ATONEMENT - PIVOTAL POINT IN HISTORY

I mentioned in an earlier post that the Nephites were living under the Law of Moses and many of their traditions as described in the Book of Mormon are more at home in Ancient Israel than modern-day America. Many Jewish converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have recognized these things as testimony of a translation of an ancient record.  

One theme I mentioned already is the Feast of Tabernacles. Another familiar theme that was likely familiar to the Nephites was the ordinance of atonement found in the Law of Moses.  In the link, Book of Mormon Central, there is a video* that quite fascinated me.  It is called Understanding the Day of Atonement: Yom Kippur.  I was amazed at how seriously Ancient Israel recognized and observed this most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. It took place five days before the Feast of the Tabernacles - Sukkot - so that Israel could be free from sin when they celebrated, with Thanksgiving, the blessing they received from the Lord.  Understanding them all together helps us see connections that ultimately prepare us for the Great and Infinite Atonement in our lives. The observance begins on the day of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana.  It is followed by ten days of self-reflection and repentance among the people.  The tenth day is Yom Kippur.

The Tabernacle and, later, Temple had three sections or degrees of Holiness: the Outer Court, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.  Before the high priest could enter, he had to ceremonially cleanse himself before he could represent all of Israel.

The ceremonial garments of the High Priests were described in great detail by the Lord.  Moses had the garment prepared for Aaron. Each item had symbolic meaning for Israel.  

On the morning of Yom Kippur, the priest wore this ceremonial garments and burned incense on the altar of incense. This altar was in the Holy Place in front of the veil.  The burning incense represented the prayers of the people to the Lord.

When this was completed, the priest laid aside his ceremonial robes, washed himself in the laver or basin in the court of the temple, and clothed himself in a pure white tunic, sash, and turban.  During the course of the ordinance, he would repeat this five different times.  He was now prepared to officiate in the Holy of Holies. He would first make and atonement for his own sins, and then the sins of all Israel. 

I love researching complex ideas through pictures.  I'd like to do that now.

There are three animals involved: a young male bullock and two male goats.  The priests draw lots.  One goat represents Israel; the other is called the scapegoat and in many ways prefigures Jesus Christ. 

The priest lays hands on the bullock and transfers his sins to the animal.

The bullock is ceremonially slain and its blood caught in a dish

The High Priest then enters the Holy of Holies through the veil

He takes a live coal from the altar and burns incense before the 

Ark of the Covenant.  The smoke fills the room and represents

the presence of the Lord

The priest leaves, then washes, and returns with the blood.

He sprinkles seven drops upon the Ark of the Covenant

to purge his own sins.

The priest then sacrifices the goal representing Israel.  He reenters 

the Holy of Holies and sprinkles the goat's blood on the Ark.

This is to cleanse Israel collectively for their sins.

All the sins of Israel are transferred to the scapegoat.  This innocent goat is

then turned out into the wilderness to die for the people's sins.

This is a strong symbol of what Jesus Christ would do for us all.

I don't know if the Nephites observed Yom Kippur or not (there is not mention of it in the Book of Mormon) but they certainly understood the concept of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is the single most important thing ever to happen in the Eternities.  I believe that is why King Benjamin spent so much time teaching his people about the Atonement.   With Jesus Atoning Sacrifice, He fulfilled the Law of Moses.  The veil in the temple was rent in two as God's children were reconciled to Him through the blood of the Lamb of God.  They rejoiced and looked forward to His coming as we now rejoice in His victory over sin and death and look forward with hope for Him to come again.

The Gospel is eternal and Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  How I love Him!

© Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson, April 2020

* Understanding the Day of Atonement