Luke 3:3
He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God].
Luke 1:77
And [you will] provide the knowledge of salvation to His people, by [granting them] the forgiveness of their sins
Matthew 3:5-6
[People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him,
Matthew 3:11
"I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows my [ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses
Mark 1:4-5
John [the Immerser] came immersing people in the desert and proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God].
John 1:28
These things happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River where John was immersing people. [Note: This was a different Bethany from the one just outside of Jerusalem].
John 1:31-33
And I would not have recognized Him, but I came immersing people in water so that He would become known to the Israelites."
John 3:26
These disciples went to John and said to him, "Rabbi, look, that man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan River [i.e., Jesus], whom you testified about, is immersing people and everyone is going to him." [Note: Actually, it was Jesus' disciples who did the immersing. See 4:2].
Acts 13:24
His coming occurred after John [the Immerser] had preached to Israel that those who repented should be immersed [as evidence that they had done so].
Acts 19:4
Paul [then] said, "John immersed people who [demonstrated their] repentance, telling them they must believe in Jesus, the One who would come after him."
Acts 22:16
So now, what are you waiting for? Get up and be immersed [into Christ], and have your sins washed away as you appeal to His name [i.e., to Christ's authority].'