The aim of the service of John was not repentance and baptism but faith in Christ. He knew that people hoped he would proclaim that he himself was the Christ. But he did not fall into temptation and prepared the way for the Lord. He knew that the coming Christ was the One who would baptize people with the Holy Spirit. John also knew that a psychological repentance in a human being is not enough, even if he gets baptized for the remission of sins. Rather, he knew that we all need a complete renewal of our inner being. God did not give him this authority to change hearts, just as he did not give it to any of the prophets in the Old testament.
Lakini hakuingia katika mtego huo, bali aliendelea kutengeneza njia ya Bwana. Alifahamu kwamba Kristo ajaye ndiye atakayewabatiza watu kwa Roho Mtakatifu. Yohana pia alijua kwamba, kutubu katika mawazo ya mwanadamu haitoshi hata kidogo, ingawa anabatizwa kwa ajili ya ondoleo la dhambi.