The verb “atonement” (kpr) means “to appease, pacify, expiate.” It indicates the removal of sin so that the potential wrath of God is stayed. The result is that the worshipper is at peace with the Lord. Atonement was not made purely by the blood of an animal, but by what the animal represented in the Lord’s redemptive purposes. The Lord was able to declare forgiveness upon the worshipper because of his eternal decree that one day he would provide the perfect sacrifice. When the book of Leviticus was written, Israel did not know how these sacrifices foreshadowed the death of the Messiah. God did expect them to believe his Word and obey his prescribed ritual to find forgiveness.
4 He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.