Mark 1:4-5 ⁴ John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ⁵ Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

John the Baptist’s ministry in the wilderness marked the beginning of the true reformation of Israel, the new era of blessing the prophets anticipated. Our Creator, as John taught by His baptism, does not save people based on physical descent; He redeems only those who repent and trust in His promises. We cannot rely on our church membership, our history of Christian service, or the faith of our parents in order to be saved. Instead, we will be redeemed only if we turn from our sin and place our faith in Christ alone for salvation.