Who gave (yielded) Himself up [to atone] for our sins [and to save and sanctify us], in order to rescue and deliver us from this present wicked age and world order, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father– Galatians 1:4 (AMPC)
Under the old covenant in ancient Israel sins were not removed but covered by the blood of sacrificial animals. That’s what atonement meant then. That’s how people could have and walk in right relationship with God. It meant God was with and for them. He was their deliverer, healer, and blesser.
But under the New and Better Covenant that we are in right now, all of our sins have been not just covered but entirely totally blotted out by the Blood of Jesus Christ. This is atonement now. We are at-one-ment with God in Christ Jesus. We are reconciled with Him through Christ in His sacrifice on the Cross. No more guilt or condemnation. God is not only with but in and for us. He Himself is our Righteousness, Life and Peace.
