AUV(i)
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].
4 This was according to what is written in the book containing the words of Isaiah, the prophet [Isa. 40:3ff], “The voice of a man who speaks out in the desert [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on].
5 Every valley will be filled up and every mountain and hill will be leveled. And crooked [roads] will become straight and rough ones smoothed out.
6 And all mankind will see the salvation of God [i.e., become available to them].”