Mark 1 4

AMP Mark 1:4John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness (desert), preaching a baptism [obligating] repentance (a change of one's mind for the better, heartily amending one's ways, with abhorrence of his past sins) in order to obtain forgiveness of and release from sins.

NCV Mark 1:4John was baptizing people in the desert and preaching a baptism of changed hearts and lives for the forgiveness of sins.

NAS Mark 1:4John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.