John's baptism marked a change in status from disobedient to obedient, the meaning of "repent & be baptised". Repentance is necessary for forgiveness. Baptism is a public confession of past sins & a vow of future obedience.
Baptism wasn't a new thing with John. It was an ancient tradition even then & integral to keeping Torah. Immersion was required by Torah for many normal life conditions & before entering the Temple. (See Leviticus 15-17, for example.)
(Mark 1:4-5)
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