“Simul Justus et Peccator” is a statement attributed to the German Reformer Martin Luther, which means “Simultaneously righteous and a sinner.” The idea is not that a Christian is part-sinner and part-saint, like some kind of Eutychean confusion. Rather, at one and the same time the Christian man simply is holy and is also a sinner. He is sanctified by the perfecting blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:14). The old man has died (Ephesians 4:11-24) and he has been raised into the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). He is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), he is born again (John 3:3-7) unto newness of life (Romans 6:4). The heart of stone has been thrown to the wayside, and finally he has been given life (Ezekiel 36:26). He has died to sin that he might live to God (Romans 6:11), following the course of righteousness.
This is all 100% true. When the Bible is using these phrases, it is not embellishment nor hyperbole. They are statements of fact. Simple and plain truths. Therefore, the Holy Spirit calls us “saints”. Nothing can enter into the presence of God unless it is made holy, but with confidence we draw near to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16)—a promise which speaks to present reality. There is no need of future purgation (which is a made-up superstition) since I am already holy. And I am holy because Jesus’ blood has cleansed me.
Yet, I sin.
I have seen the purity and beauty of thy perfect law,
the happiness of those in whose heart it reigns,
the calm dignity of the walk to which it calls,
yet I daily violate and contemn its precepts.
“Yet I Sin”, Banner of Truth Trust, The Valley of Vision
As clearly as I can recognize and rejoice in my righteousness (not boasting in it as if it were for salvation, but rather as it is a fruit of God’s gracious work in me) I also perceive and mourn over that sins which yet remains. The Apostle Paul testifies:
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do not do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.”
Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)1
The conflict arises here because there truly is a real and actual desire to please God on his part. He does not want to sin, he really doesn’t. But then again, doesn’t he? For if he doesn’t want to sin, he could just stop. Therefore, that he sins shows that sinning is something he wants to do. But why want to do that which he doesn’t want to do? Why continue to partake in that which he abhors and which brings so much sorrow to his soul?
This is the contradiction of the Christian life. That a man is a saint as he is a sinner, and a sinner as he is a saint. There are two laws, or two “wants” inside of him. And daily they fight, seeking to take hold of him. But this war only exists because both “wants” are really there. If the only “want” he had was to sin, he could very easily relax. And so, we often see the wicked prosper, laugh, and rejoice in this life with length of days and miles of luxuries. It is the Christian man who really is concerned, who really is sober. Only the Christian is alive to these basic realities of life.
So often his soul is drawn to mourning and despair, as he cries out,
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
The despair and tears are real. But to mourn, and be poor in spirit are signs a man is blessed according to the Lord Jesus (Matthew 5:3-4). He will be comforted, and he shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
The Christian man lives with this contradiction, it is daily his battle. But he has hope. The Bible does promise a continuing work of God’s grace in perfecting the man’s life and granting him victory over sin. It is said that if he should walk after the Spirit, he will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). And so, when he needs to he confesses his sin to God, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive (1 John 1:9).
And so, his sorrow does not stay. But as the sun comes up each morning, so too are God’s mercies new and never ceasing. Great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Remember the promises of God, that the good work He began in you will be completed at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
Another popular understanding is that Paul is speaking of himself pre-conversion. I do not hold to this view, as in this passage Paul speaks about delighting in the law of God in his inner-being (verse 22) which cannot apply to the unregenerate. Furthermore, in speaking of his deliverance in verse 25 he continues to acknowledge the two laws at war within him.