Faith Without Answers • Apr 27, 2026
Every Human on Trial Before God • Oct 18th 1987
Romans – The Play Part 1 – The Trial — Paul’s Case Against All Humanity
In this powerful teaching from the Romans 101 series, Gene Edwards presents one of the most memorable illustrations of the Book of Romans: a courtroom trial in which all humanity stands before God.
The story unfolds in a massive arena where every Jew and Gentile who has ever lived is gathered to be judged. The Jews choose to be evaluated according to the Law. The Gentiles choose to be judged according to their good deeds and bad deeds. Paul serves as the prosecuting attorney, presenting evidence before the court concerning the true condition of mankind.
Through vivid dialogue and dramatic courtroom scenes, this teaching walks viewers through the central message of Romans chapters 1–3. Paul first exposes the guilt of the Gentiles, showing that humanity has rejected the knowledge of God revealed through creation. He then turns unexpectedly and indicts the Jews, demonstrating that possessing the Law is not the same as obeying it. Ultimately, both groups stand equally guilty before God.
As the trial progresses, the audience discovers a sobering truth: no one can achieve right standing with God through moral effort, religious performance, or obedience to external standards. The courtroom illustration culminates with the devastating verdict that “there is none righteous, no, not one,” echoing Paul’s argument in Romans.
Yet just when all hope appears lost, a messenger arrives with astonishing news. Another way has been found—a way for humanity to be declared righteous before God. This dramatic conclusion prepares the viewer for one of the greatest revelations in Scripture: righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Whether you are studying Romans for the first time or have read it for years, this message provides a fresh and unforgettable perspective on Paul’s argument concerning sin, judgment, grace, and salvation.
This teaching is ideal for Bible study groups, house churches, discipleship gatherings, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Gospel message found in the Book of Romans.
“I will ask for absolute silence so that every person in this place may clearly hear God’s verdict upon each of you. And now I read the decision. It is God’s decision. It is God’s verdict.” He cleared his throat. “These are the words of God:
There is no one who is righteous.
No one who is wise.
No one who worships God.
All of you have turned away from me.
You have all gone wrong.
You all have done what is wrong.
And none has done what is right.
Not even one.
Your words are full of deadly deceit.
Wicked lies roll off your tongues.
Dangerous threats like snakes’ poisons come from your lips.
Your speech is filled with bitter curses.
You are quick to hurt and to kill.
You leave ruin and destruction wherever you go.
You have not known the path of peace.
Nor have you learned reverence for me, the living God.
There is none righteous. No, no, not one.”
At first, there was total silence. “That is the verdict,” said the judge grimly, his voice choking.
Then there were the slightest sounds of weeping, a moan, a cry, a wail. Then the whole arena seemed to rock with one mournful cry. Everyone was struggling to find his or her way to deal with the faults of their inevitable fate. But Paul took note of one person in particular in his reaction to the verdict. Raspusen had fainted dead away.
“It is time for the sentence. It is with great sorrow that I do this,” said the judge. “Even if a few of you had been found right in the sight of God, it would have made this moment a little less painful for all of us. It seems that living a good life was a poor place for man to pen his hopes. Obeying the law, worse still. Now let no man envy my position—that of passing sentence on the whole human race. Yet I really have no voice in this matter. This is the verdict of God Himself. Those of you who are Gentiles, you set up your own code of living a good life, and you failed your own standard. Those of you who are Jews, you set obedience to the law as your standard, and you have fallen short of your own standard. Each and all of you have undeniably failed.”
“Would you all rise?”
With those words, the entire population of humanity solemnly stood. Cries of sorrow, deep sobs, and convulsions of agony could be heard everywhere. The human race was now without hope. Judgment on all mankind had come at last.
“There is no hope for any of you. The way you chose has failed you, and you have failed the way which you have chosen. No human being is right with God. There is consequently no escape. There is no other way of salvation left to you—not to any of you. No salvation possible now.”
Therefore, as one appointed by the living God to execute His will, I must now sentence each and all of you to…
More from the archives
The Mystery of God • Apr 21, 2026
Jesus’ First 12 Years
Return to the Beginning • Apr 13, 2026