668. That baptism was commanded is made clearly evident by John's baptizing in Jordan, to which Jerusalem and all Judea went out (Matt. 3:5, 6; Mark 1:4, 5); also by this, that the Lord our Savior Himself was baptized by John (Matt. 3:13-17); and finally that He commanded His disciples to baptize all nations (Matt. 28:19). Who that wishes to see it, does not see that there is something Divine in that institution, which has hitherto been concealed, because the spiritual sense of the Word has not before been revealed? And this sense is now revealed, because the Christian church, such as it is in itself, is just now in its very beginning. The former church was Christian in name only, not in fact and essence.