Confidence in Christ versus in our works...

We are disputing whether confidence is to be placed in Christ or our works.  If it is to be placed in our works, the honor of Mediator and Atoning Sacrifice will be withdrawn from Christ.  Yet we shall find, in God's judgment, that this confidence is useless.  From this confidence, consciences rush directly into despair.  If forgiveness of sins and reconciliation do not happen freely for Christ's sake, but for the sake of our love, no one will have forgiveness of sins.  He would only have it when he fulfilled the entire Law, because the Law does not justify as long as it can accuse us.  Therefore, it is clear that we are justified through faith, since justification is reconciliation for Christ's sake.  For it is very certain that forgiveness of sins is received through faith alone.
~BOC, AP, V (III), 36-37