Why is the name 'Day of Atonement' a mistranslation of Leviticus 16?
The name is a mistranslation because the ritual was not a Day of Atonement for Israel; no atonement existed until Christ died. It should have been called the Day of Covering, since the Old Testament type only covered and pointed forward to Christ's final atonement.
Les explains that Leviticus 16's Day of Atonement beautifully pictures what John's Gospel and Hebrews present: Christ fulfilled every detail as our High Priest. The translators' name is unfortunate because it was not a Day of Atonement for Israel—no atonement was available until Christ died. It should have been called the Day of Covering. The tabernacle's types and propitiation were all fulfilled by Christ, who presented His blood. Now, if we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. We do not beg for forgiveness; we confess our sins, and He points to the blood, so no one accuses.