The necessity of the atonement

The word “atonement” in the Hebrew means literally “to cover”, and is translated in our Authorized Version by the following words: make atonement, purge, purge away, reconcile, make reconciliation, pardon, to be merciful, put off. Atonement includes the covering of both the sins and the sinner. To atone for sin is to cover sin from God’s sight so that it loses its power to provoke His wrath (Psalm 78 38; Psalm 79:9; Lev 5:18).

When the priest applied the blood to the altar, the Israelites were assured that the promises made to their forefathers would be realized for them. “

And when I see the blood I will pass over you” Exodus 12:13. 

What were the effects of the atonement or covering?

• Blotted out (Jer 18:23; Isaiah 43:25).
• Removed (Isaiah 6:7).
• Covered (Psalm 32:1).
• Cast into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).
• Cast behind God’s back (Isaiah 38:17).
• Pardoned (Psalm 78:38).