Solus Christus – Part 1: Christ Alone — No Priesthood, No Politics

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5 (NASB1995)

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Christ Is Enough

The early Church didn’t gather around a bishop, a priesthood, or an empire. They gathered around Christ alone.

He was their Shepherd.
Their Head.
Their only Mediator.
Their King.

They had no hierarchy. No altars. No state sponsorship. Just a risen Lord, and the Holy Spirit who exalted Him.

“He is our High Priest, our sacrifice, our God. We need no other intercessor.”
— Clement of Alexandria, c. AD 190

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The Simplicity of Christ-Centered Worship

In the Ante-Nicene era, churches met in homes. Leaders were recognized by character and gifting—not power or title. Their gatherings exalted Jesus:

• His Word was read and obeyed
• His name was confessed in baptism
• His body was remembered in the meal
• His Spirit moved among them without control

There were no titles like “reverend.” No power granted by religious office. The focus was not on the man behind the table—but on the Lamb who was slain.

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Why They Rejected Priesthood Systems

Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice ended the priesthood (Hebrews 10:11–14). But as the Church grew, power structures crept in:

• Bishops were elevated over congregations
• Church leaders began wearing robes and taking titles
• Authority became institutional—not spiritual

But the early Church resisted these changes.

“You are all brethren. Do not elevate one above another. Christ alone is Lord of His people.”
— The Shepherd of Hermas, c. AD 140

They knew that if Christ is truly the Head, no man can stand in His place.

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No Politics in the Kingdom

Before Constantine, the Church had no political favor. They were persecuted, not promoted. And that was a blessing.

Why?

• Because it kept their hope in Christ—not Caesar
• Because it purified their worship
• Because it protected the Church from worldly compromise

When the Church and state eventually merged, Christ was no longer enough. Power, politics, and position took center stage.

The early Church would have wept.

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Christ Alone, Then and Now

Solus Christus isn’t just about salvation—it’s about supremacy.

Is Christ truly:

• The Head of our gatherings?
• The Teacher of our hearts?
• The Judge of our motives?
• The Center of our worship?

Or have we replaced Him with:

• Church tradition?
• Personality-driven ministries?
• Political alliances?
• Religious performance?

The early Church said no to all of it—and yes to Christ alone.

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Kingdom Discipleship Reflection

• Is Christ the center of my faith—or have I elevated man-made structures?
• Do I follow leaders who point me to Christ, or to themselves?
• Have I confused patriotism or politics with Kingdom allegiance?

This week, read Colossians 1:15–20 and John 10. Let the Spirit reveal:

“Is Christ truly supreme in my life, my church, and my hope?”

“He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”
— Colossians 1:18