7 - Atonement 1 Introduction to the Atonement in the Small Plates of Nephi

Context of the discussion: Series on the doctrine and teachings of the Book of Mormon.
Key focus: The doctrine of the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Participants include:
- Professor Avram Shannon
- Professor Jan Martin
- Professor Eric Huntsman
Importance of Atonement: Considered a core doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Definition of Atonement: The term 'atonement' can be dissected into 'at one ment,' meaning to bring two entities into unity.
- The word has early origins, existing prior to William Tyndale's translation of the Bible.
Historical usage: Appearance of 'atonement':
- 13th-century writings.
- 15th-century use reflected an early understanding.
- 1517: Thomas More refers to 'atonement' in his historical narrative of Richard III.
Tyndale’s Contribution: Although he did not invent the term, Tyndale offered a theological perspective on atonement, contextualizing it as applicable to the Greek and Hebrew scriptures.
Book of Mormon's Role: The term appears 24 times, emphasizing its profound theological implications.
- Comparison with biblical texts: 69 occurrences in the Old Testament, once in the KJV New Testament, and a few in Doctrine and Covenants.
- Application: Atonement encapsulates all actions of Jesus making unity with the Father possible.

Atonement vs. Suffering: Understanding the term as perceived by different Christian denominations.
- Latter-day Saints view atonement comprehensively as Jesus’ fulfilling actions.
- Other Christians may view it simply as Jesus’ suffering and dying for humanity.
- The importance of theological nuances and context when discussing atonement.

Hebrew Root 'kaphar': The word means much more than reconciliation, emphasizing coverage.
- Example: In the Ark of the Covenant, the term relates to the 'mercy seat', which represents covering by the divine.
Imagery of Ransom: The connotation includes the 'price of ransoming a life,' effectively illustrating salvation through Jesus Christ.
Connection to Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, a central sacred holiday in Jewish faith, suggests the enduring significance of atonement concepts.

Individual Impact of the Atonement: President Nelson highlights the importance of viewing it as personal, rather than an abstract concept.
- Reference to Nephi's vision, emphasizing the condescension of God and the personal sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- The significance of the term 'condescension' reflecting divine humility and intervention in human affairs.
Nephi’s Vision: He sees the virgin and is asked if he understands the condescension of God, leading to deeper engagement with the nature of Jesus’ mission on Earth.

Second Nephi Chapter Two Conversations:
- Lehi teaches Jacob about the nature of redemption, asserting the diminutive role of human righteousness relative to the Redeemer's righteousness.
- The law's inability to justify: “by the law, no flesh is justified,” emphasizing reliance on the Messiah.
Sacrifice for Sin: Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice, addressing the broken-hearted and contrite spirits, paralleling human needs and desires for redemption.
Participation in Christ’s Sacrifice: Discussion of how believers are called to offer a contrite spirit similar to Christ’s offering.

Importance of the Law: Understanding the law of Moses is essential in context; while it is righteous, it does not save—faith in Christ does.
- Jacob's responsibilities as a priest involve his relationship with the law while emphasizing faith in Jesus Christ as the source of redemption.
The Law as a Map: A metaphor explaining that while the law helps show the path, it is ultimately a relationship with Christ that brings salvation.
- The necessity of grace and mercy in understanding salvation—not merely as a supplement to human actions but as integral to salvation itself.

Grace as Essential: The discussion highlights that even the most righteous (like Jacob) still fall short of achieving salvation without Christ’s atonement.
Atonement as Healing: Beyond sin, the atonement addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges, providing healing and wholeness.
- Each individual's struggles, including disability or chronic issues, are encompassed within atonement's reach.
- Jacob emphasizes God's goodness and the grace of the atonement in overcoming human shortcomings.

Physical and Spiritual Death: Jacob’s articulation of these concepts provides salvation through the atonement, showcasing its significance.
- Reference: “Save it should be an infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on incorruption,” addressing resurrection and redemption’s depth.
Redemption from Death and Hell: Jacob presents resurrection as essential for salvation, preventing eternal degeneration and the risk of becoming like the adversary.
Universal Impact of Resurrection: Emphasizes that resurrection, as a foundational aspect of faith, is universally granted through Christ’s atonement.

Call to Action: Jacob's concluding messages emphasize the need to choose God, turn from sins, and recognize the worth of spiritual nourishment.
- Urges adherence to commandments and personal introspection leading to a more significant, fruitful relationship with God.
- View of life as preparation for returning to God’s presence.
Reflection on Presence: Emphasizing choices made today in light of future encounters with God, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the atonement's impact on personal righteousness and spiritual trajectory.