The Rise of Human Authority — From Priesthood of Believers to Control of Conscience

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(The Great Falling Away, Part 7)

“You are not to be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.”
— Matthew 23:8, NASB1995

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From Shared Priesthood to Religious Tyranny

In the earliest Church, all believers were priests—filled with the Spirit, taught by Christ, and united in fellowship (1 Peter 2:9).

But as the centuries progressed, that shared spiritual authority was replaced by hierarchies, titles, and layers of control.

The goal became obedience to the Church, not obedience to Christ.

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How Conscience Was Captured

1. Clerical Elevation

• Bishops were elevated above the congregation
• Priests became intermediaries between God and man
• The laity were considered spiritually dependent and unqualified

2. Tradition Over Scripture

• Church tradition was declared equal (or superior) to Scripture
• Papal decrees became law
• Scripture was locked in Latin and guarded by clergy

3. Confession and Penance

• Believers were required to confess sins to a priest
• Penance (works) replaced repentance and grace
• Assurance of salvation became impossible without priestly involvement

4. The Eucharist and Transubstantiation

• Only priests could perform the “miracle” of turning bread and wine into Christ
• The Mass became a daily sacrifice for sin—controlled by clergy

5. Censorship and Persecution

• Anyone who interpreted Scripture differently was labeled a heretic
• Bibles were burned. Voices were silenced.
• Fear replaced freedom

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But Christ’s Word Still Stands:

“You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
— John 8:32, NASB1995

The Holy Spirit never relinquished His role. He still convicts, teaches, and leads every believer who abides in Christ.

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Reclaiming the Priesthood of All Believers

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood… so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him…”
— 1 Peter 2:9, NASB1995

The early Church didn’t rely on religious elites:

• They met in homes
• Taught one another in love
• Relied on the Spirit—not a central authority

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What Was Lost?

• Freedom of Conscience
• Access to God through Christ alone
• Confidence in salvation through faith—not sacraments

Instead, man’s word became binding, and Christ’s words became buried.

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Application for Today

Ask yourself:

• Do I rely on a religious system more than the Spirit of God?
• Am I personally seeking, reading, and obeying the Word?
• Have I allowed someone else to rule my conscience?

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Hebrews 4:16

“Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace…”