“Simul Justus et Peccator”
At the same time: Righteous and Sinner
Those who are not “in Christ” have one nature, their natural flesh.
This does not only refer to skin and bones, but also the mind or “will.”
Their will is unredeemed, dead in sin, unable to please God, and unwilling to seek God. This mind is inclined only to sin and can in no way think, reason, or act in any capacity that God would find acceptable unto salvation.
To put it bluntly, the only thing the natural man can motivate a thrice Holy God to do on his behalf, would be to send the impenitent man to everlasting hell.
But for those who have been called by God out of darkness and into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, they are given salvation; a new mind and will, one that is inclined to godliness, one whose intention is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. This new will is given freely upon regeneration, “by grace, through faith, and that not of themselves, it is the free gift of God so that no man may boast”, and will remain with them throughout eternity.
Although the old will has been crucified with Christ, it still remains with the man for the rest of his earthly pilgrimage. This “old man” is no friend to the Spirit of Christ that has taken over the mind. The 2 natures do not live in a peace treaty, but rather, they are at war with each other until the moment of death when the old man is buried in the grave and in the grave it remains. .
The salvation of Gods people is NOT:
“to live in such a way that God would find them acceptable, and therefore allow them into His kingdom.”
On the contrary, upon salvation, the man is declared by God to be absolutely and perfectly righteous as God the Son, and can in no way, no matter how many good deeds done, be any more righteous and just as at the moment of salvation. The very righteousness of Christ is imputed, or “given” to the one whom God has saved.
The time of the believers life starting at salvation and ending at death is called “SANCTIFICATION.” It is during this time of sanctification that we refer to the believer in Christ to be, “Simul Justus et Peccator,” at the same time Righteous and Sinner.
Have you been born again? Has God changed your heart, mind, and will? Are you numbered among the saints, the “called out ones?” Has the fury of Gods wrath towards you been appeased through His Son? Or are you still dead in your trespasses and sins?
If you are still under Gods wrath, nothing in the created universe can save you. Good deeds won’t help your case, going to church will not save you, not even praying a prayer will save you. Your only hope to be found “Not Guilty” before the throne of God is to REPENT, acknowledge that your crimes against God are detestable, and believe that He is able to save you from His eternal fury which will be poured out on all those who do not believe in His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords! That is your only hope. It’s the best news you will ever hear.
