⁴⁷ and that repentance [necessary] for forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

^4 [a]John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness].

³ And he went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin;

²⁸ for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many [as a ^[a]substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins.^(A)

⁴³ All the prophets testify about Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him [whoever trusts in and relies on Him, accepting Him as Savior and Messiah] receives forgiveness of sins.”

²² In fact under the Law almost everything is cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].

²⁵ whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] ^[a]sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion].