70 – In Christ, We Are Both Saints and Sinners: Simul Justus et Peccator

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Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 5: Spiritual vs. Physical Realities

1. Introduction

One of the most profound and debated paradoxes in Christian theology is the simultaneous reality that believers are declared righteous in Christ yet still wrestle with sin. Martin Luther captured this tension with the Latin phrase simul justus et peccator—“at the same time righteous and a sinner.” Scripture proclaims the holiness of the believer while acknowledging ongoing moral struggle. This paradox lies at the heart of justification, sanctification, and Christian identity.

2. Scriptural Foundations

2.1 Declared Saints

  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 – “To them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…”
  • Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
  • Colossians 1:22 – “Holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.”

2.2 Still Sinners

  • 1 John 1:8 – “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
  • Romans 7:19–25 – Paul describes his inner struggle with sin even as a regenerate man.
  • Galatians 5:17 – The flesh wars against the Spirit.

3. Theological Significance

This paradox affirms that:

  • Justification is instantaneous and declarative—believers are counted righteous before God.
  • Sanctification is progressive and experiential—believers are being made righteous in life.
  • Believers live in a tension between the “already” of salvation and the “not yet” of perfection.

4. Paradox Explained

Declared StatusOngoing Experience
Righteous in ChristStruggling with sin in the flesh
Holy in identityWeak and stumbling in daily life
Accepted by GodIn need of daily repentance and renewal

5. Christ as the Mediator

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “He hath made him to be sin for us… that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
  • Christ’s perfect righteousness is imputed to the believer, securing their status as saints,
  • His ongoing priestly intercession (Hebrews 7:25) sustains us in our daily battle with sin.

6. Historical Theological Reflections

6.1 Augustine

  • Affirmed human depravity and divine grace—conversion brings new birth, not instant perfection.

6.2 Martin Luther

  • Coined simul justus et peccator to describe the dual identity of believers.
  • Justification is forensic and external, while sanctification develops internally.

6.3 John Calvin

  • Highlighted the ongoing mortification of sin and the role of the Spirit in progressive sanctification.
  • Christians are on a journey of being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

7. Practical Devotional Implications

  • Believers should neither despair in weakness nor boast in holiness.
  • Daily repentance is a normal part of spiritual maturity (Psalm 51).
  • Grace produces both assurance and humility.

8. Pastoral and Ecclesial Applications

  • Church discipline must hold both truths: saints who still sin.
  • Discipleship involves nurturing holiness while bearing with spiritual immaturity.
  • Worship is both celebration and confession.

9. Missional and Ethical Dimensions

  • Authentic Christian witness embraces brokenness and restoration.
  • We proclaim Christ not as moral achievers but as redeemed sinners pointing to grace.
  • Ethical formation is a Spirit-led process, not instant perfection.

10. Summary Table

ParadoxDoctrinal Resolution
Righteous in position, sinful in natureJustified by faith, being sanctified by grace
Holy saints, yet morally frail peopleIndwelt by Spirit, still battling flesh
Free from condemnation, not from struggleLive by grace through faith

11. Conclusion

The Christian life is not marked by sinless perfection, but by humble progress under grace. The paradox that we are both saints and sinners drives us to Christ daily. We live justified before God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, yet in honest recognition of our weakness and need for continual sanctification. This tension invites both confidence in salvation and urgency in transformation.

References

  • The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
  • Augustine. Confessions
  • Luther, M. Commentary on Galatians
  • Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
  • Packer, J.I. Knowing God
  • Sproul, R.C. The Holiness of God
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