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The Gospel Observer
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to
observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to
the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19,20).
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March 21, 1990
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Contents:
1) Freemasonry -- A Religious or Social Institution? (Tom Edwards)
2) God's Word on the Eternal Nature of Christ
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-1-
Freemasonry -- A Religious or Social Institution?
by Tom Edwards
Occasionally, one can find a member of the Lord's church who also
professes to be a "Mason." Is it all right for one to be such? The
intention of this lesson is to point out the highly religious nature of
freemasonry. We will see that it is a religion with its own set of
ordinances; and, that if obeyed, the doctrine of freemasonry teaches
that one can gain access to heaven by it.
Often the average Mason will not be aware of the religious nature of
freemasonry. One such member has been quoted as saying, "The lodge and
the church occupy two wholly different spheres, and things that are not
alike cannot be compared. The church is of the Lord from heaven, the
lodge is
of human origin. The church ministers primarily to the soul, the lodge
to the body." This remark sounds convincing; but, unfortunately, it
isn't so.
Let us consider the statements from some of freemasonry's
prominent men and their official writings that are available to the
public in many areas.
Its Religious Nature
In the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Albert Mackey finds fault with
those who deny Freemasonry to be a religion and speaks of them as "more
timid brethren." He states, "On the contrary, I contend, without any
sort of hesitation, that Masonry is...an eminently religious
institution -- that it is indebted solely to the religious element
which it contains from it origin and for its continued existence, and
that without this religious element it would scarcely be worthy of
cultivation by the wise and good." He continues by saying, "Look at its
ancient landmarks, its sublime ceremonies, its
profound symbols and allegories -- all inculcating religious doctrine,
commanding religious observances, and teaching religious truth, and who
can deny that it is eminently a religious institution?...Masonry, then,
is, indeed, a religious institution; and on this ground mainly, if not
alone, should the religious Mason defend it."
Albert Pike, in Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry, states: "Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of
religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion."
According to the Kentucky Monitor, the one beginning in Freemasonry
should invoke "the blessing of Deity...because Masonry is a religious
institution...."
Its "Divine" Origin
Z. A. Davis clearly states in the Freemason's Monitor: "That the
institution is of Divine origin, leaves not a shadow of doubt on my
humble mind."
Mackey also speaks of the Divine origin of Freemasonry and shows that
there is enough religion in it that one would never have to attend any
other kind of church or religious institution again. "It is to this
institution, born of heaven in the gray of the world's morning, before
poets sang or historians wrote, that I am privileged to accord you a
Craftsman's greeting" (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry)...and if a man
yields himself to it, he will need neither churches nor ordinances
except for the expression of his religious homage and gratitude (Morals
& Dogma).
Belief in a "God" is a Prerequisite
One of the prerequisites for being a member is the belief in a Supreme
Being: "The foundation on which Freemasonry rests is the belief in and
acknowledgement of a Supreme Being" (Tennessee Craftsman).
Albert Mackey (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry): "A belief in the existence
of God is an essential point of Speculative Masonry -- so essential
indeed, that it is a landmark of the Order that no Atheist can be a
Mason."
Why must one believe in a Supreme Being if freemasonry is not a
religious institution? The answer, however, -- as we have seen -- is
that it is.
It is not necessary for the person to believe in the God of the Bible
in order to be a Mason, but he must believe in some kind of god.
Masonry calls their god G.A.O.T.U. (Great Architect of the Universe).
A "Universal" Religion
In a brochure concerning freemasonry, the statement is made that "A
Mason insists that every man has the right to freedom of worship and
freedom of expression...." Each candidate is told that there is nothing
in Masonry that will conflict with his religion; but, as we shall see,
this isn't so.
Listen to the following from a Mason: "The interpretation of the
symbols of Freemasonry from a Christian point of view is a theory
adopted by some of the most distinguished Masonic writers of England
and this country, but one which I think does not belong to the ancient
system. Hutchinson, and after him Oliver...have, I am constrained to
believe, fallen into a great error in calling the Master Mason's degree
a Christian institution...The principles of Freemasonry preceded the
advent of Christianity...If Masonry were simply a Christian
institution, the Jew and the Moslem, the Brahman and the Buddhist,
could not conscientiously partake of its illumination. But its
universality is it boast. In its language citizens of every nation may
converse; at its altar men of all religions may kneel; to its creed
disciples of every faith may subscribe."
Members are "Brethren"
"Masters" of the Lodge are charged to teach "brethren" (in the lodge)
"To respect all forms of worship, to tolerate all political and
religious opinions; not to blame, and still less to condemn the
religion of others: not to seek to make converts; but to be content if
they have the religion of Socrates; a veneration for the Greater, the
religion of good works, and grateful acknowledgement of God's
blessings" (Moral & Dogma).
"Praying" Together
Albert Pike, further states in Morals & Dogma: "Masonry around
whose altars the Christian, the Hebrew, the Moslem, the Brahman, the
followers of Confucius and Zoroaster, can assemble as brethren and
unite in prayer to the one God who is above all the Baalim, must needs
leave it to each of its Initiates to look for the foundation of his
faith and hope to the written scriptures of his own religion." How
could this be a united prayer? How could a Christian engage in prayer
with non-Christians? Jesus shows that prayer is to be offered through
His name (John 14:14); only the follower of Christ has the right to do
this.
Prayer is common in freemasonry. "It is of indispensable obligation
that a Lodge, a Chapter, or any other Masonic Body, should be both
opened and closed with prayer" (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry). Suppose
the individual leading the prayer was a Buddhist. How could the
Christian give a hearty Amen to this one's prayer, knowing that he was
not praying to the God of the Bible?
The Freeman's Creed
What about their CREED? "The Bible is used among Freemasons as a symbol
of the will of God, however it may be expressed. Therefore, whatever to
any people express 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 may use the Koran. Whether it be the Gospel to the
Christian, the Pentateuch to the Israelite, the Koran to the Mussulman,
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, Mackey).
"Masonry propagates no creed except its own most simple and sublime
one; that universal religion, taught by Nature and Reason. Its Lodges
are neither Jewish, Moslem, nor Christian Temples. It reiterates the
precepts of morality of all religions" (Morals & Dogma).
"It is the province of Masonry to teach all truths -- not moral truth
alone, but political and philosophical, and even religious truth...."
(ibid.).
They go so far as to even make the boast that "Masonry is
the...custodian and depository of the great...religious truths, unknown
to the world at large" (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry); and also that "No
institution was ever established on nobler principles, nor were ever
more excellent rules and maxims laid down than are inculcated in the
several Masonic Lectures" (Tennessee Craftsman/Kentucky Monitor). How
can the Christian go along with this after realizing that the Bible
itself contains great and glorious truths that have been given by the
Spirit of God Himself (John 16:13) -- one time for all time (Jude 3);
and that the institution of the Lord's church has been established by
the gracious, atoning death of Christ Jesus the Lord?
Offers "Eternal Life"
Masons view eternal life as being one of the rewards for being a good
Mason. Mackey states in Morals & Dogma: "The doctrine of a
resurrection to a future and eternal life constitutes an indispensable
portion of the religious faith of Freemasonry."
From the Masonic Manual: "May we so practice Thy precepts in the rigid
observance of the tenets of Free-masonry, that we may finally obtain
Thy promises, and find an entrance through the gates into the Temple
and City of our God." (This was a prayer at one of their services.)
Also from the Masonic Manual, another prayer: "And when we shall have
ended our labors on earth may we forever sing songs of deliverance and
joy in that Heavenly Lodge where love is supreme and the ties of
fraternity and friendship are never to be broken."
Mackey quotes a Masonic writer as saying, "It is the Theocratic
Philosophy of Freemasonry that commands our unqualified esteem, and
seals in our heart that love for the Institution which will produce an
active religious faith and practice, and leads in the end to a
`building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."' Clearly,
freemasonry doesn't see an exclusive need for Jesus! Its precepts teach
that Masonic members merely need their "Theocratic Philosophy of
Freemasonry" in order to be saved; yet, Jesus states in John 14:6 that
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father,
but through Me."
Their "New Birth"
Kentucky Monitor: "There you stood without our portals, on the
threshold of this new Masonic life, in darkness, helplessness, and
ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors and
covered over the pollutions of the outer profane world, you came
inquiringly to our doors, seeking the new birth, and asking a
withdrawal of the veil which concealed the divine truth from your
uninitiated sight. And here, as with Moses at the burning bush, the
solemn admonition is given, `Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for
the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.' Ceremonial
preparations surrounded you, all of a significant character, to
indicate to you that some great change was about to take place in your
moral and intellectual condition. There was to be not simply a change
for the future, but also an extinction of the past; for initiation is,
as it were, a death to the world and a resurrection to a new life."
Can you imagine a faithful gospel preacher or an elder of the church
coming to the Lodge as one who was in "darkness, helplessness, and
ignorance"...covered with the errors and pollutions of the profane
world and seeking the "new birth"? What if either of these men had just
come from church -- after praying, singing songs of praise, and hearing
the truth of God's word being proclaimed -- in order to go to the
Lodge? Would he have "left the darkness" in order to come to the
"light?" Colossians 1:13 teaches that the Christian has been delivered
from the kingdom of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's
dear Son.
"Sons of Light"
Masons are referred to as "sons of light." Yet, Paul exhorts the
Ephesian brethren by saying, "...for once you were darkness, but now
you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light...." (Eph.
5:8). It's not the Masonic Lodge, but only the gospel of Jesus Christ
that can make one "light in the Lord."
At the end of a Masonic meeting, the following kind of remark has been
made: "Brethren, we are now about to quit this sacred retreat of
friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world." What if some of
these were leaving to attend a gospel meeting? Have they left that
which is "sacred" for that which is polluted by the "world"?
Strong Masonic Ties
Masons have strong obligations towards each other: "Where the
grant of relief to the profane would incapacitate us from granting
similar relief to our brother, then must the preference be given to him
who is `of the household."' According to this teaching, the
Christian who is a Mason must put his fellow Masonic brothers before
his brothers in the Lord. However, Paul's teaching on this is that
Christians are to do good for all men, but ESPECIALLY for those who are
in the Lord (Gal. 6:10).
Hiram Abiff -- Their "Redeemer"
Kentucky Monitor/Tennessee Craftsman refer to Hiram Abiff as "A kind
messenger sent by our Supreme Grand Master to translate us from this
imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above,
where the Great Architect of the Universe presides, forever reigns."
Kentucky Monitor -- "All antiquity...believed in a future life, to be
attained by purification and trials; in a state or successive states of
reward and punishment; and in a Mediator or Redeemer, by whom the Evil
Principle was to be overcome and the Supreme Deity reconciled to his
creatures. The belief was general that He was to be born of a virgin
and suffer a painful death. The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese,
Kiountse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the
Egyptians, Horus; Plato, Love; the Scandinavians, Balder; the
Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram."
In opposition to this, Jesus states in John 8:24, "...unless you
believe that I am He you shall die in your sins." And in Acts 4:12, the
apostle Peter declares that "...there is salvation in no one else, for
there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be
saved."
Why Some Don't Know
How is it that some Masons could deny such things as we have covered in
this lesson? Perhaps they are not really denying it, but have simply
not been totally informed as to all of what freemasonry stands
for. Mackey writes: "...many Masons, unfortunately, are very
ignorant of all but the rudimentary parts of their catechism..."
(Encyclopedia of Freemasonry). Those in the "Blue Degrees" (Entered
Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason) are intentionally deceived
as to the interpretation of the symbols and only imagine that they
understand them. "The Blue Degrees are but the outer court or portico
of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the Initiate,
but he is intentionally mislead by false interpretations. It is not
intended that he shall understand them, but it is intended that he
shall imagine he understands them. Their true explication is reserved
for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry...It is well enough for the mass
of those called Masons, to imagine that all is contained in the Blue
Degrees; and whoso attempts to undeceive them will labor in vain...."
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God's Word on the Eternal Nature of Christ
Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem
Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet
out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler in Israel, Whose
goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (NKJ). -- "From
the days of eternity" (NAS).
John 8:23, 56-58: "And He said
to them, `You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world;
I am not of this world...Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day,
and he saw it and was glad.' Then the Jews said to Him, `You are not
yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?' Jesus said to
them, `Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."'
Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is
the same yesterday, today, and forever" (NKJ).
1 John 1:1,2: "That which
was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with
our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled,
concerning the Word of life -- the life was manifested, and we
have
seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was
with the Father and was manifested to us"
Revelation 1:8, "`I am the
Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,' says the Lord,
`who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty"' (NKJ).
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation
1) Hear the gospel,
for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30,31).
2) Believe in the
deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins
(Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith in Christ
(Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized in water
for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4;
Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith;
for,
if
not,
salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet.
2:20-22).
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First published for the Tri-state church of Christ in Ashland,
Kentucky, at 713 13th Street.
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards
tedwards1109@gmail.com
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