SEQUEL.

God not only took away our sins. He also gives righteousness.
Rom. 3.22 His righteousness is placed on all who believe.
Rom. 3:24 His righteousness is declared ours (justification).