Ardent American Patriot and Lover of Israel
Cults, Occults and Religions – Freemasonry
“And the Levites shall speak and say to all the men of Israel with a loud voice, Cursed is the man that makes any graven or molten image, an abomination to Jehovah, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puts it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen” Dueteronomy 27:14-15
Modern Freemasonry dates to 1717, when several members of four lodges met at London’s Goose and Gridiron Tavern to form the first Grand Lodge. By 1723 the organization had adopted James Anderson’s Constitution as a guide. Anderson’s work clearly reflected a divergence from the Old Charges of operative Masonry, which had been in use since the fourteenth century. The Old Charges were distinctively Christian in tone and, according to Fraternal Organizations by Alvin J. Schmidt, dealt primarily with God and religion, the craft of masonry, and regal duty. The Constitutions, however, omitted the Trinitarian formula and "spoke of a ‘religion in which all men agree’" (Fraternal Organizations, p. 121)
In 1738 Anderson produced another accepted document titled "The Old Charges of the Free and Accepted Masons." By that year, operative Masonry had evolved into accepted Masonry. It continued to evolve until, by the second half of the eighteenth century it had become speculative Masonry, which interpreted "the symbols and artifacts of operative masonry in an allegorical, religious manner". For example, whereas operative Masons built stone edifices, speculative Masons seek to build spiritual edifices.
The first Masonic Lodge was established in the United States on April 13, 1733. In the United States it yielded great influence. In fact, many scholars believe that Freemasonry helped inspire the American Revolution (Revolution and Freemasonry, 1680 to 1800 by Bernard Fay). There is also evidence that Freemasonry was influential in the formation of the U.S. Constitution. It has even been theorized that the designs on the back of American currency can be linked to Masonic signs and symbols (Fraternal Organizations, p.122).
The “brotherhood” of Freemasonry runs contrary to the Word of God and true brotherhood:
What God declares -
“Dearly beloved, I exhort you as temporary residents and pilgrims to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honest among the nations, in that which they speak against you as evildoers, they may glorify God in a day of His visitation (refers specifically to Jesus Christ, not one’s personal god belief), seeing your good works. Then be in obedience to every ordinance of men, because of the Lord, whether to a king as supreme, or to governors as sent by Him for vengeance on evildoers, but for praise on well-doers. For such is the will of God, doing good to silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, and not having freedom as a cover of evil, but as servants of God. Honor all. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” II Peter 2:11-17
Key Person or Origins:
Freemasonry is a “secret society” which claim descent from the stonemasons of medieval Europe or even further back; the ancient Israel’s “Solomon’s Temple.” Actually, this religious sect (or occultists sect due to its imageries and sorceries) had it’s start around 1717 as a lodge with initiations, symbols and degrees. Though, this esoteric society has varied levels of right; generally the path taken can go in several directions. Masons pass through the “Blue Lodge” first and then, move on to either the Scottish or York rite. In the United States, the Grand Lodge of each state is the highest authority. There are approximately 3.2 million Masons worldwide; and 1.8 million in the U.S.
What God declares -
“When you come to the land which Jehovah your God gives you, you shall not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, an observer of clouds, or a fortune-teller, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or one who calls to the dead. For all that do these things are an abomination to Jehovah. And because of these abominations Jehovah your God drives them out from before you. You shall be perfect with Jehovah your God.” Deuteronomy 18:9-13
Main Writings Followed:
During some ceremonial rites, a bible or other various “holy books” are enlisted. Other writings utilized are “The Builders” by Joseph Fort Newton (1914), “Introduction to Freemasonry” by Carl Claudy (1931), “Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia” (1961) and Mackey’s “Revised Masonic Encyclopedia” (1966). The Grand Lodge of each state issues a “Monitor of Rituals” to use, though similar from state to state – they are not identical in content.
What God declares -
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For I have espoused you to one Man, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, so your thoughts should be corrupted from the simplicity due to Christ. For if, indeed, the one coming proclaims another Jesus, whom we have NOT proclaimed, or if you receive another spirit, which you did not receive, or another gospel, which you never accepted, you might well endure.” II Corinthians 11:2-4
Key Beliefs:
Masonry claims to transmit secret teachings from ancient times. The “Masonic Edition” of the bible says, “Masonry is descended from the ancient mysteries.” Masonry requires belief in a “supreme being” and treats ALL religions as though they believe in the same god, who Masons call by such names as “great architect of the universe” and “jah-bul-on” – supposedly this god’s “secret name.”
What God declares -
“God, who at many times and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power, through Himself cleansing of our sins, He sat down on the right of the Majesty on high, being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4
When the Bible is quoted, references to Jesus Christ are omitted and their public prayers do not use Jesus Christ name either. In several various rituals, Jesus is made to seem equal to the false god, “zoroaster”, “buddha” or “mohammad.” Salvation to the “Grand Lodge Above” is achieved by living an upright life but without an explicit faith in Jesus Christ.
What God declares -
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if we are examined today on a good work for an infirm man, by what this one has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in this name does this man stand before you whole. This is the Stone which you builders have counted worthless, and He has become the Head of the Corner. And there is salvation in no other One; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12
Loyalty binds Masons to one another, and Masons promise by oath of gory death never to reveal their secret rituals to “outsiders” – curses that are symbolic today. Masonic vows include protection to fellow Masons, even in cases of crime.
What God declares -
“Do not say, I will repay evil; wait on Jehovah, and He will save you. Different kinds of weights are hateful to Jehovah, and a false balance is not good. Man’s steps are of Jehovah; how can a man then understand his own way? It is a snare to a man to say rashly, A holy thing, and afterward vows to ask about it.” Proverbs 20:22-25
Occult Warnings:
Evangelical researches John Ankerberg and John Weldon state that Masonry serves as an introduction to the occult because, among other reasons, “in symbolism and philosophy it is similar to many occult practices,” and because it is “a system of mysticism which accepts the development of altered states of consciousness.” Masonic recommended readings for advanced degrees include works by pagan/occult authors.
Symbolisms and Related Associations -
Symbols, such as the Masonic emblem of “G” (said to represent god – not the One Triune God – and geometry) within a compass (supposedly representing spirituality) and a square (supposedly representing morality).
“Shriners” are a separate fraternity for Masons who have completed all the degrees in Scottish or York rite masonry.
Elements derived from Masonry in “Rosicrucianism” and the “Mormon Temple Endowment” ritual.
Related Institutions -
- Prince Hall Masonry was developed for African-Americans (American Masonry historically, excluded blacks)
- Order of the Eastern Star (for women)
- Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters (for girls)
- DeMolay (for boys)
Special Note: The Christianized youth program, “Royal Rangers” youth program uses many of the same passages of rite that is found in Freemasonry.
Christian Involvement Issues:
The nature of secret societies is completely contrary to Christian belief. The Bible is an open book inviting all who will, to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Rev. 22:17). Anyone inquiring into membership in the family of God can investigate, ask questions, read the inspired handbook (the Bible), and make a decision for Christ fully knowing what the cost and consequences of the action will be.
In stark contrast, a secret society welcomes only a restricted number into membership, into the secret oaths and ceremonies, and into the activities of the society. Members of secret orders often compare their organization with the fellowship of believers in a local church. But a secret society is quite different from a church in that it is elitist in nature rather than inclusive. Unlike a church it does not extend its fellowship to any and all persons desiring to identify with the organization, its principles and practices.
- The activities of secret orders demand time and energy that divert the servant of the Lord from efforts to fulfill the Great Commission.
- The binding loyalty to fellow members of the secret society—many of whom are not fellow believers in Jesus Christ and His saving work—is an unworthy joining together of believers with unbelievers.
- The spirit, philosophy, and general influence of secret orders channel activities toward improving only the natural part of humankind instead of changing the heart of the spiritual being.
- Commitment to secret orders and their teachings leads one to a wrong emphasis on salvation through good works and improving society.
The Assemblies of God is not the only church group to have great concerns about secret orders. The largest Christian church in the world does not allow Masons to partake of communion and declares that participation in Masonry is a sin. This stance has grown out of major historic conflict between Masons and that church. Seeking to dispel this negative image, Masons often maintain that there is nothing in their Masonic oaths or obligations that would interfere with duty to God, country, or neighbor. But the historical record proves otherwise. No allegiance can come before one’s allegiance to God.
Secret societies are in conflict with the teachings of Holy Scripture. A Christian must never affiliate with any organization that:
- yokes together believers with unbelievers in unholy alliances (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
- requires a pledge to unscriptural oaths which are sealed by using the name of God improperly or in vain (Exodus 20:7, Leviticus 5:4-6, Matthew. 5:34-37, James 5:12)
- represents itself as providing teaching in harmony with the Bible when in fact it does not (2 Peter 3:16)
- represents itself as being religious and offers a false hope of salvation through works, yet dishonors the only true God and our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3, 1 Timothy 2:3-6, Colossians 2:8-10, Ephesians 2:8-9).
The Christian should "be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody" (Romans 12:17). Secretively meeting behind closed doors in a "lodge" where activities are carried on behind a cloak of secrecy, in favor of fellow members, usually for economic, social, or political advantage hardly describes doing what is right in the eyes of everybody. "Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord" (2 Corinthians 6:17). This is God’s advice for Christians and is certainly applicable in regard to secret societies.
