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Apostle Paul, an educated man coming from a faithful Judaic home, realized what we read in the beginning of the tenth chapter of Romans: Israel did not attain salvation through their striving to fulfil the Mosaic Law. They were ignorant of the righteousness which is valid before God. By establishing their own righteousness, they distanced themselves from the righteousness of God which can only be attained through belief in Jesus Christ. This faith comes from the word of God, which is today, as before, proclaimed by the Apostles. For this reason, we, too, can say: “The word is nigh unto us, even in our mouth, and in our heart.” What does this mean? Firstly, that we believe wholeheartedly what the spirit says to the congregation, and also confess this by word of mouth. For this purpose, we sanctify ourselves for every divine service, so that we may come before the Lord with the right heart disposition. Our heart will then be:
– thankful, because we realize that the Heavenly Father wishes to bless us: God does not always allow what we have prayed for to come about. Are we thankful despite this? If we are, new sources of blessing and help are opened to us.
– loving, and believe those who first loved us: The love of Christ is also evident in the sending and commission of the Apostles to preach the gospel and the return of Christ to all the world, and to offer reconciliation to God.
– steadfast, in all temptations, and we will remain with the Lord: Amidst many divergent opinions that are expressed, Apostle Peter recognized: “… thou art the Christ, the son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Our recognition stems from the living faith: “The Lord is at hand!”.
– sensitive, so that we do not break the laws governing the fellowship: Moulded by the spirit and the love of God, we will avoid offending our neighbour and be sensitive to those things which can be to assistance.

Those who in the manner allow the word of God to be near to their heart, also find in their mouth. They feel compelled to praise God for the great things He has done for us. We certainly have enough cause for praising Him: e.g., Being made His children, the activity of the Apostles, comfort and strength from the Altar, forgiveness of sins, fellowship with the Christ through the Holy Communion, and the promise of the eternal life. Praising God already here on earth bring joys to the soul. This we wish to freely, openly and with sincere hearts confess, so that we may soon be redeemed and be able to join in with the great praise that will be given Him on His day.
“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.” (Revelation 19:1).