668. That Baptism was commanded is clearly evident from John's baptizing in the Jordan, to which all Judea and Jerusalem went out, Matthew 3:5-6; Mark 1:4-5. Also, the Lord our Savior was Himself baptized by John, Matthew 3:13-17; and moreover, He commanded His disciples to baptize all nations, Matthew 28:19. Any one may see, if he is willing to see, that in this institution there is something Divine, which has hitherto remained concealed, because so far the spiritual sense has not been made known. This has been revealed at this day, because the Christian Church, as it is in itself, is now just beginning. The former Church was Christian in name only, but not in reality and essence.
