Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

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Today we continue studying Alma and his sermon to the people in Zarahemla. We consider what we must do in order to continue receiving changes in our heart. We also reflect on the infinite and redeeming reach of the Saviour's love. 

Russell M Nelson: 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.’ (We might even surmise that if an individual qualifies for the blessings of the Atonement, through obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel, Jesus will ‘cover’ our past transgressions from the Father.) 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.’