John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
Mark 1:3-4
John the Baptist belonged to a Jewish sect known as the Essenes.
They were deeply focused on purity and being clean from sin. From them, emerged the idea of baptism by immersion.
The Essenes immersed themselves in water daily. It was a cleansing ritual.
Life and sin is a daily struggle. I must work every day to be clean from sin.
My problems and issues can easily overcome me. I have to rely on God to help me overcome and cleanse me.
My cry to God is the same as David’s;
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalms 51:7