Redeemed man is unarguably simul iustus et peccator in general (simultaneously justified and sinful), but not in the sense of Luther’s commentary on Romans 7:25. Perhaps simul iustus et gemens (simultaneously justified and groaning) per Romans 8:23 comports better with a new creation anthropology (Jer 31:31-34, Ezek 36:22-27) and leads to stronger assurance, better shepherding, and a more effective and encouraging path to holiness.
Simul iustus et peccator has described Protestant anthropology since the later Augustine, through the Reformers and John Owen, and up to the present with theologians like John Murray and Sinclair Ferguson. Per this anthropology, the unbeliever is not even able to desire to keep the Law, never mind keeping it. The unbeliever yields readily to sin without any resistance. Upon conversion, the believer, though now theoretically free from sin’s power, is free only to desire righteousness because in some way, the believer is still under the law of sin – i.e., Luther’s simul iustus et peccator, Calvin’s “half freedom,” and Owen’s “Indwelling Sin.” As a result of this anthropology, the line between unbeliever and believer has been blurred.
However, in fact, the line is not so blurred. Only the Lord knows those who are His (2 Tim 2:19), but a tree is still known by its fruit (Matt 7:15-20, Gal 5:19-24). Prior to conversion, an unbeliever cannot fulfill God’s Law, being dead in his sins with a heart of stone. According to Romans 7:13-25 and Galatians 5:16-18, he remains in the flesh, sold under sin (Rom 7:14), unable to do the right he wants to do (Rom 7:15-23, Gal 5:17), being a prisoner to the law of sin and death (Rom 7:23) until the Spirit sets Him free through conversion (Rom 8:2). Yet, according to new creation anthropology, the unbeliever can still desire to fulfill God’s Law (Rom 7:19, Gal 5:17). But when a person comes to Christ, he becomes a new creation, free to both desire and fulfill God’s Law, albeit imperfectly (Rom 5:12-8:17, 13:8-10). The believer begins bearing fruit for God by His Spirit (Rom 7:4-6, Gal 5:22-24) which distinguishes him from the unbeliever.
This anthropology will help believers be more assured of their salvation (1 John 3:19-22). In addition, pastors will be better able to help their congregants know the state of their souls, as true believers not only desire to obey God’s Law (Rom 2:12-16, 7:13-25) but actually fulfill that desire for obedience. They are doers and not merely deluded hearers (Rom 8:1-4, 13:8-10; James 1:22-25). Finally, this anthropology will enable believers to confidently mortify the flesh (Rom 6:12-14, 8:12-13; Col 3:5-19) without any hint of perfectionism as our sin clearly requires daily confession (Matt 6:9:11, James 5:16), intercession (Heb 7:25, 1 John 2:1-2), and groaning (Rom 8:23).
Thus, this paper will: 1) exegete Romans 7:13-25; 2) corroborate that interpretation with Galatians 5:16-18; 3) posit a new creation anthropology; 4) corroborate that anthropology with the Old Testament; and 5) show how this aids parishioner and pastor alike to build Christ’s holy church.