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1. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2. And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.3. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.4. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.5. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,6. And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.Matthew 3:1-6 John the cousin of Jesus, is by God sent to preach repentance from sin, and is the first to use baptism in his ministry. His ministry spoke of Christ, and His kingdom, to believe in Him, to turn away from sin. Repentance is a U-Turn, get it, you turn from sin, a walk away from it. In this process you vacate, give up, a place, given over to Satan, and now make room for Christ, His Pardon, and Forgiveness, you cannot seek forgiveness if you still hold tight to your sins. I have been through this personally. You have no power without Christ to stop sinning. It is His power, mercy, grace, His sacrifice, that has became victorious over sin. And you need Christ if you are to be a victor with Him. John's baptism was not a substitute for Christ, for our salvation comes from Christ alone. But it is a picture of dying to sin, like Christ suffered and died for the sins of all men, but few receive Him. Those who still enjoy sin, are far from understanding the mystery of Christ, His mission, and His love. Amen.