Why is the concept of Christ's atonement important for Christians?

The atonement of Christ is crucial for Christians as it is the foundation of our salvation. Christ's sacrificial death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, satisfying God's justice. Hebrews 9:26 states, 'once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away our sins by the sacrifice of himself.' This means that without His atonement, we would remain under the weight of our sins, separated from God. Furthermore, the doctrine of atonement assures us that God has actively worked to reconcile sinners to Himself through Christ, demonstrating His love and grace. Understanding this not only encourages our faith but also compels us to share the Gospel with others, knowing that salvation is available through faith in the Savior.