SIMUL
SIMUL JUSTUS et PECCATOR
Both Saint and Sinner at the Same Time The Touchstone of the Reformation One of the most important Reformation doctrines is that of simul justus et peccator: the truth that we are indeed sinners, and yet we are declared righteous (saints) by God. While we do not find this actual phrase in Scripture, there are multiple passages in the Bible which present this truth and press it upon God’s people.1 As I begin writing, I first of all call upon the Holy Spirit to bless my thought and writing so that nothing I write contradicts God’s Word, even as I ask the Lord to bless those who read this presentation and that it helps them to correctly explain the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15b, NLT).
All Are Sinners – No One Does Good One of those passages that demonstrates this truth is Psalm 14:2-3, “The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt, not one does good, not a single one!” A very similar passage quoting nearly the same words can be found in Psalm 53:2-3, “God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all 42
