Simul Iustus et Peccator - Simultaneously Righteous and a Sinner

As Christians, we possess God’s righteousness as a gift (Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9), and we continue to possess a sinful nature and commit personal acts of sin (Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10).

Martin Luther understood this duality and coined the Latin phrase “simul iustus et peccator,” which translates as, “simultaneously righteous and a sinner.” Though Christians are declared righteous in God’s sight, sin will constantly be present (Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10), to varying degrees, depending on the status of the believer’s spiritual walk with the Lord.

“The believer is not only both righteous and sinful at the same time but is also always or completely both righteous and sinful at the same time. What does this mean? With respect to our fallen human condition, we are, and always will be in this life, sinners. However, for believers, life in this world is no longer a period of doubtful candidacy for God’s acceptance. In a sense we have already been before God’s judgment seat and have been acquitted on account of Christ. Hence we are also always righteous.” (Timothy George, Theology of the Reformers, 72)

I agree with the phrase “simul iustus et peccator,” that a Christian is “simultaneously righteous and a sinner.” I think a better phrase is “semper iustus et peccator,” that we are “always righteous and a sinner.” Both are true. Always. As a Christian, I am righteous because I have received God’s “gift of righteousness” (Rom 5:17). This is “the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith” in Christ (Phil 3:9).

God gave me His righteousness at the moment I trusted Christ as my Savior, and like all of God’s gifts, it can’t be given back, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29). As one who possesses God’s righteousness, I am forever justified in His sight. The matter is settled in heaven. God has made it so. After being saved, the issue for every Christian is to advance to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1), which glorifies God and edifies others.