Freemasonry
Introduction. Some of the strongest opposition that my teaching has received has been by Masons. Also, some of the most unusual teaching efforts have been in the climate of Masonry. I say this because Masons often deny doctrinal assignments and, yet, they maintain that they have taken an oath of secrecy; therefore, they cannot discuss the matter. However, the mystique and esoteric nature of Freemasonry has long ago been disclosed. One authority relative to Freemasonry wrote:
In 1970, there were an estimated four million Masons in the United States comprising the order of Freemasonry (A New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, pg. 34). Many believe that during the last ten years, Freemasonry has experienced a revival; therefore, the present numbers are probably much greater.
Some view Freemasonry as simply an innocent fraternal order made up of men who simply are attempting to benefit humanity without any effort to compose a religious order, as such; much less, a religious order that is replete with false doctrine and idolatrous practices and views of God. There are a number of recognized works one can consult to ascertain the basic nature and tenets of Freemasonry. Works such as Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, Morals and Dogma, the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, and Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor. Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor contains the rites and ceremonies of the first seven degrees of the York Rite of Freemasonry. Morals And Dogma of the Ancient And Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry was written by Albert Pike, a thirty-third degree Mason. Albert G. Mackey, who was also a thirty-third degree Mason, and probably the greatest Freemason scholar of all time, authored the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. These works are viewed as authoritative and accurate in setting forth the beliefs and practices of Freemasonry and they, together with other works, shall be used to succinctly present Freemasonry from a biblical perspective.
The origin of Freemasonry. Tracing and establishing the precise inception of Freemasonry is difficult, if not impossible. One thing we do know, Freemasonry is not as ancient as some of the proponents of Freemasonry want us to believe. One thing used to confuse is operative Masonry is admittedly ancient (stone craft) and some deliberately confuse operative Masonry with modern speculative Freemasonry. Consider the following statement from Albert Pike:
One reason Freemasonry is difficult to trace back in time is because many of its conceptual views and practices are commonly seen as characteristic of a number of pagan religions (the symbolism, rites, etc.). However, many historians site the year 1717 A.D. as an important year relative to Freemasonry (the York Rite). The year 1717 is actually sited by some as the official introduction of Freemasonry. However, it could be that 1717 marked the convergence of certain doctrines that came to be what we know as Freemasonry, this writer's observation. Regardless, it is evident that Freemasonry does not go back to the time of Solomon and Moses, as some claim. Moreover, ancient and pristine Christianity knows nothing of Freemasonry (see addendum). Esteemed Masonic scholar Albert Mackey wrote:
The purpose of the lodge. Every active Mason is a member of a specific lodge. There are many local lodges and then there are Grand Lodges that are over the subjected lodges (each state has a Grand Lodge). In the New Testament, we read of local churches that were totally autonomous and overseen by the presiding elders (1 Cor. 1: 2, Rom. 16: 16; Acts 14: 23, 1 Pet. 5: 2ff.). The church has Jesus as her head and is totally in subjugation to Jesus' authority (Eph. 1: 22, 23). Those who contend that Freemasonry is not a religion would have to view the lodge (“lodge” is used of the building and the Masons in a geographic area who are members of that lodge) as simply a place where men gather for humanitarian or educational reasons. Please consider the following:
Based on the purpose and activities conducted in the local lodge, it would appear to most discerning people that Freemasonry is a religion. We saw this in view of the role of public prayer, the “sacred purpose” of the lodge meetings, and “the name and attributes of God are a constant theme” in the meetings.
Freemasonry a religion. I recall as a young boy an issue arising in the Primitive Baptist Church in which I was “brought up.” A couple wanted to “move their letter” and the men of the church had a problem. A meeting of the men was called and since it was viewed as a very consequential meeting, the woman and young people were invited. I eagerly attended with my mother and grandmother (I always wanted to learn and observe situations). The preacher stated the desire of the couple to have their letter accepted (join) and then stated that he (the man) was an active Mason. The pursuant discussion emphasized the fact that the man was already a member of a religion and that the Primitive Baptist Church did not normally accept people who were concurrently members of another religion. A vote was taken (the Primitive Baptist way of doing things) and the majority voted to refuse to recognize the letter.
Masonry is a philosophy in that it inculcates philosophic principles. Masonry is a philanthropic order because it renders charitable acts. Masonry is philosophic and philanthropic in its essential organizational teaching, I might add. Is Masonry, though, a religion? Let us consider a standard definition of “religion” as offered by the Random House College Dictionary:
Masonry (York and Scottish Rites) certainly has a decided view of a Supreme Being and offers this teaching regarding the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe as necessary doctrine to the initial and continued acceptance of all constituents of Masonry. Masonry engages in what could be called devotion in their ceremonies. Also, Masonry as an entity stresses the observance of moral principles and purports to make man better fitted to serve the “Divine Architect of the Universe” and secure an everlasting place with Him.
As seen, The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Morals and Dogmas are two esteemed works. Consider what these works say as to whether or not Masonry is a religion:
I would point out that the Baptist Church is a religion. As an entity, the Baptist Church purports to corporately worship God, set forth religious doctrine, and make man better suited to serve and be with his God. The acts performed in the Baptist Church (their assemblies) are religious. Hence, just because one might say, “The Baptist Church is not a religion” does not make it so. Masonry as an entity, purports to corporately worship God, set forth religious doctrine, and make man better suited to serve and be with his God. The acts performed in Masonic lodges (their assemblies) are religious. Hence, just because one might say, “Masonry is not a religion,” does not make it so! In fact, Freemasonry has three essential characteristics that constitute Freemasonry having religious status. The three are corporate religious worship, a redeemer (khurim), and a creed.
Freemasonry is an amalgamated religion that emphasizes ecumenical practices, based on the following:
Freemasonry is not only a religion in definition and practice, but Freemasonry is a religion that accepts and is made up of all religions, regardless of manifest incongruity in doctrine. The deity of Masonry is G. A. O. T. U. G. A. O. T. U. stands for “Great Architect of the Universe.” Based on a study of Masonry, one determines that the G. A. O. T. U of Masonry is not the God of the Bible. Masonry accepts Brahman (god of the Hindu Religion) and Allah (god of Muslim Religion). Freemasonry also accepts those who do not accept the deity of Jesus. Consider the following quotation:
Freemasonry, a system of symbolism. The teachings of Freemasonry are imparted by the use of symbolism.
Regarding Masonry, there are two classifications: the operative and the speculative. Masonry purports to trace its roots all the way back to the stone masons who built the Solomonic Temple. The stone mason, reason they, used the physical compass, square, and twenty-four-inch gauge and gavel. They also used the plumb line, the trestle-board, and the level. Speculative Masonry (the Masonry of today) assigns symbolic meanings to these tools and attempts to metaphysically inculcate moral truths.
The seeker entering the Fellow Craft degree of Masonry is instructed:
Masonry cannot exist without its symbolism. Please read the claim for yourself:
In Freemasonry, the speculative meaning of the twenty-four-inch gauge and gavel is measuring time and purity of heart. The square stands for morality, the plumb for honesty, the level for the equality of men, and the trowel symbolizes brotherly love. Notwithstanding, Christianity is the true source of purification, morality, honesty, equality, and brotherly love (2 Cor. 7: 1; Gal. 2: 14; 2 Pet. 1: 5-11; Acts 10: 34, 35; 2 Pet. 1: 5-11).
The non-Mason is pictured by Freemasonry as ignorant and lost. Can you imagine even for a moment a Christian who has been set free and has knowledge conforming to such in order to enter the first degree of Freemasonry? Yet, such is taught in the symbolism of Freemasonry.
The Christian has been purified by being washed in Jesus' blood (Matt. 26: 28, Acts 2: 38). Notwithstanding, Freemasonry in the ritual of the first degree views all none members as stained and flawed. Regarding the symbolism of the lamb-skin apron we read:
When one attends a Masonic funeral, one expects to hear the deceased Mason preached into heaven due to his Masonic connection: The Mason expects to be saved in heaven following the resurrection due to the life he has lived as a Mason. The following constitutes the common Masonic prayer heard at the funeral service of a Mason:
Freemasonry competes with Christianity. Back to the matter of the Mason wanting to move his letter to the Primitive Baptist Church: One objection that was raised by the Primitive Baptist Church in the matter of accepting the Mason into the fellowship of the Baptist Church was that Freemasonry was not only another religion but it was also a competing religion. Please consider scholar Lightfoot's comments:
Jesus the Son of God shed his blood to purchase his church (Acts 20: 28, Matt. 16: 18, 19). In Jesus, one has redemption, all spiritual blessings, and salvation (Eph. 1: 7; 3; 2 Tim. 2: 10). There is no institution, therefore, comparative to the Lord's church. Yet, regarding the Masonic Lodge the claim is made, “. No institution was ever raised on a better principle or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down, than are inculcated in every Masonic degree.”
Freemasonry not only competes with Christianity, but it belittles the creed Book of Christianity, the Bible, making it comparable to the Koran and Vedas and positions Jesus beside Confucius and Zoroaster.
Freemasonry views itself as utterly essential to knowledge and light and offers no salvation outside of Masonry.
The use of religious titles. The Christian is taught by the Bible to avoid religious titles (Matt. 23: 9). Only God deserves such an appellative as “reverend” (cp. Ps. 111: 9). Yet, the Mason who is the head of the Blue Lodge is called the “Worshipful Master.”
It is indisputable to the thinking person that Freemasonry is a religion, a competing religion, and a religion that is replete with all sorts of symbolism, beliefs, and practices that are not only contradictory to Bible teaching, but many of them originated in the benighted pagan world. Freemasonry belittles the Bible and the God of the Bible. Freemasonry is the epitome of the ecumenical posture and ultimate compromise. Freemasonry goes beyond the teaching of Jesus and the scriptures; thus, no salvation is found in Freemasonry (2 Jn. 9-11). Freemasonry makes a mockery out of the true light offered by Jesus and makes a false claim in its ability to provide salvation and an ultimate dwelling place with the “Great Architect of the Universe.” The oaths and symbolism associated with Freemasonry are repulsive to the knowledgeable Christian. Paul taught, “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5: 10, 11).
Before entering the Lodge as an Apprentice or First degree and prior to advancing to each of the subsequent degrees, the candidate must agree to take certain oaths. These oaths that pledge the taker to secrecy and proper conduct toward Masonic brothers are spiritually objectionable. Can you imagine a Christian taking the following oaths?
How unthinkable it is to take such an oath of secrecy in view of the command to “prove all things” and be able to provide an answer of defense (1 Thes. 5: 21; 1 Pet. 3: 15). I knew one Christian who suffered withdrawal action against him and ended up splitting the church because he had taken an oath of secrecy and could not discuss his Masonic involvement with his brethren in Christ!
Relative to the Second Degree, the candidate makes the following vow:
Conclusion. Freemasonry, just like all false religion, offers a claim that it cannot deliver, salvation outside of Jesus (Acts 4: 12), 10, 11). It is my hope and prayer that this brief study of Freemasonry will cause others to not join it and all Christians who are Freemasons to renounce it.
Addendum. In London, England, in February of 1717, four struggling Lodges reportedly met to form the Grand Lodge of England. This formation is termed by Masonic scholars and historians as a “revival of Freemasonry” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 3. ed., Vol. 2, pg. 854). This claim of revival was itself challenged by some Masonic writers of the 19th century. W. P. Buchan, a frequent writer in the London Freemason (1871-1872), attacked the antiquity of Freemasonry by refusing to extend its existence prior to 1717. He stated that “our system of degrees, words, grips, signs, etc., was not in existence until about 1717 A.D.” (Ibid)
- “Freemasonry alone has no secret doctrine. Its philosophy is open to the world. Its modes of recognition by which it secures identification and its rites and ceremonies which are its method of instruction, alone are secret. All men may know the tenets of the Masonic creed.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Mackey, One Volume edition, p. 799).
In 1970, there were an estimated four million Masons in the United States comprising the order of Freemasonry (A New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, pg. 34). Many believe that during the last ten years, Freemasonry has experienced a revival; therefore, the present numbers are probably much greater.
Some view Freemasonry as simply an innocent fraternal order made up of men who simply are attempting to benefit humanity without any effort to compose a religious order, as such; much less, a religious order that is replete with false doctrine and idolatrous practices and views of God. There are a number of recognized works one can consult to ascertain the basic nature and tenets of Freemasonry. Works such as Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, Morals and Dogma, the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, and Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor. Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor contains the rites and ceremonies of the first seven degrees of the York Rite of Freemasonry. Morals And Dogma of the Ancient And Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry was written by Albert Pike, a thirty-third degree Mason. Albert G. Mackey, who was also a thirty-third degree Mason, and probably the greatest Freemason scholar of all time, authored the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. These works are viewed as authoritative and accurate in setting forth the beliefs and practices of Freemasonry and they, together with other works, shall be used to succinctly present Freemasonry from a biblical perspective.
The origin of Freemasonry. Tracing and establishing the precise inception of Freemasonry is difficult, if not impossible. One thing we do know, Freemasonry is not as ancient as some of the proponents of Freemasonry want us to believe. One thing used to confuse is operative Masonry is admittedly ancient (stone craft) and some deliberately confuse operative Masonry with modern speculative Freemasonry. Consider the following statement from Albert Pike:
- “It sits apart from all sects and creeds, in its own calm and simple dignity, the same under every government. It is still that which it was in the cradle of the human race, when no human foot had trodden the soil of Assyria and Egypt, and no colonies had crossed the Himalayas into Southern India, Media, or Etrusia.” (Morals and Dogma, Pike, pg. 153).
One reason Freemasonry is difficult to trace back in time is because many of its conceptual views and practices are commonly seen as characteristic of a number of pagan religions (the symbolism, rites, etc.). However, many historians site the year 1717 A.D. as an important year relative to Freemasonry (the York Rite). The year 1717 is actually sited by some as the official introduction of Freemasonry. However, it could be that 1717 marked the convergence of certain doctrines that came to be what we know as Freemasonry, this writer's observation. Regardless, it is evident that Freemasonry does not go back to the time of Solomon and Moses, as some claim. Moreover, ancient and pristine Christianity knows nothing of Freemasonry (see addendum). Esteemed Masonic scholar Albert Mackey wrote:
- “Many years of subsequent research have led me greatly to modify the views I had previously held. Although I do not rank myself among those modern iconoclasts who refuse credence to every document whose authenticity, if admitted, would give to the order a birth anterior to the beginning of the last century, I confess that I cannot find any incontrovertible evidence that would trace Freemasonry, as now organized, beyond the Building Corporations of the Middle Ages.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 3,. Cp. Vol.1, pg. 87).
The purpose of the lodge. Every active Mason is a member of a specific lodge. There are many local lodges and then there are Grand Lodges that are over the subjected lodges (each state has a Grand Lodge). In the New Testament, we read of local churches that were totally autonomous and overseen by the presiding elders (1 Cor. 1: 2, Rom. 16: 16; Acts 14: 23, 1 Pet. 5: 2ff.). The church has Jesus as her head and is totally in subjugation to Jesus' authority (Eph. 1: 22, 23). Those who contend that Freemasonry is not a religion would have to view the lodge (“lodge” is used of the building and the Masons in a geographic area who are members of that lodge) as simply a place where men gather for humanitarian or educational reasons. Please consider the following:
- “7. It is a lesson, which every Mason is taught at one of the earliest points of his initiation, that he should commence no important undertaking without first invoking the blessings of Deity -- hence the next step in the progress of the opening ceremonies is to address a prayer to the Supreme Architect of the Universe. This prayer, although offered by the Master, is to be participated in by every brother, and, at its conclusion, the audible response of 'So mote it be' should be made by all present. 8. The Lodge is then declared, in the name of God and the Holy Saints John, duly opened. A Lodge is said to be opened in the name of God and the Holy Saints John as a declaration of the sacred purpose of our meeting; of our profound reverence for that Divine Being whose name and attributes should be the constant theme of our contemplation, and of our respect for those ancient patrons whom the traditions of Masonry have so intimately connected with the history of the Institution.” (Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, pg. 2).
Based on the purpose and activities conducted in the local lodge, it would appear to most discerning people that Freemasonry is a religion. We saw this in view of the role of public prayer, the “sacred purpose” of the lodge meetings, and “the name and attributes of God are a constant theme” in the meetings.
Freemasonry a religion. I recall as a young boy an issue arising in the Primitive Baptist Church in which I was “brought up.” A couple wanted to “move their letter” and the men of the church had a problem. A meeting of the men was called and since it was viewed as a very consequential meeting, the woman and young people were invited. I eagerly attended with my mother and grandmother (I always wanted to learn and observe situations). The preacher stated the desire of the couple to have their letter accepted (join) and then stated that he (the man) was an active Mason. The pursuant discussion emphasized the fact that the man was already a member of a religion and that the Primitive Baptist Church did not normally accept people who were concurrently members of another religion. A vote was taken (the Primitive Baptist way of doing things) and the majority voted to refuse to recognize the letter.
Masonry is a philosophy in that it inculcates philosophic principles. Masonry is a philanthropic order because it renders charitable acts. Masonry is philosophic and philanthropic in its essential organizational teaching, I might add. Is Masonry, though, a religion? Let us consider a standard definition of “religion” as offered by the Random House College Dictionary:
- “1. A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies usually involving devotional and ritual observances and often specific and institutionalized set of beliefs and practices.... 6. The practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith....” (pg. 1114).
Masonry (York and Scottish Rites) certainly has a decided view of a Supreme Being and offers this teaching regarding the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe as necessary doctrine to the initial and continued acceptance of all constituents of Masonry. Masonry engages in what could be called devotion in their ceremonies. Also, Masonry as an entity stresses the observance of moral principles and purports to make man better fitted to serve the “Divine Architect of the Universe” and secure an everlasting place with Him.
As seen, The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Morals and Dogmas are two esteemed works. Consider what these works say as to whether or not Masonry is a religion:
- “Masonry, then, is indeed, a religious institution; and on this ground mainly, if not alone, should the religious Mason defend it.” (Ency. Of Freemasonry, pg. 729).
- “Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion and its teachings are instruction in religion. Here we meet as brethren, to learn to know and love each other. This is the true religion revealed to the ancient patriarchs; which Masonry has taught for many centuries, and which it will continue to teach as long as time endures.” (Morals and Dogmas, pg. 213, 214.)
- “On the contrary I contend, without any sort of hesitation, that Masonry is, in every sense of the word, except one, and that its least philosophical, an eminently religious institution - that it is indebted solely to the religious element which it contains for its origin and for its continued existence, that without this religious element it would scarcely be worthy of cultivation by the wise and good.” (Ency. of Freemasonry, pg. 727.)
- “The tendency of all true Masonry is towards religion. If it makes any progress, its progress is to that holy end. Look at its ancient landmarks, its sublime ceremonies, its profound symbols and allegories – all inculcating religious doctrines, commanding religious observance, and teaching religious truth, and who can deny that it is eminently a religious institution? (Ency. of Freemasonry, pg. 728.)
I would point out that the Baptist Church is a religion. As an entity, the Baptist Church purports to corporately worship God, set forth religious doctrine, and make man better suited to serve and be with his God. The acts performed in the Baptist Church (their assemblies) are religious. Hence, just because one might say, “The Baptist Church is not a religion” does not make it so. Masonry as an entity, purports to corporately worship God, set forth religious doctrine, and make man better suited to serve and be with his God. The acts performed in Masonic lodges (their assemblies) are religious. Hence, just because one might say, “Masonry is not a religion,” does not make it so! In fact, Freemasonry has three essential characteristics that constitute Freemasonry having religious status. The three are corporate religious worship, a redeemer (khurim), and a creed.
Freemasonry is an amalgamated religion that emphasizes ecumenical practices, based on the following:
- “Masonry is a worship; but one in which all civilized men can unite.” (Morals and Dogma, p. 526).
Freemasonry is not only a religion in definition and practice, but Freemasonry is a religion that accepts and is made up of all religions, regardless of manifest incongruity in doctrine. The deity of Masonry is G. A. O. T. U. G. A. O. T. U. stands for “Great Architect of the Universe.” Based on a study of Masonry, one determines that the G. A. O. T. U of Masonry is not the God of the Bible. Masonry accepts Brahman (god of the Hindu Religion) and Allah (god of Muslim Religion). Freemasonry also accepts those who do not accept the deity of Jesus. Consider the following quotation:
- “But the religion of Freemasonry is not sectarian. It admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom, rejecting none and approving none for his peculiar faith. It is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it to offend a Jew; it is not Christianity, but there is nothing repugnant to the faith of a Christian. Its religion is that general one of nature and primitive revelation - handed down to us from some ancient and Patriarchal Priesthood - in which all men may agree and in which no men can differ.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 3, ed., Vol. 2, pp. 847-848.).
Freemasonry, a system of symbolism. The teachings of Freemasonry are imparted by the use of symbolism.
- “Freemasonry. . .rests upon the indestructible foundation of the Father-hood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immortality of the Soul. Freemasonry is, in one of its major aspects, a beautiful and profound system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols. Its grand purposes are, to diffuse light; to banish ignorance; to promote peace and happiness among mankind; to relieve distress; to protect the widows and orphans of our brethren; to inculcate a wider knowledge concerning the existence of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and of the arts and sciences connected with His Divine laws. In fine, the design is to make its members wiser, freer, better and consequently happier men.” (Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, p. 8).
Regarding Masonry, there are two classifications: the operative and the speculative. Masonry purports to trace its roots all the way back to the stone masons who built the Solomonic Temple. The stone mason, reason they, used the physical compass, square, and twenty-four-inch gauge and gavel. They also used the plumb line, the trestle-board, and the level. Speculative Masonry (the Masonry of today) assigns symbolic meanings to these tools and attempts to metaphysically inculcate moral truths.
The seeker entering the Fellow Craft degree of Masonry is instructed:
- “We work in Speculative Masonry, but our ancient brethren wrought in both Operative and Speculative. They worked at the building of King Solomon's Temple, and many other sacred and important edifices.
- “By Operative Masonry we allude to a proper application of the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure will derive figure, strength and beauty, ... By Speculative Masonry we learn to subdue the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity. It is so far interwoven with religion as to lay us under obligations to pay that rational homage to the Deity, which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness.” (Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, pp. 40-41.)
Masonry cannot exist without its symbolism. Please read the claim for yourself:
- “Withdraw from Freemasonry its symbolism, and you take from the body its soul, leaving behind nothing but a lifeless mass of effete matter fitted only for a rapid decay.” (Symbolism of Freemasonry, Mackey, pg. 72).
In Freemasonry, the speculative meaning of the twenty-four-inch gauge and gavel is measuring time and purity of heart. The square stands for morality, the plumb for honesty, the level for the equality of men, and the trowel symbolizes brotherly love. Notwithstanding, Christianity is the true source of purification, morality, honesty, equality, and brotherly love (2 Cor. 7: 1; Gal. 2: 14; 2 Pet. 1: 5-11; Acts 10: 34, 35; 2 Pet. 1: 5-11).
The non-Mason is pictured by Freemasonry as ignorant and lost. Can you imagine even for a moment a Christian who has been set free and has knowledge conforming to such in order to enter the first degree of Freemasonry? Yet, such is taught in the symbolism of Freemasonry.
- “... one immersed in intellectual darkness, groping in the search for that divine, light and truth which are the objects of a Mason's labor.” (Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, pg. 151).
The Christian has been purified by being washed in Jesus' blood (Matt. 26: 28, Acts 2: 38). Notwithstanding, Freemasonry in the ritual of the first degree views all none members as stained and flawed. Regarding the symbolism of the lamb-skin apron we read:
- “... by the Lamb-skin the Mason is reminded of that purity of heart and uprightness of conduct, so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides.” (Lightfoot's Manual, pg. 161).
When one attends a Masonic funeral, one expects to hear the deceased Mason preached into heaven due to his Masonic connection: The Mason expects to be saved in heaven following the resurrection due to the life he has lived as a Mason. The following constitutes the common Masonic prayer heard at the funeral service of a Mason:
- “Bless our Beloved Fraternity throughout the world; may we live and emulate the example of our Beloved brother; and, finally, may we in this world attain a knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.” (Lightfoot's Manual, pg. 99).
Freemasonry competes with Christianity. Back to the matter of the Mason wanting to move his letter to the Primitive Baptist Church: One objection that was raised by the Primitive Baptist Church in the matter of accepting the Mason into the fellowship of the Baptist Church was that Freemasonry was not only another religion but it was also a competing religion. Please consider scholar Lightfoot's comments:
- “No institution was ever raised on a better principle or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down, than are inculcated in every Masonic degree.” (Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, pg. 33).
Jesus the Son of God shed his blood to purchase his church (Acts 20: 28, Matt. 16: 18, 19). In Jesus, one has redemption, all spiritual blessings, and salvation (Eph. 1: 7; 3; 2 Tim. 2: 10). There is no institution, therefore, comparative to the Lord's church. Yet, regarding the Masonic Lodge the claim is made, “. No institution was ever raised on a better principle or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down, than are inculcated in every Masonic degree.”
Freemasonry not only competes with Christianity, but it belittles the creed Book of Christianity, the Bible, making it comparable to the Koran and Vedas and positions Jesus beside Confucius and Zoroaster.
- “The Bible is used among Freemasons as a symbol of the will of God, however it may be expressed. Therefore, whatever to any people expresses that will may be used as a substitute for the Bible in a Masonic Lodge. Thus, in a Lodge consisting entirely of Jews, the Old Testament alone may be placed upon the altar, and Turkish Freemasons make use of the Koran. Whether it be the Gospels to the Christian, the Pentateuch to the Israelite, the Koran to the Muslim, or the Vedas to the Brahman, it everywhere Masonically conveys the same idea - that of the symbolism of the Divine Will revealed to man.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 3. ed., Vol. 1, pg. 133.)
- “Masonry reverences all the great reformers. It sees in Moses, the Lawgiver of the Jews, in Confucius and Zoroaster, in Jesus of Nazareth, and in the Arabian Iconoclast, Great Teachers of Morality, and Eminent Reformers, if no more.” (Morals and Dogma, p. 525).
Freemasonry views itself as utterly essential to knowledge and light and offers no salvation outside of Masonry.
- “The religious faith thus taught by Masonry is indispensable to the attainment of the great ends of life; and must therefore have been designed to be a part of it ... If we could cut off from any soul all the principles taught by Masonry, the faith in a God, in immortality, in virtue, in essential rectitude, that soul would sink into sin, misery, darkness, and ruin.” (Morals and Dogma, pg.).
The use of religious titles. The Christian is taught by the Bible to avoid religious titles (Matt. 23: 9). Only God deserves such an appellative as “reverend” (cp. Ps. 111: 9). Yet, the Mason who is the head of the Blue Lodge is called the “Worshipful Master.”
It is indisputable to the thinking person that Freemasonry is a religion, a competing religion, and a religion that is replete with all sorts of symbolism, beliefs, and practices that are not only contradictory to Bible teaching, but many of them originated in the benighted pagan world. Freemasonry belittles the Bible and the God of the Bible. Freemasonry is the epitome of the ecumenical posture and ultimate compromise. Freemasonry goes beyond the teaching of Jesus and the scriptures; thus, no salvation is found in Freemasonry (2 Jn. 9-11). Freemasonry makes a mockery out of the true light offered by Jesus and makes a false claim in its ability to provide salvation and an ultimate dwelling place with the “Great Architect of the Universe.” The oaths and symbolism associated with Freemasonry are repulsive to the knowledgeable Christian. Paul taught, “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5: 10, 11).
Before entering the Lodge as an Apprentice or First degree and prior to advancing to each of the subsequent degrees, the candidate must agree to take certain oaths. These oaths that pledge the taker to secrecy and proper conduct toward Masonic brothers are spiritually objectionable. Can you imagine a Christian taking the following oaths?
- “I, ___________, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and this Worshipful Lodge erected to him and dedicated to the Holy Saint John, do hereby and hereon most hail, forever conceal, never reveal any of the secret arts, parts or points of the hidden mysteries of Masonry … And this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steadfast resolution to keep and perform the same, binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut from ear to ear, my tongue torn out by its roots, and buried in the sands of the sea, at low-water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, should I, in the least, knowingly or wittingly violate or transgress this my Entered Apprentice obligation. So help me God, and keep me steadfast.” (Look To The East, pg. 30, 31).
How unthinkable it is to take such an oath of secrecy in view of the command to “prove all things” and be able to provide an answer of defense (1 Thes. 5: 21; 1 Pet. 3: 15). I knew one Christian who suffered withdrawal action against him and ended up splitting the church because he had taken an oath of secrecy and could not discuss his Masonic involvement with his brethren in Christ!
Relative to the Second Degree, the candidate makes the following vow:
- “All this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steadfast resolution to keep and perform the same, binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my left breast torn open, my heart plucked from thence, and given to the bests of the field and the birds of the air as a prey, should I, in the least, knowingly or wittingly, violate or transgress this my Fellow Craft obligation. So help me God and keep me steadfast” (Ibid., pg. 96).
Conclusion. Freemasonry, just like all false religion, offers a claim that it cannot deliver, salvation outside of Jesus (Acts 4: 12), 10, 11). It is my hope and prayer that this brief study of Freemasonry will cause others to not join it and all Christians who are Freemasons to renounce it.
Addendum. In London, England, in February of 1717, four struggling Lodges reportedly met to form the Grand Lodge of England. This formation is termed by Masonic scholars and historians as a “revival of Freemasonry” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 3. ed., Vol. 2, pg. 854). This claim of revival was itself challenged by some Masonic writers of the 19th century. W. P. Buchan, a frequent writer in the London Freemason (1871-1872), attacked the antiquity of Freemasonry by refusing to extend its existence prior to 1717. He stated that “our system of degrees, words, grips, signs, etc., was not in existence until about 1717 A.D.” (Ibid)