The life of sin and love of sin is in our nature; the law of sin is in our members and we are daily exposed to sin in our practice. Moreover, Satan attacks the peace of our souls. What can we do? If we deny his charge, and “we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Acknowledge his accusations we must. All in nature, reason and conscience unite to witness against us.
But shall this destroy the comfort of our minds, the hope of our souls and the peace of our hearts? If so, how small our knowledge! How feeble our faith! How weak our hearts in the grace which is in Christ Jesus! All the powers of darkness, all the curses of the law, all the accusations of sin, -- blessed forever, blessed be the grace of our God, -- cannot, shall not overthrow this soul-comforting, Christ-exalting, love exciting truth; this Man, even Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem and died at Calvary, He is our peace!
He hath made peace by the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20). The everlasting gospel proclaims it; the eternal law of love confirms it; by faith we receive the joyful news of it; by the Spirit our souls are made to enjoy it; by the word, the blessed Spirit stirs up our pure minds, by exhortations and examples, to look unto Jesus. Look away from every other hope. Turn from every other object. His name, His nature, His offices, His work, all speak peace to poor, guilty, self-condemned souls, whose only hope is Jesus. “The work of (Jesus’) righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of (His) righteousness quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32:17).