2 Ne 1:15 I
am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love
Hugh Nibley
¡°To
be redeemed is to be atoned. From this it should be clear what kind of oneness
is meant by the Atonement--it is being received in a close embrace of the
prodigal son, expressing not only forgiveness but oneness of heart and mind
that amounts to identity, like a literal family identity as John sets it forth
so vividly in chapters 14 through 17 of his Gospel¡¦
¡°This
is the imagery of the Atonement, the embrace: ¡®The
Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am
encircled about eternally in the arms of his love¡¯ (2 Nephi 1:15). ¡®O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy
righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine
enemies!¡¯ (2 Nephi 4:33). ¡®Behold, he sendeth
an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them,
and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you¡¯ (Alma 5:33).¡± (Approaching
Zion, pp. 567, 559)