Cast Down? Diagnosing Spiritual Discouragement (5)

(4g) Another cause of disquiet is, that men seek for their comfort in much sanctification, neglecting justification, relying too much upon their own performances. Paul was of another mind, accounting all but dung and dross, compared to the righteousness of Christ (Phil. 3:8, 9). Why did the apostles in the prefaces of their letters join grace and peace together, but that we should seek for our peace in the free grace and favour of God in Christ?
Those who hold salvation by works will always find some flaw even in our best performances. Thus, the doubting and misgiving soul comes to make this absurd demand, 'Who shall ascend to heaven?’ (Psa. 24:3). The truth is, if we believe in Christ we are as sure to come to heaven as Christ is there. Neither height nor depth can separate us from God's love in Christ (Rom. 8:39). But we must remember, though the main pillar of our comfort be in the free forgiveness of our sins, yet if there be a neglect in growing in holiness, the soul will never be soundly quiet, because it will be prone to question the truth of justification, and it is as proper for sin to raise doubts and fears in the conscience, as for rotten flesh and rotting wood to breed worms.
(4h) The neglect of keeping a clear conscience is another cause of a lack of peace. Sin, like Achan, or Jonah in the ship, is that which causes storms within and without. Where there is not a pure conscience, there is not a pacified conscience; and therefore though some, thinking to save themselves by justification alone, neglect sanctification and the cleansing of their natures and ordering of their lives, yet in time of temptation they will find that course more troublesome than they think. A Christian is a new creature and as far as he walks according to the Scriptures, peace is upon him (Gal. 6:16). Loose walkers who regard not their way, must expect sorrows instead of peace. Watchfulness is the preserver of peace.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Soul's Conflict with Itself, Works, vol. 1, pp. 138-39
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