As President Russell M. Nelson taught in October 1996 general conference:
"Rich meaning is found in study of the word atonement in the Semitic languages of Old Testament times. In Hebrew, the basic word for atonement is kaphar, a verb that means 'to cover' or 'to forgive.' Closely related is the Aramaic and Arabic word kafat, meaning 'a close embrace'—no doubt related to the Egyptian ritual embrace. References to that embrace are evident in the Book of Mormon. One states that 'the Lord hath redeemed my soul … ; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.' Another proffers the glorious hope of our being 'clasped in the arms of Jesus.'"
"I weep for joy when I contemplate the significance of it all. To be redeemed is to be atoned—received in the close embrace of God with an expression not only of His forgiveness, but of our oneness of heart and mind."
The story of Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden and the coat of skins the Lord provided for them beautifully captures these definitions of the Atonement, showing how the Lord covered, forgave, and embraced Adam and Eve in a way that foreshadowed our Savior's sacrifice for us.
Learn how in this thought-provoking video by Daniel Smith from Messages of Christ below:
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Video Companion
Aprons of Fig Leaves and Coats of Skins
Lead image a screenshot from the video above
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Video Companion
Aprons of Fig Leaves and Coats of Skins