“He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.” (Leviticus 1:4)
There are three things to notice immediately in this verse. First, the idea of identification is present. The one making the offering lays his hand on the head of his sacrifice. Second, the idea of substitution is also present. His offering is accepted in his place. Third, atonement is accomplished. The ideas of identification, substitution, and atonement are crucial to the doctrine of salvation.