What role does the atonement play in justification?

The atonement of Christ is the means by which God's justice and mercy converge. Because Christ was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), His sacrificial work allows God to justly pardon the sins of those He has chosen. The act of atonement generously communicates that God does not simply overlook sin; instead, He justly punishes it in Christ and grants the sinner the righteousness of Christ in return. This profound exchange forms the basis for true biblical justification.