John the Baptist was calling people to
repentance prior to being baptized. This involved:
* Acknowledging their sins: Recognizing and admitting their wrongdoing.
* Turning away from their sins: Making a conscious decision to change their behavior and lifestyle.
* Producing fruit in keeping with repentance: Demonstrating their changed hearts through their actions, showing genuine transformation.
* Confessing their sins: Openly admitting their sins.
His message was a call to prepare the way for the coming Messiah by reforming their lives and seeking forgiveness from God. He warned them about the impending judgment and urged them to live righteously.