Simul Justus et Peccator

Latin phrase meaning “at once justified and a sinner.” It is associated with Martin Luther and Protestant thought concerning salvation.
(Via An Episcopal Dictonary of the Church)

Romans 7:24–25 (The Message)

²⁴ I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? ²⁵ The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Saints & Sinners

Martin Luther describes Christians as “simultaneously saint and sinner.” This both/and approach is a distinctly Lutheran understanding of who we are in God’s eyes. Luther calls Christians “simultaneously saint and sinner” because he redefines “saint” as a forgiven sinner. We are called saints not because we change into something different but because our relationship with God changes as a result of God’s grace. Luther said: “The saints are sinners, too, but they are forgiven and absolved.” During my final year of college, I faced some difficult decisions. I sought advice from one of my professors, who was also a pastor. He said, “Remember that even if you make the right choice, you’re forgiven.” Wow! It’s easy to rely on ourselves, with forgiveness as an insurance policy in case we mess up. But this wise pastor reminded me that even on my best days, what matters most is not what I do or decide but that Jesus died for me. When I look at myself in the mirror, I always see the reflection of a sinner. But when God looks at me, he sees me through Jesus. My sin is covered with Christ’s own righteousness. Thanks be to God!

• Kathryn A. Kleinhans, “Saints & Sinners” Living Lutheran (2005)

Reflection & Prayer

How does it shape your understanding of “church” to know that the sanctuary is filled with forgiven sinners rather than perfect people?