How do we know that atonement is a crucial doctrine in the Bible?

Atonement, which literally means 'covering', is pivotal in Scripture as it represents how God deals with sin. The sacrifices of the Old Testament merely foreshadowed the true atonement made by Christ. Romans 5:11 highlights that we rejoice in God through Jesus Christ by whom we have received the atonement. This signifies that our sins are covered, and we have peace with God because of Christ's redemptive work. Without this doctrine, understanding our relationship with God and the forgiveness of sins becomes impossible.