“Simultaneously righteous and a sinner.”

This Reformed Christian unisex tee from Calvinist Apparel carries Martin Luther’s Reformation paradox, simul justus et peccator, framed by a distressed white skull encircled by a sharp red crown of thorns, with scales of justice and a citation to Romans 4.

A Reformation paradox

Martin Luther coined the phrase simul justus et peccator, “at the same time righteous and a sinner,” to capture a central truth of the gospel: believers are counted righteous through Christ’s imputed righteousness, even while sin remains in them. Drawing on Romans 4, which speaks of righteousness credited apart from works, the phrase has become one of the clearest summaries of Reformation teaching on justification. This design puts that paradox on your chest: dramatic, historic, and impossible to miss.

The design

• Skull and crown of thorns: A distressed white skull encircled by a sharp red crown of thorns, a stark reminder of sin, death, and Christ’s suffering.
• Arched Latin phrase: “Simul Justus et Peccator” frames the top of the design, with the English translation below.
• Scales of justice: Icons of the scales point to the legal, forensic nature of justification.
• Romans 4:5–8 citation: Grounding the design in the Scripture it’s drawn from.
• Black background: A high-contrast palette that gives the whole design its weight.

A phrase with history

Martin Luther (1483–1546) developed the doctrine of simul justus et peccator as part of his teaching on justification by faith alone. It remains one of the clearest ways Reformed and Lutheran Christians alike describe how believers can be fully forgiven in Christ while still struggling against indwelling sin.

Details

• Classic unisex jersey short sleeve tee in soft 100% cotton
• Light fabric
• Retail fit; runs true to size
• Ribbed knit collar, taped shoulders, and dual side seams that hold the garment’s shape
• Printed direct-to-garment (DTG)

A great gift for

Reformed believers, pastors and seminarians, students of the Reformation, and anyone who wants a clear picture of the gospel.

Righteous in Christ.

FAQ

What does “simul justus et peccator” mean?

It is Latin for “at the same time righteous and a sinner.” It describes how believers are fully justified in Christ while still contending with sin.

Who coined this phrase?

Martin Luther (1483–1546) developed it as part of his teaching on justification by faith alone.

What does Romans 4 have to do with this?

Romans 4 describes righteousness credited to believers apart from their own works, which is the biblical foundation for the doctrine this phrase summarizes.

Is this a Reformed or Calvinist design?

Yes. Justification by faith alone is a core Reformed doctrine, and this design is made for Reformed Christians who want to wear that truth.

Who makes this shirt?

Calvinist Apparel, a Reformed Christian apparel brand based in Las Vegas, Nevada.