The Priesthood of All Believers: A House Church Reflection
- CHCMW Blog Edition Staff
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
Why do we gather at home in Jesus’ name? Not because we are disconnected from faith, but because we are returning to its most original form—rooted in faith alone, Scripture alone, and the priesthood of all believers.
1. Faith Alone — Sola Fide
Martin Luther proclaimed that a person is justified before God not by works, not by church office, not by religious status—but by faith alone (sola fide). This is drawn directly from Romans 3:28:
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Greek: λογιζόμεθα γὰρ δικαιοῦσθαι πίστει ἄνθρωπον χωρὶς ἔργων νόμου)
It is not a church title or priestly robe that grants authority to serve Jesus, but the righteousness that comes by faith.
2. Scripture Alone — Sola Scriptura
Luther emphasized the Bible—not tradition, councils, or papal decree—as the final authority for faith and practice.2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches:
“All Scripture is God-breathed... so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (Greek: πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος… πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἐξηρτισμένος)
This means even those without seminary training can be equipped—if they have the Scriptures and the Spirit.
3. The Priesthood of All Believers — Ἱεράτευμα Βασίλειον
Perhaps most often forgotten today, Luther boldly revived the truth that every believer is a priest, with direct access to God through Christ.
This is not a new idea—it is found in 1 Peter 2:9:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” (Greek: ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε γένος ἐκλεκτόν, βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, ἔθνος ἅγιον…)
This “royal priesthood” is not limited to clergy—it applies to all believers. Peter was echoing the Old Covenant promise in Exodus 19:6—now fulfilled in Christ.
Paul also affirms this in Romans 12:1 where he exhorts every believer to offer their lives as a spiritual act of worship—not just priests, but all the saints.
House Church and the Calling of God
When pastors or others ask, “Who in your family has received a calling?”, they may be forgetting that the call of God is not reserved for clergy.
Jesus said in John 15:16:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you…” (Greek: οὐχ ὑμεῖς με ἐξελέξασθε… ἀλλ᾽ ἐγὼ ἐξελεξάμην ὑμᾶς)
We are called by Jesus himself—not by institutions. The Holy Spirit anoints each believer, not just through ordination ceremonies, but in the inner witness of faith (1 John 2:27).
Encouragement for You
If you’re hosting worship in your home… If you’re praying together with your children or spouse… If you’re reading the Word and serving others in Christ’s name—You are walking in the priesthood of believers.
No robe, title, or building required.Just Jesus.And faith.And the Word.
Reflection Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that we no longer need to go through any earthly priest to reach You. Thank You for calling me Your own, for filling me with Your Spirit, and for making me part of Your royal priesthood.Help me to serve You boldly in my home, my family, and my neighborhood, not as someone unqualified, but as one You Yourself have chosen. Amen.