Works are evidences of our justification, not causes. The only name graven upon the golden plate of Christ our High Priest must be, the Lord our Righteousness. Now that the judge himself should find out a way to justify us, and the creditor himself contrive a way to have the debt paid, and not distress the debtor, should fill us with wonder and love. Thou who neglectest justification offered thee freely by Christ in the gospel art this infatuated person. The necessity of being justified.
Peace can sweeten all our afflictions, it turns our water into wine.
Therefore labour for this justification by Christ. Comfort to the justified. They are not to be justified by their duties or graces, but by the righteousness of Christ. Their duties are mixed with sin, but that righteousness which justifies them is a perfect righteousness. God is so just and holy a judge, that having once justified his people he will never condemn them.