Scripture reminds us repeatedly that God regards the lowly (Psalm 138:6), and reserves His grace for the humble (1Peter 5:5). When we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand through confession of sin, God stands ready through His Word to exalt us in Christ, assuring us time and again of the forgiveness Jesus purchased for us by His death on the Cross. These Scriptural assurances provide real comfort and strength to God’s people, especially when delivered with pastoral warmth, and a lively faith.
Every Lord’s Day at Clearnote, a pastor (or elder) proclaims one of these Assurances to the people, following it up with the responsorial:
Pastor (or elder): Lift up your hearts!
People: We lift them up to the Lord!