Though the heart is prevented - it is not yet healed

“The remission of sins has not been instituted in order that we may have permission to sin or that we may sin; it has been instituted in order that we may recognize sin and know that we are in sin, that we may fight against sin. A physician reveals an illness, not because he takes delight in the illness, but rather that the person who is sick may sigh and ask to be delivered from the illness. Indeed, the patient gets hope of health from his faith in the physician who gives him a promise. Thus in Baptism we, too, are translated from darkness into light and into the place where there is remission of sins.” Martin Luther - LW 30 - Catholic Epistles p. 245 CPH
Countless works are both self-prescribed and professionally prescribed, by which a person might be delievered from this particular sin illness or that. Many are successful in preventing this illness from manifesting itself in their lives, but not one of them is healed. As Luther says:
“Although such castigation's have their use, yet sins are not purged away in this manner. Although the heart is prevented from bursting forth, yet it is not healed. Sins are not forgiven because of application to works; they are forgiven when I call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because I believe that He is the expiation for our sins. This is the truth. But the devil does not let us remain on this road. He immediately brings up our works. Therefore let no one cleave to his own works. It is our nature to say: "I have sinned with a deed. Therefore I shall make expiation with a deed." The devil, who strengthens our error, is present. One must attack this sin with the promise that sins are remitted for His name's sake, as Ps. 25:11 ‘For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.’” Martin Luther - LW 30 - Catholic Epistles p. 245 CPH