Who Can Make Atonement?

Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” ³¹ So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. ³² But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” ³³ But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book."  (Exodus 32:30-33)

Alas, Moses could not make atonement for his people. Though he was their head; though he delivered them from Egypt, he could not deliver them from sin. Their guilt remained, as did their judgment - to be blotted out of God's book of life. 

No one could stand in their place. No one could atone for their sins, indeed, that was beyond even their own ability. For however much they might try to pay for their sins, they remained unrighteous and without hope.

Except...

Except that in  his mercy God does provide the Redeemer who is willing and able to make atonement for their sins and for all who will call upon the name of Jesus Christ, who is both God and man. There is no "perhaps" in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. His atonement is sure; the forgiveness he has won is sure; and those who trust in his name will never be blotted out of God's book.