The Need of the Whole World

“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.’” Acts 2:37-39

What would you say is mankind’s greatest need? There are many living in war-torn countries who would reply: “world peace.” There are others who inhabit famine-stricken regions who would respond: “An adequate food and water supply.” There are others who live in substandard housing or rural poverty who would answer: “Improved economic conditions.”

Perhaps you have your own answer in mind. It may be “family harmony” or “racial equality” or “a stable work environment.” Suppose each of the problems listed here were somehow eliminated - peace came to the nations, the hungry were fed, the poor were elevated. What then would be mankind’s greatest need? The Bible declares the timeless answer. Mankind’s greatest problem - for every age, for every culture, for every man and woman - is the forgiveness of sin.

Poverty, hunger, war, injustice, discord, and every conceivable burden are the result of sin, beginning with Adam and Eve’s transgression and polluting each succeeding generation with its poison. Worse yet, each member of the human race is a sinner - guilty before a just, holy God with the terrible judgement of eternal death.

“...through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” Acts 13:38