Simul iustus et peccator
Simul iustus et peccator ( German : at the same time just and sinner ) is a formulation of Martin Luther's doctrine of justification .
Relevant formulations in Luther's writings
The comparison of the terms "iustus" (just, righteous) on the one hand and "peccator" (sinner) or "peccat" (sins) on the other hand can be found several times in Luther's writings, namely - according to the Weimar edition - in the following formulations:
- "Simul Iustus est et peccat" '
- "Quod simul Sancti, dum sunt Iusti, sunt peccatores"
- "Semper peccator, semper penitens, semper Iustus."
The basic idea
The underlying basic idea of Luther first formulated in his Romans lecture from 1514/15, where he interpreted Rom 4,7 LUT : He explained that saints are always sinners in their own assessment and are therefore justified in God's assessment. Hypocrites, however, are always righteous in their own assessment, which is why they are always sinful in God's assessment. From this Luther drew the conclusion that both are righteous and sinners to God at the same time. With this simul iustus et peccator, however , Luther did not want to cancel the difference between saints and hypocrites, since only the saints who recognize their own sin would be justified by God's grace. However, they are only righteous because God does not charge them for sin and has given the promise to finally deliver them from sin. The saints are thus righteous in their hope, but in reality continue to be sinners. Hypocrites, on the other hand, are denied access to God's justice from the outset, so that they are really only righteous in their own perception.
background
Luther's teaching is based on scholastic theology , which he accuses of claiming that baptism and repentance completely remove both original and deed sin from man.