This is the document that was mailed to 5,000 Southern Baptist Ministers and Church Leaders that resulted in the ground breaking passage of an Official SBC Doctrinal Statement in 1993 that Freemasonry was incompatable with Christianity and Southern Baptist Doctrine.
The Southern Baptist Convention and Freemasonry,
CONTENTS
Preface iv-vi
By James L. Holly, M.D.
Part I: The Mystery Religions 1
A. Secret Societies 2
B. Freemasonry is Occultic 2
Part II: What Does The Bible Say About Mystery Religions 3
A. Secret Organizations and the Word of God 3
B. Fables-MUTHOS 4
C. Conclusion: MUTHOS Condemned by the Word 6
Part III: Masonic Authorities 7
A. Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge 7
B. Lousiana Masonic Monitor 7
C. The Meaning of Masonry by Wilmshurst 8
D. The Masonic Bible 8
Holman Bible Publishers 9
E. Conclusions 9
Part IV: Who Knows the Truth About Freemasonry? 10
Part V: The Occultism of Freemasonry 11
A. Secret Organizations Condemned by the Word 11
1. Secrecy is Hallmark of Occultism 11
2. Differences Between Confidentiality and Secrecy 11
a. Secrecy 11
1) Way and place of wicked 11
2) Shameful 12
3) Contrary to ways of God 12
4) Illusion 12
5) Pretense 13
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b. Confidentiality 13
1) Involves timing of release 13
2) Time for validation 13
3) Accountability 14
4) Constructive and destructive 14
5) Bear the burdens of others 15
6) Prevents hastiness 15
7) Training as faithful man 15
3. Husband To Be To Wife What Christ to Church 16
4. Truth not to be secreted among privileged 16
5. Ezekiel 8 reveals abomination of secrecy 16
B. Freemasonry has not Spirit of Christ 17
Part VI: The god of the Lodge: Lucifer 18
A. Albert Pike: Lucifer is God 18
B. Wilmshurst: Lucifer is God 19
C. Freemasonry: Modern Version of Condemned Mystery Religions 20
D. Doctrine of Emanation 22
Masonic Plan of Salvation 23
EN SOPH 24
Part VII: Knights Kadosh -- Thirtieth Degree 25
A. Meeting with Satan 25
B. Decorations of Thirtieth Degree 25
C. Who Is In The Coffin in The Thirtieth Degree 26
D. The Revelations of the Thirtieth Degree 28
E. The Crime of Sectarianism 29
F. The Meaning of Previous Degrees in the Scottish Rites 29
1. Sixteenth Degree: Foundations of Public Education 29
2. Seventeenth Degree: Doubt Is The Only Truth Man Can Embrace 30
3. Nineteenth Degree: Cynicism of Toloration 30
a. Toleration Defined 31
b. Receiving Defined 32
c. Receiving and Toloration Contrasted 34
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4. Masonic Judgement on the Bible 35
5. Name Of Jesus Ridiculed by Lodge 36
6. 21st Degree: Man Will Become a God 36
7. 22nd Degree: Anti-Sectarian 37
8. 24th Degree: Sectarian Imprisons the Mind of Man 38
9. 25th Degree: Masonry, French Revolution Secular Humanism 38
10. 27th Degree: Reason Above Revelation 38
G. Opposing Sectarianism 40
H. Thirtieth Degree Continued 40
1. Superstition Rejected 41
2. Universalism of Freemasonry 42
3. Faith of One's Childhood to be Rejected 42
4. EN SOPH is god to the Lodge 42
5. Oath to Secular Humanism 42
6. Hatred of Christianity Called "Fanaticism, 43
Intolerance, Imposture, and Superstition" 44
7. Masonry Hates Revealed Religion, i.e.,
Christianity: The Profession of Faith in the Lodge 44
8. The cup of the Lodge a Human Skull 46
9. The Masonic Lodge's Definition of a Man 46
10. Masonry, Public Education, Secular Humanism 46
11. Covenant Meal From a Human Skull 48
12. Final Discourse Shows How Masonry
Contradicts the Bible and Faith in Jesus Christ 48
Part VIII: Summary: How Can Christians Be So Duped? 51
Part IX: What Are Christians and Churches To Do? 53
APPENDIX: Southern Baptist Convention Resolution on Freemasonry,
Dallas, Texas, 1985 55
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This booklet has been prepared with a prayer for revival among Southern Baptists. It does not pretend that the only problem hindering revival is Freemasonry. It does recognize however that the leaven of the occult will corrupt the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and will sap her vitality.
The men who are involved in Freemmasonry, on the whole, are not evil men. Yet, they are men who are being used for an evil purpose. It is the spirit which empowers the Lodge which we wish to expose. The ludicrousness of the secret words and the secret handshakes would be laughable if it were not for the spirit behind Freemasonry. The spirit makes this more than a bad joke, it makes the issue of Freemasonry among Southern Baptists a serious issue of life.
Many fear addressing the issue of the Lodge, and without the power of the Blood and of the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ well they ought to fear "taking on" the allies of the Devil. The problem of Freemasonry will not be solved by a vote of the Southern Baptist Convention, this year or any year. Yet, without the Convention voting to declare Freemasonry an evil which must be removed from the church, the problem will not be solved. The vote is not the solution; it is only the begining of the solution.
Wars are fought initially by a declaration of war. As a nation is not able to garner its forces to fight a war without declaring the enemy by name, so the Christian church will never wage a successful war against the Devil until she identifies all of his allies that are encamped within her borders. Freemasonry is one of the allies of the Devil.
James asks the question: "From whence come wars and fightings among you?" Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (James 4:1) Two different Greek words are translated "war" in this verse. The second is a word which means "soldiering, the passions that disquiet the soul which are like a military encampment which is formed to make a military expedition."
James 4:1 really states that Christians have allowed an alien military force to bivouac in their lives and homes. But, unlike the temporary bivouac, this encampment has become a permanent installation. The "camp" has become a "fort".
The church has also allowed "an alien military force" into her membership. This "military force" -- the membership of the Masonic Lodge -- is pledged to another general and works for the glory and honor of a foreign god. Until they are dislodged from the church, the Lodge will continue to disrupt God's plan and desire to revive His people.
This booklet is not a call to purge the church, but for every member to purify himself. This booklet is a call for the standard to be lifted by the Southern Baptist Convention in order for every man to try himself by the "plumb- line of Christ". That "plumbline" declares that no spirit-filled man of God can be a member of the occultic organization called Ancient Free & Accepted Masonry, in any of its forms and/or in any of its Lodges. Therefore, no member of such a Lodge
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should be accepted into leadership in a Southern Baptist church. And, all members of Southern Baptist churches should be encouraged publicly to renounce any association with the Masonic Lodge.
This presentation should be read with the following considerations:
1. All of the quoted sources, except one, are written by and/or published by Masons for Masons. The author of this paper possesses each and every one of these books. Except in the case of the quotes from the Jewish Kaballa in Mackey's Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, quotations are not from secondary sources.
2. The author of this paper has reviewed this material with Masons of high degree, who have confirmed the literal truth and absolute accuracy of what is contained herein. In one case, an inspector of the Lodge in Texas was consulted. This man's knowledge of all degrees of Freemasonry is so extensive and his dedication to Masonic brotherhood was so total, he had the authority to enter a Lodge unannounced and examine those present as to their knowledge of the degrees of Freemasonry. If in his estimation, their knowledge was inadequate, he had the authority to close the Lodge until an investigation could take place. After coming to Christ as Saviour, he was impressed of the Lord to leave the Lodge. He had given his life and considerable fortune to the Lodge, but he obeyed. Yet, he did not understand why he was to leave the Lodge. An Assembly of God evangelisst called this writer and asked him to come and visit with this man. After three hours of uninterrupted explanation by this writer, the former Mason said, "All that you say is true and there is more. I can quote forty hours of Masonic Material and every word you say is true."
3. There have been many exposes of the Blue Lodge, the first three degrees of the Masonic Lodge. This presentation focuses upon the thirtieth degree of the Scottish Rite because it is clearly the most occultic. However, at the very first moment when the entered apprentice -- the first degree of the Blue Lodge -- stands with his left trouser leg rolled up, his left foot bared, his left breast uncovered, a cabletow (a rope) around his neck and blindfolded, he should recognize the devilish nature of the Lodge. When the Christian is identified by the Steward of the Lodge as "a poor blind candidate who is desirous of being brought from darkness to light" (*Standard Freemasonry Illustrated: Full Ritual and Secret Work of the Three Blue Lodge Degrees Profusely Illustrated*, Charles T. Powner Co., 1983, p.99) he should know that such words are blasphemous to the God of Light, the Lord Jesus Christ. The oaths and secret words of the Blue Lodge contradict the word of God. Anyone who seeks the Lord through the Word of God will have confirmed to his spirit the truth of the wicked- ness of the Masonic Lodge. Any man or woman who does not, is either lost or deeply deceived.
4. Many will argue that Freemasonry is a "Dying Organization". That is not true. The week of the publication of this booklet, one pastor said to this
author: "Freemasonry is not dying;it is increasing in its power over the
lives of men and women." Another church staff member said, "I have
served in Southern Baptist churches in four states, from the east to the
south to the southeast. I have never served in a church which was not
dominated by the spirit of Freemasonry."
5. There are many hindrances to revival in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Freemasonry is only one of them. It is, however, not only one of the
most obvious, it may be the key one. If Southern Baptists want revival,
they can have it. God only awaits our fulfilling the fourth requirement
of revival listed in II Chronicles 7:14 to pour out spiritual renewal
upon us.
6. No pastor or church staff member should address the issue of Freemasonry
in the local church unless and until the Lord specifically gives direc-
tion to do so. Many churches have been wrecked by Freemasons who have
controlled for as long as they can, and when they could no longer control
they have destroyed. It is this which makes it imperative for the South-
ern Baptist Convention and the leadership of that Convention, both of
whom are essentially immune from the vindictiveness of Masons, to address
this issue. This will then take the pressure off pastors in smaller
churches where the Masons are stifling the movement of God. If however,
because of fear of losing members or money,we allow ourselves tocontinue
to ignore this evil in our midst, we can pray until Jesus' coming, but
revival will pass by Southern Baptists. If we say, "Well, I don't have
this problem in my church, so I can ignore it." then we will not see
revival. The Devil hopes to devide us and thereby conquer us. Thus far,
he has. Those who have the problem of Freemasonry and know it, feel that
they can do nothing about it. They often feel betrayed by the leadership
of the convention which conveniently looks the other way while they perish.
Those who don't have the problem are relieved. Those who have the
problem and dont know it, wonder why their efforts for the Lord are so
stymied. The issue here is not moderate or conservative, the issue is
God and the Devil.
7. Mission and Ministry to Men, Inc. is not an anti-Masonic ministry organ-
ization. Unless specifically requested by the pastor of the sponsoring
church,discussion of Freemasonry is NOT a part of any of the conferences
conducted by this ministry.Questions about Freemasonry which might arise
will be either refered to the pastor or answered in private. This is not
to express fear of addressing this issue, but it is to say that the re-
sponsibility for addressing this issue is the pastor's and not this au-
thor's.
May God give Southern Baptist leadership the courage and the will to raise
this standard to the glory of God and to the good of all Christians, and espec-
ially Southern Baptists.
James L. Holly M.D.
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WHY FREEMASONRY IS NOT
COMPATIBLE WITH
FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
by James L. Holly, M.D.
PART ONE: THE MYSTERY RELIGIONS
The Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries have seen an explosion of religious
activity both in the orthadox Christian community, in the marginal "Christian
sects", in other world religions and in the rapid growth of those religious
bodies that we call "cults". In addition, there is an increasing interest and
activity in the "occultic".
The "occultic" is defined as that which is:
"deliberately kept hidden: not revealed to others; secret. Of, relating
to, or dealing in matters regarded as involving the action or influ-
ence of supernatural agencies or secret knowledge of them."
The Christian faith has knowledge, wisdom and understanding which are
"hidden" from those who have not bowed their knee to the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet,
the manner in which Christian knowledge is hidden from those who do not embrace
it is not the occultism of secrecy. It is in that the truths of Christ do not
make sense and are not attractive to those who don't love the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is important, therefore, to distinguish faith in the Lord Jesus Christ from
the occultic practice of imposing silence upon the initiated, which silence is
enforced with threats of strangulation, disembowelment and/or other violent and
sado-masochistic punishments.
Freemasonry is an occultic organization, and it is contrary to the Word of
God. In the first step into the Lodge, and at every step into the Lodge, the
alert and committed Christian should recognize that which is not acceptable to
Jesus Christ. The spirit-filled believer who is in daily fellowship with Christ
cannot be in fellowship with the Masonic Lodge. Therefore it is the contention
of this presentation that no Freemason should be elected to a leadership role in
a Southern Baptist Church.
1
A. SECRET SOCIETIES
Secret Societies are not new to the world. In Theological Dictionary
of the New Testament, Dr. Cullen Brown states:
Entrance to these secret cults was contingent upon the initiate going
through a period of training where he learned certain secret information about
the god of the cult. Upon completion of this "learning", he then went through
an initiation rite during which he swore allegiance and fidelity to the god of
that cult. This pattern was repeated many times in many different cults.
B. FREEMASONRY IS OCCULTIC
But, what of all this? Why should Christians occupy themselves with such
ancient and seemingly absurd practices? The reasons are several. First, the
Word of God gives strict warnings about cults and the occultic. Second, there
are many unsuspecting Christians, and many unsaved church members, that are
currently participating in secret cults, which are really by definition,
occultic.
The largest of these, and the one which effects Southern Baptists the most,
is Freemasonry. The parallels between the ancient mystery religions and
Freemasonry are obvious:
1. There are secrets revealed only to the membership.
2. The Masonic Lodge has a plan of salvation
3. Initiates go through a program of education so they
can enter into the occultic brotherhood.
4. It is possible to be part of more than one of these
organizations. Masons can be members of a Baptist
church and of the Lodge, thereby, they think,
assuring their salvation whichever is right.
5. Masons go through a death and resurrection ritual in the
Master mason degree. Membership is dated from the time
they were "raised", resurrected or saved, by membership
in the Lodge. Salvation is maintained through faithful
membership in the Lodge.
2
PART TWO: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MYSTERY RELIGIONS?
In I Timothy 6:3-4, aul gave instructions to the young minister, Timothy
saying:
"This is the sort of thing you should teach and preach, and if anyone
tries to teach some doctrinal novelty and does not follow sound
teaching (which we base on our Lord Jesus Christ's own words and which
leads to Christ-like living), then he is a conceited idiot! His mind
is a morbid jumble of disputation and arguement, things which lead to
nothing but jealousy, quarreling, insults and malicious innuendoes --
continual wrangling, in fact, among men of warped minds who have lost
their real hold on the truth but hope to make some profit out of the
Christian religion." (J.B. Phillups)
Paul affirmed that he based his teachings on the Words of the Lord Jesus
Christ. We must be careful that we do the same. *In matters of faith and/or
doctrine, where the Word of God is absolutely silent, we must broach no opin-
ions; in matters of faith and/or doctrine where the Word of God is absolutely
clear we must embrace no reservations, exceptions or exemptions.*
A. SECRET ORGANIZATIONS AND THE WORD OF GOD
What does the Bible teach concerning secret -- occultic -- organizations?
There are hundreds of passages of Scripture that deal with them indirectly.
Four New Testament passages deal directly with occultism; they are:
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into
Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no
other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless geneol-
ogies which minister questions, rather than godly edifying
which is in faith: so do." (I Timothy 1:3-4)
"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou
shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the
words of faith and of good doctrine whereunto thou hast attained.
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and excercise thyself
rather unto Godliness." (I Timothy 4:6-7)
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (II Timothy 4:3-4)
"This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they
may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and
commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:13-14)
3
In understanding the Bible's teaching on the occultic,the key word in these
passages is "fables". There is a fifth occurrence of this word in the New Test-
ament. eter in affirming the nature and inspiration of the Scriptures said:
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we
made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." (II Peter 1:6)
B. FABLES -- MUTHOS
"Fables" is the translation of the Greek word MUTHOS (#3454) which means:
"a speach, word, saying, a fiction, a fable; an invention, falsehood:
the fictions of the Jewish theosophists and Gnostics, especially
concerning the emanations and orders of the aeons." (*Thayers's Greek
Lexicon*)
MUTHOS is derived from the word MUEO (#3453) which means:
"to initiate into the mysteries, to teach fully, instruct, to accustom
one to a thing; to give one an intimate acquaintance with a thing.
(Ibid)
Both MUTHOS and MUEO are derived from MUO which means "to shut the mouth."
In all secret societies, especially Freemasonry, if the mouth is not shut
voluntarily, the threat is made that it will be shut violently. Another im-
portant theological word which is derived from this stem is MUSTERION (#3466)
which means "a secret or mystery, through the idea of silence imposed by initi-
ation into religious rites." MUSTERION is defined by *Thayer's* as:
"A hidden thing, secret, mystery: generally mysteries, religious
secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to be communicated
by them to ordinary mortals."
In this group of words the key is MUTHOS. Dr. Spiros Zodhiates, in the
*Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible*, gives this lexical entry for MUTHOS:
"Mostly used in the New Testament as a lying fable with all its
falsehood and all its pretenses to be what it is not. Thus in I
Timothy 4:7 fables are described as profane and belonging to old
women. In Titus and II Peter the result of sophistry or cunning
fables for the purpose of deceiving. In I Timothy and in II Timothy
4:4 the use of the word is equally degrading and contemptuous.
Although LOGOS and MUTHOS begin together with the thought, intel-
ligence, mind, they part ranks since the first ends in the kingdom
of light and truth and the second in the kingdom of darkness and lies.
4
* Expositor's Greek New Testament * says of I Timothy 1:4:
"There is a strong temptation for mystics to justify to themselves
the continued use of an antiquated sacred book by a mystical
interpretation of whatever in it has ceased to apply to daily
life...* They read the holy scriptures, and explain the philosophy
of their fathers in an allegorical manner, regarding the written
words as symbols of hidden truth which is communicated in obscure
figures...* the promoters of an eclectic synthesis of the then
fashionable Gentile philosophy and of the forms of the Mosaic
Law." (Vol. IV, p.92)
These are excellent descriptions of the Masonic Lodge. As such they
demonstrate that the deceit, the syncreticism, the symbolism and the secretive-
ness of the Masonic Lodge qualify it as a practice condemned by the Word of God.
No Christian body that embraces the inerrancy of the Word of God can ignore that
Word's condemnation of the Masonic Lodge.
In this study, it will be shown that Freemasonry is a practitioner of the
Black Arts. It will be shown that the Masonic Lodge teaches that when the Bible
says God "revealed" something, it really means that he "re-vailed" it -- He hid
it from all but the initiates of the Masonic Order. It will also be shown that
Masonic Masters teach that when the Bible states, "Out of Egypt will I call my
Son." God referred to His bringing the mystery religion of Sun worship out of
Egypt. They teach that Moses brought the occultic practices of Egypt into
Isreal and "re-vailed" them with Hebrew religious words. Many other such
bizarre "re-interpretations" of the Holy Scriptures have taken place as the
Masons apply their occultic symbolism to Biblical vocabulary. The only cult
which has a more bizzarre interpretation of Scripture to is the cult which
sprang from Freemasonry which is Mormonism, founded by the Freemason, Joseph
Smith.
In *Barnes Notes*, Dr. Albert Barnes states:
"The word rendered fable means properly speech or discourse,
and then fable or fiction, or a mystic discourse. Such things
abounded among the Greeks as well as the Jews, but it is probable
that the latter here are particularly intended. These were
composed of frivolous and unfounded stories, which they regarded
as of great importance, and which they seem to have desired to
incorporate with the teachings of Christianity...* One of the
most successful arts of the adversary of souls has been to mingle
fable with truth; and when he cannot overthrow the truth by direct
opposition, to neutralize it by mingling with it much that is
false and frivolous."
The syncretism -- "the mingling of fable with truth" -- of masonry is
well known. The tragedy is that the Christian church, in a misguided desire
for "peace", has allowed the leaven of the occultic -- the leaven of the
Freemasons -- to mingle with born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This has "neutralized" the power which God, the Holy Spirit, wishes to pour
out upon God's people.
5
Titus 1:10-16 is a perfect description of the Masonic Lodge. In Titus 1:12,
reference is made to an aphorism about the Cretians, which states:
"The Cretians are always liars...:
This quote is from the Greek poet, Epimenides. This aphorism was earned
because the Cretians maintained that the tomb of Jupiter was located on their
island. They taught that Jupiter and all the gods were only mortals that had
beed raised to become a god. Thus the Greeks maintained that the Cretains were
always proclaiming a falsehood by asserting this opinion.
In modern times the Cretains are with us. Their lie abounds. Not only
does the Mormon cult teach that man can become a god; but the Masonic lodge
with its various degrees, recreates the "aeons and eminations" through which
it is taught that man can become god. This will be explained in detail later
in this presentation.
C. CONCLUSION: * MUTHOS * CONDEMNED BY THE WORD OF GOD
Paul's warnings to avoid fables, condemns the secret societies which
propagated these fables. The mystery religions were not the way to God;
they were the product of the pride of man. The modern day counterparts to
the mystery religions are legion. There are numerous men, women and children
who through their initiation into the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls
and Demoley, are participating in the very activities which the Word of God
condemns. This is the thesis of this paper, and it will be the purpose of the
remainder of this presentation to prove to anyone's satisfaction that freemasonry
is not only inconsistant with Christianity, but that freemasonry is the avowed
enemy of Jesus Christ and of Christianity.
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PART THREE: MASONIC AUTHORITIES
Before the relationship between Freemasonry and the condemned mystery
religions can be authoritatively established, a close connection or an identity
with the mysteries must be established. In order to do this, Masonic authori-
ties will be quoted. Direct, verbatim quotes will now be presented to establish
the credibility of these Masonic authorities. The books cited are ones used by
every man who bows his knee to the god of the lodge.
A: * LIGHTFOOT'S MANUAL OF THE LODGE *
The first Masonic book to be examined is *Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge
-- Texas.* The edition which is quoted is copyrighted by the Grand Lodge of
Texas Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 1934. The memorial to this book
concludes with the statement:
"This is to certify that Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge was approved
and adopted as the official manual or monitor of the Grand Lodge of
Texas, A.F.& A.M. and its subordinate Lodges, by a resolution adopted
December 5,1934."
The preface to this edition further states:
"A section has been added, entitled 'Commentaries' which is designed
to present in condensed form, additional light on our ancient rites,
forms, symbols and ceremonies. The commentaries are largely compiled
from the standard works of the best Masonic scholars, including Mackey,
Pike, Bromwell, Oliver, Preston, Webb, Tannehill, Higgens and others.."
Every Mason in Texas has this book in his home. The most recent edition
of the *Monitor* which was adopted in the late 1980's eliminated the commentar-
ies section because it revealed too much about the truth of Freemasonry. This
book establishes Albert Mackey and Albert Pike as "the best Masonic scholars."
B: * Lousiana Masonic Monitor *
The *Louisiana Masonic Monitor* begins with a title page on which three
quotations appear:
"Let there be light." -- Gen. 1:3
"There never was a false god, nor was there ever a really false
religion, unless you call a child a false man." -- Max Muller
"Every age has a religion suited to its capacity." -- Albert Pike
7
Every Mason in Louisiana, including this writer's father and father-in-law,
has a copy of this Monitor in his home. These quotes alone are sufficient to
warn the man of God to flee the Lodge. To say that there is no false religion
to to say that there is no true religion either.
C. * THE MEANING OF MASONRY * BY W.L. WILMSHURST
Further affirmation of the authoritative nature of the Masonic writings
of Albert Pike, Albert G. Mackey and W.L. Wilmshurst is found in the foreword
to the volume, *The Meaning of Masonry*, by W.L> Wilmshurst. Allan Boudreau,
Ph.D., Curator and Librarian, Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the
State of New York, wrote in July, 1980:
"Freemasonry has had many great scholars who devoted
their time and talents to the philosophical exposition
of the character of the Craft, the meaning of Craft,
symbols, and the religious aspects of the Fraternity:
Albert Pike, Robert Freke Gould, Fort Newton, Albert
Gallatin Mackey, and W.L. Wilmshurst.
Walter Leslie Wilmshurst was a mystic with a practical
knowledge and profound understanding of the religions of
the world. *The Meaning of Masonry* discloses the real
purpose of Modern Freemasonry and clearly states the
true body of teaching and practice concerning the
esoteric meanings of Masonic ritual." (Emphasis added)
This affirmation of Pike, Mackey, and Wilmshurst will be very important
in the remainder of this discussion. The condemnation of Freemasonry which
will be established herein is based on Masonic manuals and Masonic scholars.
Out of their own mouths they will condemn themselves.
D. * THE MASONIC BIBLE *
The acceptance of Albert Pike as an authority on Freemasonry and in the
interpretations of the symbols of Freemasonry is universally affirmed among the
adherents to that occultic brotherhood. This is no where more evident than in
the Masonic Bible.
The very concept of a Masonic Bible is offensive,for in subsequent sections
it will be established that the Lodge and its brotherhood hold the Word of God
in very low esteem. But, in the *Masonic Edition Cyclopedic Indexed Holy Bible*
on pages 9-20, there are lengthy direct quotations from *Morals and Dogma* by
Albert Pike. In addition, on page sixteen there is a full-page picture of Pike
with his title, Grand Commander Supreme Council of 33rd Degree Southern Juris-
diction of the United States, inscribed at the bottom. These quotes affirm the
esteem in which Pike is held by the Lodge.
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* HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS *
It is worthwhile for Southern Baptists to know that Holman Bible Publishers
have published numerous editions, styles and sizes of Masonic Bibles for years.
When the Baptist Sunday School Board bought the Holman Bible company their first
act was to sell the Masonic Bible publishing rights. It could be legitimately
asked, if Freemasonry is not a problem for Southern Baptists, why did we stop
publishing their Bibles? If Freemasonry is a problem, why did we not destroy
the plates rather than "turning a profit" in their sale?
E. CONCLUSIONS
Albert Pike, Albert G. Mackey, and W.L. Wilmshurst are embraced by Masons
as authorities on Freemasonry. They can speak of the real intent of the secret
society of Freemasonry. Extensive quotations from *Morals and Dogma* by Albert
Pike, *The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry* by Albert Mackey and *The meaning of
Masonry* by Wilmshurst, as well as from the commentaries of the *Texas Lodge
Manual Monitor*, will be given to establish the fact that Freemasonry not only
is, but proudly claims to be, in the tradition of and the direct successor to
the secret societies and mystery religions which are condemned by the Word of
God.
9
PART FOUR: WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH ABOUT FREEMASONRY?
If Freemasonry is as wicked as this paper contends, then how can otherwise
sincere men, who genuinely believe that they are Christians, embrace the tenets
of an occultic and indeed satanic organization? The answer requires discovering,
"Who knows what masonry really means?" Do the initiates in the first three
degrees of what is called the Blue Lodge have any idea what masonry is really
about, where it really came from and what its goals really are? They should have
known; they could have known, if they listened to the spirit of the Lord. When
they stand before God at the Judgement, they will be without excuse. But Albert
Pike said, "No! They do not know because we lie to 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 misled by false interpretations. It is not intended
that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he shall im-
agine he understands them. Their true explication is reserved for
the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry." (*Morals and Dogma*, p.819)
What a brotherhood?! A brotherhood which willfully, contemptuously and
intentionally misleads its adherents. Surely, the "New Age" envisioned by the
"Illuminati" of Freemasonry doesn't mean this? But, alas, they do. In the
previously quoted foreword to *The Meaning of Masonry*, Dr. Allan Boudreau
states:
"In this new Aquarian age, when many individuals and groups are
working in various ways for the eventual restoration of the
mysteries, an increasing number of aspirants are begining to
recognize that Freemasonry may well be the vehicle for this
achievement. We have here a sincere effort by a learned and
earnest Brother to point to the source of Masonic Light in
elegant, and at times profound, language. They who look with
him may enjoy the same felicity. The great value of this book
is that it was written by one who sets an example for all Masters
of the Lodges...In these pages, he whispers the password to those
of us who still clamor at the gate, enabling us to enter that
inner chamber where we can join the true initiates and share
EXPERIENCES NOW VEILED FROM ALL BUT A HANDFUL OF BRETHREN."
(The Meaning of Masonry, p.4 -- Emphasis added.)
Only a "handful of brethren" understand what masonry really means; others
are intentionally misled and lied to. It is no surprise that Southern Baptist
0en say, "That's not true! That's not what the Lodge is all about." They have
been deceived and lied to. Yet, they are without excuse, for they could have
known; they should have known.
10
PART FIVE: THE OCCULTISM OF FREEMASONRY
'
A. SECRET ORGANIZATIONS CONDEMNED BY THE WORD OF GOD
1. SECRECY IS HALLMARK OF OCCULTISM
The first characteristic of the Masonic Lodge which condemns it is that it
is secretive. The Bible repeatedly warns believers not to do things in secret
and in the dark. FOR A CHRISTIAN TO ALLOW HIMSEF TO BE BLINDFOLDED, SYMBOLICAL-
LY CONFESSING THEREBY THAT HE IS BLIND, WHEN THE CREATOR GOD OF THE UNIVERSE
ABIDES IN HIS HEART, IS AN ABOMINATION. Ephesians 5:6-13 warns against the
deceit of those things which are done in dark and in secret. The Lord Jesus
Christ warned that everything which is done in secrecy will be revealed in the
light and that every word which is spoken in the dark will be shouted from the
roof tops. (See Luke 12:1-3)
2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECRECY
There is a difference between that which is secret and that which is
confidential. There are many things in a Christian's life which should be
confidential; there is nothing which should be secret.
a. SECRECY
1) SECRECY IS THE WAY AND THE PLACE OF THE ACTIVITIES
OF THE WICKED.
Psalm 10:8-9 identifies the nature of the "functional atheist" -- the one
who would agree that God exists, yet lives his life as if He doesn't; it states:
"He sittith in the lurking places of the villages; in the secret places
doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.
He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den."
The functional athiest operates in secret to gain advantage over others and
to achieve his or her covetous desires. Secrecy is also the method of those who
attempt to influence another to abandon God; Deuteronomy 13:6 states:
"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter,
or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own should
entice ("entice" is the translation of a Hebrew word which means "to
make room for that which God has not made room for") thee secretly,
saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known,
thou, nor thy father."
The world always attempts to seduce God's people in secret. The works of
evil are always done in secret or so the wicked thing, for indeed nothing is
secret from God. There is no commandment or allowance for God's people to do
anything in secret.
11
2) THAT WHICH IS DONE IN SECRET IS SHAMEFUL
Jesus said that no one lights a candle and puts it under a bushel basket.
That which is done in secret is not done for and because of light; it is done
for and because of darkness, which is evil in the Biblical metaphor.
Ephesians 5:12 states:
"For it is a shame even to speak of those things which
are done of them in secret."
There is nothing done in secret which is honorable and noble. All that is
done in secret is selfish, sensual, sinful or Satanic. Romans 6:21 states:
"What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are
now ashamed? for the end of those things is death."
The end of the activities of the Lodge is death -- eternal death in hell.
Recently, a patient was witnessed to by a physician. When asked if he were a
Christian the man responded, "No, but I'm O.K. with God; I'm a mason." Few
will state it so blatantly, but it is in the heart and mind of every adherent
to this occultic brotherhood.
3) SECRECY IS CONTRARY TO THE WAYS OF GOD
Jesus Christ said:
"I spake openly in the world: I ever taught in the synagogue, and
in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have
I said nothing." (John 18:20)
If the Lord Jesus Christ said nothing is secret, then His followers should
do nothing in secret. There is no element, ceremony or practice of Christianity
which should be or must be conducted in secret. There is no aspect of the
Christian faith which requires a cloak of secrecy for success. In private devo-
tion and in private prayer,believers are admonished to "enter into their closet"
and "their Father which seeth in secret will answer openly." The issue here,
however, is not secrecy, but confidentiality.
4) ALL THINGS DONE IN SECRET WILL BE REVEALED, In his pride man pretends that he is sovereign, yet the Bible has revealed
that man can do nothing independent of God's power and/or God's presence and
knowledge. THEREFORE, THE PRETENCE OF SECRECY IS THE FUNCTIONAL DENIAL OF THE
EXISTENCE OF GOD BECAUSE MAN LIVES UNDER THE ILLUSION THAT SOMETHING CAN BE
KEPT FROM GOD. David said:
"Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy
presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my
bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the
morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there
shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me. If I say,
Surely the darkness shall cover me: even the night shall be light
about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night
shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to
Thee." (Psalm 139:7-12)
12
Jesus said:
"Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For
there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid,
that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in
darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken
in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."
(Luke 12:1-3)
Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews, expanding upon this concept, said:
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: But
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom
we have to do." (Hebrews 4:13)
The Masonic claim to secrecy is an offense to the God of Light, the Lord
Jesus Christ. Nothing can truly be done in secret. It is an illusion of man's
imagination for man to believe he can hide from God.
5) SECRECY IS USED TO PRETEND TO BE SOMETHING YOU AREN'T
In Luke 12:1-3, quoted above, Jesus Christ associated the hypocrisy of the
Pharisees with the illusion of secrecy. THE ONLY MOTIVE FOR SECRECY IS EITHER
A MAN IS ASHAMED OF WHAT HE IS DOING, OR HE IS TRYING TO GAIN SOME UNFAIR OR
IMMORAL ADVANTAGE OVER OTHERS. Neither of these motives is Christian. Jesus
Christ came to deliver man from the works of darkness and from the need to
operate in secrecy, not to have His people involved in the occult -- in secret.
b. CONFIDENTIALITY
1) CONFIDENTIALITY INVOLVES THE TIMING OF THE RELEASE
OF INFORMATION, NOT THE CONCEALMENT OF IT
Mark said of the Lord Jesus Christ:
"And He straitly charged them that they should not make Him
known." (Mark 3:12)
Jesus was not operating in secrecy; He was just choosing the timing of the
release of information about Himself. This is a legitimate decision. But, to
have information which is vital to others, and permanently to withhold that
information, is treachery. Paul "warned every man he met and taught every man
he could all that he knew about the Lord Jesus Christ." (Colossians 1:27-29)
He held nothing back for his personal advantage. He had no secrets; there was
nothing which he chose to withhold in order to advance himself.
2) CONFIDENTIALITY PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY OF TIME FOR
GOD'S VALIDATION WITHOUT THE CONFUSION OF MEN'S WORD'S
Matthew said:
"And charged them that they should not make Him known. That
it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Essias the prophet,
13
saying, Behold My Servant, Whom I have chosen; My Beloved, in
Whom My Soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon Him,
and He shall shew judgement to the Gentiles. He shall not strive,
nor cry; neither shall any man hear His Voice in the streets. A
bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall he not
quench, till He send forth judgement unto victory. And in His
Name shall the Gentiles trust. (Matthew 12:16)
The fulfillment of God's prophesy about the Lord Jesus Christ required
time. That time was provided by the maintaining of the confidentiality of
Jesus' identity until the time in which the Father had chosen to reveal it.
This is not secrecy; it does not attempt to exclude others by withholding
information from them. The ultimate goal is, in God's time, to include all
whom the Father has called.
3) CONFIDENTIALITY PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR
ACCOUNTABULITY WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING
EXPOSED TO RIDICULE
Proverbs 11:13 states:
"A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful
spirit concealeth the matter."
Leviticus 19:16 identifies one of the elements of holiness as:
"Thou shalt no go up and down as a talebearer among thy people."
The only secret which the Bible recommends is that of not betraying the
failure of a brother or sister whose sin you know and/or whose trust you have
been givin. Once again this is not secrecy, because that failure has already
been confessed to God for forgiveness and to a faithful friend for victory in
the future. This is a function of confidentiality which deals with the lim-
iting of negative information to those who need to know,i.e., they are either
a part of the problem and/or they are a part of the solution.
4) CONFIDENTIALITY MENAS THAT THERE IS SOME
INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE CONSTRUCTIVE
TO SOME AND DESTRUCTIVE TO OTHERS
Proverbs 16:23 states:
"The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth
learning to his lips."
Proverbs 29:11 states:
"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth
it in till afterwards."
It is not necessary to say everything you know in order to avoid the
Biblical condemnation of secrecy. The motive in withholding information
is most often the issue which distinguishes between secrecy and confiden-
tiality. It is not wise to tell everything you know to everyone you know.
14
5) CONFIDENTIALITY PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO BEAR THE
BURDENS OF OTHERS IN PRAYER WITHOUT THE DESTRUCTIVE
INFLUENCE OF GOSSIP
The Bible states:
"He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore
meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips." (Proverbs 20:19)
The man or woman of God will know much that he or she never speaks, but the
motive is not secrecy, the motive is not secrecy, the motive is faithfulness.
The prophets often demonstrated that "half the facts can be the whole truth",
depending upon one's motive. Confidentiality allows for time to heal the pain of
sin, after grace has healed the penalty, without others being injured by know-
ledge of a brother or sister's failure.
6) CONFIDENTIALITY PREVENTS SPEAKING HASTILY AND BEFORE
ONE UNDERSTANDS THE MEANING OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND EVENTS.
Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is said, kept many things in
her heart for prayer, until she understood what she was to do about them. The
Bible states:
"Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of
a fool than of him." (Proverbs 29:20)
"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."
(Luke 2:19)
"And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was
subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in
her heart." (Luke 2:51)
Mary did not understand what was happening to her and did not understand
Who her Son was. Therefore she remained silent until she did understand.
There is wisdom in this. Confidentiality allows the discovery of the bigger
picture and/or the real situation before acting or speaking.
7) BEING TRUSTED WITH "SPECIAL" INFORMATION --
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION --IS ONE OF THE BEST
EXERCISES IN LEARNING HOW TO BE A FAITHFUL MAN
The Bible states:
"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul
from troubles." (Proverbs 21:23)
One of the most needful character traits in order to be a "faithful" man of
God is loyalty. This is best taught in the arena of confidentiality. A person
is given information which he is required to keep to himself. Information is
power in the modern world. Often, even very personal information is used by one
to impress or gain favor with another. When a person can be trusted not to use
private information about another for personal gain, they are learning the
lesson of confidentiality and are learning how to be a faithful man or woman of
God.
15
The Masonic oath of secrecy violates Scripture. The Bible clearly commands
believers not to enter into oaths with other men. It also violates God's hatred
of secrecy.
3. HUSBAND IS TO BE TO WIFE WHAT CHRIST IS TO THE CHURCH
It has often been the case that marriages have been injured because the
Mason swears himself to secrecy in allegiance to his Lodge which excludes his
wife and children. Wives often say, "The only thing which has ever come between
my husband and me is the Lodge. He spends so much time and money there and tells
me I can't know what they're doing."
A husband is to be to the wife as Christ is to the Church. Jesus said to
the Church:
"Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not
what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things
that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you."
(John 15:15)
If God, Jesus Christ, refused to keep anything from His Bride, the Church,
then why should men who claim to love Him keep anything from their brides? No
Christian organization would require a man to swear an oath to keep something
from his wife. There are many things a man of God might not tell his wife,
there is nothing that he cannot tell her. And, a man of God must never allow
himself to be sworn to secrecy against his wife.
4. THE BIBLE NEVER COMMANDS THAT TRUTH BE
SECRETED AMONG THE PRIVILEGED
If the Lodge has the truth, as it pretends, and if the Lodge has the Spirit
of Christ, then it ought to be evangelizing the world with the truth. Truth --
which by definition must be revealed by God -- is never given to an individual
or an institution for their own exclusive use. Truth is given in order for it
to be shared.
There are a number of motivations for men joining the Lodge. Almost all of
them have to do with gaining an advantage over others. Truth was never given to
one man in order for him to gain power, privilege, or advantage over another.
Only the imitation truth of the Devil can be so used by men.
5. EZEKIEL 8 REVEALS THE ABOMINATION OF SECRECY AND THE
DEGENERACY WHICH FOLLOWS ITS ADOPTION BY MEN
In a vision Ezekiel saw: "the seat of the image of jealousy, which
provoketh to jealousy." (Ezekiel 8:3b) This "seat of jealousy" is described
in Ezekiel's vision as:
"...every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all
the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round
about. And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients
of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah
the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a
thick cloud of insense went up. Then said he unto me, Son of man,
hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the
dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The
Lord seeth us not: the Lord hath forsaken the earth."
(Ezekiel 8:10-12)
16
"The seat of jealousy" is that which is done by God's people in the dark --
in secret -- and which reflects their belief that God is impotent, He cannot see
them. Ezekiel 8 is a perfect picture of the Masonic Lodge. Three things about
this vision relate to the study of Freemasonry:
a. For the prophet of God access to the chamber where these abominations
took place was through a hole in the wall. (See Ezekiel 8:8) For the
conspirators, the only access to the chamber was through a door. The
Masonic Lodge has no windows and is often on the second story of a
building to further increase its security and secrecy. Ezekiel saw
through a hole in the wall. PAPERS SUCH AS THESE ARE A HOLE IN THE
WALL OF THE LODGE, ALLOWING GOD'S PEOPLE TO SEE INSIDE AND TO FLEE
FROM THE "SEAT OF JEALOUSY".
b. These men and their associates "worshipped the sun toward the east."
(Ezekiel 8:16c) It will soon be established that the Lodge itself
claims to be the heir to the Egyptian sun worship of the ancient
world.
c. It was a chamber of symbols. All mystery religions use symbols which
have secret and magical powers. The Masonic Lodge is filled with
symbols which have esoteric and occultic significance. These will
not be revealed to a man until he vows upon his death loyalty to the
Lodge above all else, including the church and Jesus Christ.
The vision which was revealed to Ezekiel had immediate and direct meaning
for Israel. Yet, that vision has implications for Christians today. They are
to avoid and association with that which is done in secret. They are also to
avoid anything which pretends to imbue symbols with magical powers. They are
to avoid any semblance of reproducing in their lives a "seat of jealousy". The
Masonic Lodge is a "seat of jealousy", and the men and women of the Lodge will
stand before a Holy God and be judged for their association with it. IN ADDITION
ALL WHO ENCOURAGE IT, WHETHER BY IGNORING IT OR BY NOT WARNING OTHERS ABOUT IT,
WILL SHARE IN THAT JUDGEMENT.
B. FREEMASONRY WITH ITS LIES HAS NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST
The word of God states:
"For there are many muruly and vain talkers and deceivers
(intentionally deceiving others) specially they of the
circumcision:
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses,
teaching things which they ought not for filthy lucre's
sake." (Titus 1:10-11)
The "intentional deceiving" of others is born of the god of this world, not
the God of Heaven. In addition, the telling of lies "for filthy lucre's sake" --
- for the gaining of pecuniary advantage -- which is one of the greatest motiva-
tions for men to join the Lodge, is evil.
17
Anything that attempts to deceive man is born of the "god of this world",
who is the great liar. God will not use a lie even to influence a man to embrace
the truth. Masonry, which intentionally misleads and lies to its initiates, is
born of the father of lies, Lucifer. Titus 1:16 is an excellent summary of the
condition of church members who are active, enthusiastic members of the Masonic
Lodge.
PART SIX: THE GOD OF THE LODGE: LUCIFER
A. ALBERT PIKE: LUCIFER IS GOD
What are the lies which the Lodge is designed to conceal? Why, if the
Lodge is such a noble organization, does it need to deceive others? The truth
is that the lies are necessary to conceal that Lucifer is the god of the Lodge
and that all worship in the Lodge is the worship of Satan himself.
Every cult has its god. Every occultic society has its god. This is what
is being covered up: the identity of the god of Freemasonry. Albert Pike re-
vealed this in a speach given July 14, 1889, as Instructions to the 23 Supreme
Councils of the World of Freemasonry in Paris, France:
"That which we must say to the crowd is -- We worship a god, but
it is the god that one adores without superstition. To you,
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, we say this, that you may
repeat it to the brethren of the 32nd, 31st and 30th degrees --
The Masonic Religion should be, by all of us initiates of the
higher degrees, maintained in the purity of the Luciferian
Doctrine. If Lucifer were not god, would Adonay, (the God of
the Christians) whose deeds prove his cruelty, perfidy and
hatred of man, barbarism and repulsion for science, would
Adonay and his priest, calumniate him?
Yes, Lucifer is God, and unfortunately Adonay is also god. For
the eternal law is that there is no light without shade, no
beauty without ugliness, no white without black, for the absolute
can only exist as two gods: darkness being necessary for light
to serve as its foil as the pedestal is necessary to the statue,
and the brake to the locomotive.
Thus, the doctrine of Satanism is a heresy; and the true and
pure philosophical religion is the belief in Lucifer, the
equal of Adonay; but Lucifer, God of Light and God of Good,
is struggling for humanity against Adonay, the God of Darkness
and Evil." (Reference: "Instructions to the 23 Supreme Councils
of the World", Albert Pike, Grand Commander, Sovereign Pontiff of
Universal Freemasonry, July 14, 1889, Reported by A.C. De La Rive,
*La Femme et L'Enfant dans la Franc-Maconnerie Universelle* p.588
18
In the late Nineteenth Century many anti-masonic books were written, pur-
porting to be written by masons. Some have argued that this is one such book.
There is no conclusive evidence either way. However, the contention that
Lucifer is the god of the Lodge does not rise or fall on this quote from a book
about masons. The following discussion will establish that fact from the
mouths of Masons themselves.
B. W.L. WILMSHURST: LUCIFER IS GOD
Lucifer, worshipped as god, has been the goal of the mystery religions
since Egypt worshipped the sun. W.L. Wilmshurst stated:
"Out of Egypt have I called My Son's is, in one of its many senses,
a biblical allusion to this passing on of the catholic Mysteries
from Egypt to new and virgin regions, for their enlightenment."
This is blasphemous, equating the Egyptian mystery religions with the Only
Begotten Son of God. The purpose of the mystery religions in the ancient world
was the establishing of Luciferian worship among men. Lucifer, who was the
"bright one", the most beautiful of all of God's creation, lusted in his heart
after the throne and majesty of God. The Word of God states:
"How art thou fallen from heaven. O Lucifer, son of the morning! how
art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! for
thou hast said in thine heart. I will ascend into heaven, I will
exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the
mount of the congregation in the sides of the north: I will ascend
above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
(Isaiah 14:12-14)
Lucifer did not succeed in exalting himself over the stars of God, nor did
he succeed in being "like the most high". That honor was already the Eternal
Possession of the One Who had been with the Father always. That One was, is,
and ever shall be the Lord Jesus Christ.
But what did happen to Lucifer? Issiah 14:15-16 states:
"Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell to the sides of the pit. They
that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee,
saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did
shake kingdoms; that made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed
the cities thereof; that opened not the houses of his prisoners?"
Lucifer -- Satan, the enemy of our souls, the adversary of Matthew 5:24 and
I Peter 5:8 -- is an imitation "light" and a defeated foe. He has been cast out
of heaven and placed under the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. Neverthelewss,
there are allies of this "chief demon"that have been encouraging men from Adam's
time to bow their knee to the "god of this world", Lucifer. These efforts have
been through the ancient mystery religions and more recently through cultic and
occultic practices, such as
19
Freemasonry. It is in this way that Satan has "made the earth to tremble" and
in this way he "did shake kingdoms."
Freemasonry is the successor to the mystery religions. WHILE THIS IS
OBVIOUS, THE WRITINGS OF THE AUTHORITIES OF FREEMASONRY WILL BE QUOTED TO PROVE
IT TO MASONS WHO WANT TO MAINTAIN THEIR LODGE ASSOCIATION BECAUSE OF BUSINESS
ADVANTAGE AND STILL PRETEND TO SERVE JESUS CHRIST.
The blasphemous comment of Wilmshurst, who cited Matthew 2:15 as proof that
our Lord Jesus Christ, the "image of the Father", was a successor to the mystery
religions of Egypt has already been quoted. This is one of the greatest proofs
of the condemnation of Freemasonry. Our Heavenly Father called the Lord Jesus
Christ out of Egypt to demonstrate forever to all mankind that His Son is to be
worshipped rather than the false god of Egypt, the sun god, Isis. Isis is but a
flickering candle in comparison to the radiance of the Glory of the God of
Israel.
Wilmshurst confirms the relationship between Freemasonry and the ancient
mysteries with its chief representative, the Jewish Kaballa, when he stated:
"But that light, like that of a Master Mason, has never been wholly
extinguished, however dark the age, and by the tradition, this of
ours is spiritually the darkest of the dark ages. 'God has never
left Himself without a witness among the children of men,' and
among the witnesses to the Ancient Wisdom and Mysteries is the
system of Masonry; a faint and feeble flicker, perhaps, but never-
theless a true light and in the true line of succession of the
primitive doctrine, and one still able to guide our feet into the
way of peace and perfection." (*The Meaning of Masonry* p.178)
Wilmshurst affirms:
a. Freemasonry is the modern manifestation of the ancient
mystery religions.
b. Masonry is able to guide men "to peace and perfection". This
is proof that masonry claims to be "a way" to salvation.
c. Freemasonry is a "witness" of and to the ancient mystery
religions, not the Lord Jesus Christ.
C. FREEMASONRY: MODERN VERSION OF
CONDEMNED MYSTERY RELIGIONS
Masonry is the successor to the mystery religions. Masonry claims to be
the "true light" through which men can come to "peace" and "perfection." Recall
the discussion of the condemned "fables" in Titus 1:10-16, in Timothy 1:6-7, in
I Timothy 4:4 and in II Timothy 4:3-4. *Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon* iden-
tifies "fables" as:
"The fictions of the Jewish Theosophists and Gnostics, especially
concerning the emanations and orders of the aeons."
20
"Peace" is the Christian equivalent of salvation. "Perfection" is the
Christian equivalent of sanctification. Both of these are achieved, argues
Wilmshurst, through the Masonic Lodge.
In *Morals and Dogma*, Albert Pike stated:
"All truly dogmatic religions have issued from the Kaballa and
return to it; everything scientific and grand in the religious
dreams of all the illuminati, Jacob Boeheme, Swedenborg, Saint
Martin, and others, is borrowed from the Kaballa; ALL MASONIC
ASSOCIATIONS OWE TO IT THEIR SECRETS AND SYMBOLS." (p.744)
Emanuel Swedenborg was the eighteenth century occultist who denied all of
the books of the Bible except the Gospels and the writings of John. There is
a Swedenborg Masonic Order and there is a church, which in the United States
has several thousand members, founded on the occultic teachings of Swedenborg.
Albert Pike affirms Swedenborg. In *Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of
Freemasonry*, Mackey embraces Swedenborg also:
"...if there was really a borrowing of one from the other, and not an
accideental coincidence, it was the Freemasons of the advanced
Degrees who borrowed from Swedenborg, and not Swedenborg from them...
WE CANNOT DENY THAT HE HAS UNWITTINGLY EXERCISED A POWERFUL
INFLUENCE ON FREEMASONRY." (Volume 2, p.997)
No Christian should be associated with anything that an occultist like
Swedenborg influenced. No Christian should have anything to do with anyone
who denies the Word of God.
A brief review of *Morals and Dogma* reveals that all of the symbols of
Freemasonry are interpreted in light of the "emanation and orders of the aeons"
of the Kaballa. The Word of God specifically and categorically condemns and
rejects the godless speculations such as these very activities in which Albert
Pike and his Masonic "Brotherhood" are engaged.
In an article on the Kaballa, in *The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry*, Albert
Mackey states:
"The mystical philosophy or theosophy of the Jews is called the
Kaballa. The word is derived from the Hebrew Kabal, signifying
to receive, because it is the doctrine received from the elders."
(Volume 1, p.166)
According to *Thayer's* definition of "fables", God has condemned the
Jewish Kaballa or mystery religions of the Jewish philosophers. But what is
the connection, if any, between the condemned Kaballa and Freemasonry? Listen!
Albert Mackey said:
"...INTIMATELY CONNECTED with the symbolic science of Freemasonry,
the Kaballa may be defined to be a system of philosophy which
embraces certain mystical interpretations of Scripture, and
21
metaphysical speculations concerning the Deity, man and spiritual
beings." (Ibid, p.166)
On page 5 of this study, *Expositor's Greek New Testamnet* is quoted
demonstrating that the Bible condemns bizzarre and esoteric interpretations
of scripture. The Kaballa and the Masonic Lodge employ scripture in a spec-
ulative and occultic manner. In fact, in a manner which the Word of God
condemns.
In a passage of Scripture quoted on page three of this paper, Paul warned
Timothy about such idle speculations; he said:
"I am repeating in this letter the advice I gave you just before I went
to Macedonia and urged you to stay at Ephesus. I wanted you to do this so that
you could order certain persons to stop inventing new doctrines and to leave
hoary old myths and interminable genealogies alone. Such things lead men to
speculation rather than to the ordered living which results from faith in God.
The ultimate aim of the Christian ministry after all, is to produce the love
which springs from a pure heart, a good conscience and a genuine faith. Some
seem to have forgotten this and to have lost themselves in endless words."
(I Timothy 1:3-6, *Phillips*)
Masons busy themselves about "hoary old myths" which lead to "idle spec-
ulation." God wants His people involved in "ordered living" which results in
faith.
D: DOCTRINE OF EMANATION: GOD BECOMES MATTER
The "intimate connection" between the Kaballa and Freemasonry is more than
illusory. The Kaballa, and other mystery religions, such as Zoroaster, teach
the doctrine of "emanation". "Emanation" is defined by *Webster's Third New
International Dictionary* as:
"The origination of the world conceived in Neoplatonism not as a
creation out of nothing but as a series of hierarchically descending
radiations from the Godhead to nous (consciousness) and other
intermediate stages and ultimately to matter."
The contradiction of the Word of God as to Creation is clear. Biblical
creation was DE NOVO, out of nothing. The doctrine of emanations is the
precise opposite of this. Either the world was created by an emanation, by
a gradual transformation of god into matter; or God spoke, and out of nothing,
that which is came forth. The two theologies are mutually exclusive; one is
true and the other is false.
The Supreme Being of the Kabbalist is not the God of the Bible. Of the
Supreme Being of th4e Kabbalist, Mackey writes:
"The Supreme Being, say the Kaballists, is an absolute and inscrutable
unity, having nothing without him and everything within him. He is
called EN SOPH, 'The Infinite One'. In this infinitude he cannot be
comprehended by the intellect, nor
22
described in words intelligible by human minds, so as to make his
existence percepttible." (Ibid, p.167)
This is certainly not a description of the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.
The "knowable-ness" of God by man is not only affirmed by Scripture (Romans 1),
but is established as the very dynamic behind creation. The "mystery" becomes
even more bizzarre as the god of the Kaballa, "The Great Architect of the Uni-
verse", is further described by Mackey.
Because of his transcendent nature, and therefore "un-knowable-ness", the
Supreme Being of the Kaballa needed to make himself comprehensible. Mackey
stated:
"It was necessary, therefore, that, to render himself comprehensible,
the EN SOPH should make himself active and creative. But he could
not become the direct creator; because, being infinite, he is without
will, intention, thought, desire or action, all of which are qualities
of a finite being only." (Ibid, p.167)
The roots of secular humanism with its deification of man and its anthro-
pomorphizing of God are seen here as the Kaballist creates a god who is inept.
Anyone familiar with the history of religion begins to recognize who EN
SOPH really is. He is a "first cause", a "prime mover", the "creative force"
in the world. Yet, he is a "first cause" of limited capacity. He is a god who
is manageable by man. He is certainly not the caring, compassionate, communing
God of David and the Psalms. He is not the omnipitent, creator God of Genesis
and Jeremiah. Mackey commented further:
"The EN SOPH, therefore was compelled to create the world in an
indirect manner, by ten emanations from the infinite light which
he was and in which he dwelt. These ten emanations are the ten
Sephiroth." (Ibid, p.167)
Thus, "god" "created" matter and the world by sequential transformations of
himself into concrete, real objects. Man or matter then returned to its origin-
al state as "god" or light through the reversal of these emanations, argues the
Kaballist. The "plan of salvation" for the Kaballist was the progressive ascent
back through these emanations until he was fused, once again as at the begining,
with the EN SOPH.
MASONIC PLAN OF SALVATION
In *The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry*, Albert Mackey explained the relation-
ship which emanations have to the Lodge:
"These ten Sephiroth, represented in their order of ascent from the
lowest to the highest...FORCIBLY REMIND US OF THE SYSTEM OF MYSTICAL
LADDERS WHICH PERVADED ALL THE ANCIENT AS WELL AS MODERN INITIATIONS;
the Brahmanical Ladder of the Indian mysteries; the Ladder of Mithras,
used, the Persian mysteries; the Scandinavian Ladder of the Gothic
mysteries, and IN THE MASONIC
23
MYSTERIES THE LADDER OF KADOSH; AND LASTLY, THE THEOLOGICAL
LADDER OF THE SYMBOLIC DEGREES." (Volume I, p.167)
What does this mean? It means that salvation for the Indian, the Persian,
the Scandinavian and the Mason is through a sequence of emanations or ladders
of excellence, through which each progresses by initiation into ever higher
mysteries within their "faith". Through the emanations -- through passing
through higher and higher degrees -- the Mason can return to the substance of
god from which his Craft teaches him that he came.
It is through rising in the degrees of Freemasonry that the Mason becomes
a god. It is the same for the Mormon, who is on his way, he is told, to god-
head, if he is "good enough." The hellish doctrine of man becoming God, taught
by Joseph Smith and his disciples came straight from the Masonic Lodge, as did
the secret endowment ceremonies of the Mormon Temple. It is the Lodge and its
craft that the Mason trusts for his redemption. And, so he swears as shall be
seen from the examination of the thirtieth degree of Scottish Rite masonry. The
Masonic plan of salvation is a works righteousness religion. There is no place
for atonement, grace, faith and mercy. It is no wonder that Masons will build
hospitals, churches and orphanages, at the same time that they blaspheme the
name of Christ. They are, in their mind and in the Lodge's teaching, earning
their salvation.
EN SOPH IS LUCIFER
But who is this god, EN SOPH? It is clear that he is not the God of the
Bible or the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then who is he? The Kaballist
identifies him, for Albert Mackey reported that in the death and resurrection
ritual of the Kaballist it is said:
"This is he who causes the earth to quake and the kingdoms to shake."
(Ibid, p.167)
Who, according to Scripture "caused the earth to quake and kingdoms to
shake"? Re-read Isaiah 14:16 which states:
"They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider
thee, saying is this the man that make the earth to tremble, that
did shake kingdoms..."
Who was this? The Word of God tells us that it was Lucifer. In 1889,
Albert Pike identified Lucifer as god. In *The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry*,
Albert Mackey established that the god of Freemasonry is Lucifer.
24
PART SEVEN: KNIGHTS KADOSH -- THIRTIETH DEGREE
A. MEETING WITH SATAN
If the "fables" that Scripture condemns are "Jewish theosophistry" and
"emanations of aeons", and if Jewish Kaballism is "Jewish Theosophistry", and
if the emanations of the Kaballish and the Masonic Ladder of Kadosh and the
Theological Ladder of the Symbolic degrees of Freemasonry are "emanations of
aeons", THEN, it should be very instructive to look at the Ladder of Kadosh of
Freemasonry.
The Kadosh, says Mackey, is the "name of a very important degree in many
of the Masonic Rites". The Knight Kadosh is the thirtieth degree of the Scot-
tish Rite of Freemasonry. A detailed discription and analysis of the degree is
presented in *Scotch Rite Masonry Illustrated (The Complete Ritual of the An-
cient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Profusely Illustrated by a Sovereign Grand
Commander, 33~). This book is published by the Powner Company in Chicago,
Illinois which identifies itself as: "a company from which Masons may order with
confidence from a firm which has continuously served the craft since 1867."
This description of the thirtieth degree is that of the Masonic Lodge. It
is a description which is distributed by this publishing company as a servant of
the Craft. THE MASONS FIRST FACE TO FACE ENCOUNTER WITH THE GOD OF THE LODGE,
WITH LUCIFER, WITH EN SOPH, WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE THIRTIETH DEGREE.
B. THE DECORATIONS OF THE THIRTIETH DEGREE
In the initiatory ritual of the thirtieth degree there are four apartments
or rooms with special decorations which symbolize different aspects of the oc-
cult. In this degree, there are four oaths that are recited. In the first
apartment the following furnishings are present:
"This apartment is hung with black tapestry. A sepulchral lamp is
suspended from the vault. In the middle is a mausoleum, above
which is a coffin. In the coffin lies a knight, wrapped up in a
white shroud, his face veiled. On the platform of the mausoleum
are three skulls...At the west end of the apartment is a large
transparency on which are written in flame colored letters the
following words: 'Whoever shall overcome the dread of death,
shall emerge from the bosom of the earth, and have a right to be
initiated into the greater mysteries.' Beneath are the initials
J.B.M." (*Scotch Rite Masonry, Illustrated*, p.257)
That the above does not describe the ornaments of a Christian service needs
no arguement. That it does involve the occultic and Luciferianism is obvious to
any that will consider what follows. The initiate is about to recognize that he
has become an illuminati in the Kaballa faith which Scripture condemns.
After several moments of the playing of music the Thrice Puissant Grand
Master says to the initiate:
25
"My brother, these objects conceal a great mystery. Are you prepared
to undergo the trials which await you? They are fearful, but THERE
IS NOTHING IN THEM TO ALARM YOU IF YOU HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE DEGREES
THROUGH WHICH YOU HAVE SUCCESSIVELY PASSED. I warn you moreover,
that you will have to answer very serious questions, and must advise
you to confine yourself in all your answers to these words only. 'I
wish to procede.' YOU MUST COLLECT ALL YOUR POWER OF YOUR MIND, FOR
ON YOURSELF ALONE YOU WILL HAVE TO DEPEND." (ibid, p.258)
The Thrice Puissant Grand Master admits that even though the real meaning
of the Masonic symbols are concealed from the men of the lower degrees, that
"if you have understood", then you will already know what you are about to be
told. THE OCCULTISM OF THE LODGE IS DISCERNABLE AT THE LOWER DEGREES IF A MAN
IS LISTENING. The lies of Freemasonry, while withheld from the Blue lodge
members, are contained in the symbolism of those lower degrees, if a person is
able to discern them. All men of the Lodge are without excuse. Either they are
lost and blind, or they have allowed Satan to blind them.
Secondly, and more diabolical is the statement, "FOR ON YOURSELF ALONE YOU
WILL HAVE TO DEPEND." The Christian God has said, "I will never leave you or
forsake you." Where is this God Who promised such? Why are "Christians" en-
couraged to cast Him aside and to rely only upon themselves? Why must the
Christian be stripped of the reality of the Presence of the True God in order to
proceed in this "brotherhood"? The reason becomes apparent soon.
After a period of silent meditation on the part of the initiate, the Knight
in the coffin asks:
"Thou who comes hither to disturb my rest fear my wrath. What is thy
wish? (Ibid, p.259)
C. WHO IS IN THE COFFIN IN THE THIRTIETH DEGREE?
Who does the Knight in the coffin represent? Albert Pike says that the an-
swer lies in the mysteries of the Kaballa. Albert Mackey stated:
"The Kaballah was first taught by God to a select company of
angels, who formed a theosophic school in Paradise. After
the fall the angels most graciously communicated this heavenly
doctrine to the disobedient child of earth..."
(*Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry* Volume 1, p.166)
The only angels to be cast out of heaven were those who joined Lucifer in
his rebellion against God. This "select company of angels" had to be those who
rebelled with Lucifer and who were cast out of heaven. They then set about to
mystify and to subvert man's loyalty to Jehovah. These angels that communicated
heavenly visions to men were the legions of Lucifer, who enticed man to eat of
the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil. Mackey's article on the Kabal-
la, quoting from a work by Dr. Ginsburg entitled *Kaballa*,continues, contending
that these secrets
26
were communicated from Adam to Noah. Then through Abraham they came to Egypt
when (he) "allowed a portion of this mysterious doctrine to ooze out." It is
further contended that Moses included this Kaballism in the Pentateuch,
through which David and Solomon became initiated into the Kaballa. (Ibid, p.166)
The article continues:
"No one, however, dared to write it down till Simon ben Jochai, who
lived at the time of the destruction of the second Temple (587 B.C.)
Having been condemned to death by Titus, Rabbi Simon managed to
escape with his son and concealed himself in a cavern, where he
remained for twelve years." (Ibid, p.166)
This may all seem far afield; but observe the fate of Simon ben Jochai:
"Here (in the cavern), too, his disciples resorted to be initiated by
their master into these divine mysteries; and here Simon ben Jochai
expired with this heavenly doctrine in his mouth, whilst discoursing
on it to his disciples." (Ibid, p.166)
How ordinary! He died. But listen to the events of his death according
to the myth of the Kaballa:
"Scarcely had his spirit departed, when a dazzling light filled the
cavern, so that no one could look at the Rabbi; whilst a burning
fire appeared outside, forming as it were a sentinal at the entrance
of the cave, and denying admittance to the neighbors." (Ibid, p.166)
This sounds like the "angel with a sword of fire" that was placed at the
entrance of the Garden of Eden in Genesis three. This is a dramatic conclusion
to the life of one who dared reveal the secrets that fallen angels communicated
to fallen man. But the drama is not at an end, for Mackey states:
"As they were preparing for his obsequies, a voice was heard from
heaven, saying, 'Come ye to the marriage of Simon ben Jochai; he
is entering into peace, and shall rest in his chamber.' A flame
preceded the coffin, which seemed enveloped by and burning like
fire." (Ibid, p.166)
A voice from heaven! Who was this man? What merit was his that such a
supernatural occurrence marked his death and burial? The truth? Mackey states:
"And when the remains were deposited in the tomb, another voice was
heard from heaven, saying, This is he who caused the earth to
quake and the kingdoms to shake!" (Ibid, p.167)
Who was Simon ben Jochai? He was the one and the same as in Isaiah 14:16.
He was Lucifer or one of his demons disguised in the form of a man. Who does
the man in the coffin in the thirtieth degree represent? He is the Simon ben
Jochai of the Kaballa. He is Lucifer himself or one of his demons.
27
D. THE REVELATION OF THE THIRTIETH DEGREE
Once again, the words of the Knight in the coffin are heard, but this time
with the identity of the interrogator and with the understanding of what he
intends:
"Thou who comest hither to disturb my rest fear my wrath.
What is thy wish?" (*Scotch Rite Masonry Illustrated* Vol. 2, p.259)
The initiate, on his own now, answers as he was instructed, "I wish to
proceed." So the initiate, unknowingly perhaps, but nonetheless certainly,
begins his fatal converse with the enemy of his soul. After a moment the
ceremony continues:
"The door is thrown open with a fearful crash. The Knight in the
coffin resumes his position. Thrice Puissant Grand Master enters
the room hurriedly with a burning torch in his left hand and a
dirk in his right. The music stops. He walks up to the candid-
ate and says to him in a threatening voice:
'Since your wish is to proceed; since your rashness prompts
you to dare the wrath in store for so many centuries,
follow me.'" (Ibid, p.259)
The Thrice Puissant Grand Master then "walking up majestically to the
mausoleum and kneeling before the skull wreathed with the laurel says,
"kneel down with me". He continues:
"Hitherto you have seen in masonry nothing but emblems and
symbols. Now you must see in it nothing but reality. Are
you determined to repudiate all prejudices and to OBEY,
WITHOUT RESERVE all that you will be commanded to to do
for the good of humanity?" (Ibid, p.259)
Innocent enough it may seem on the surface. But the reality of the
symbols to be seen is Luciferianism and the prejudices to be repudiated
are Christian doctrine, and the unique revelation of God in Jesus Christ.
The greatest problem in the church today, beyond unbelief, is rebellion.
Here it is seen that even Lucifer knows of the need for obedience and
submission.
The phrase, "obey, without reserve" is a covenant vow which should not be
offered to anyone but the One True God. A Christian should never vow to obey
anyone or anything "without reserve" except the Lord God Almighty, the personal
God of the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.
At this point the first oath is taken by the initiate, he vows to:
"In the presence of God, our Father, and of this noble victim, I...
solemnly promise and swear upon my word of honor, never to reveal
the mysteries of the Knights Kadosh, and to obey all the rules
and regulations of the order. I further promise and swear to
punish crime and protect innocence." (Ibid, p.260)
28
E. THE CRIME OF SECTARIANISM
It is only later that the initiate learns that the crime to punish is
"sectarianism" -- the belief that there is one true and exclusive faith through
which man must know God -- and that the innocence to be protected is the preten-
ded innocence of the Kaballa -- the basis of salvation in the Lodge.
Freemasonry has always been anti-Roman Catholic. Many Protestants, and not
a few Anabaptists, agreed with their opposition to the sacrementalism of the
Romanists. Therefore, they did not recognize that the Lodge's opposition to
"sectarianism", while cleverly disguised as anti-Catholic, was really anti-
revealed religion and therefore anti-Christianity. This understanding will take
on an increasing reality as this study proceeds.
F. THE MEANING OF PREVIOUS DEGREES IN THE SCOTTISH RITE
1. Sixteenth Degree: Foundations of Public Education
The initiate has already sworn in the earlier degrees to the following:
16th Degree: "Teaches that every religion of mere forms and ceremonies and
and external practices, must eventually crumble to pieces, for it is a
dead body without a soul, and that the MASONRY OF THE ANCIENT AND
ACCEPTED RITE, founded on the simple and pure doctrine of love, toler-
ation and reason, must be eternal."
(*Scotch Rite Masonry -- Illustrated*, Vol. II, p.404)
This clearly is an anti-Roman Catholic statement. Many men would subscribe
to the emptiness of the Roman Catholic Ritual, which is a form without a soul;
but what is not initially clear is that Masonry is opposed to all "revealed"
religion and contends that only reason can teach man the "right way".
This antagonism to revealed religion, i.e., Christianity of any and all
forms, is the foundation and origin of secular humanism. THE ROOTS OF SECULAR
HUMANISM, FIRST ESPOUSED BY THE FOMENTERS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION WITH ITS
MOTTO, "lIBERTY, eQUALITY, fRATERNITY", HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO MODERN SOCIETY
BY THE FREEMASONS. The Masons adopted the motto of the French Revolution as
their own, exalting reason above revelation. This was the issue in the Garden
of Eden: would man live by the Tree of Life, i.e., by revelation and in depend-
ence upon God, or would man live by the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil,
i.e., by reason and dependent upon man's mind and will?
It is worthwhile to remember that the formulaters of public school educa-
tion in America were Freemasons. That is took almost a century for the spirit
of public education to declare its antagonism to revealed faith is only testi-
mony to the patience of the enemy and of his henchmen. PUBLIC EDUCATION IS NOT
INTRINSICALLY EVIL, BUT IT IS FOUNDED UPON AN EVIL PREMISE, I.E., MAN DOES NOT
NEED GOD AND THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WHICH EDUCATION AND REASON CANNOT SOLVE. Pub-
lic education is also founded on the concept of evolution -- a secularized ver-
sion of the Kaballist's En Soph.
The phrase,"the Masonry of the Ancient and Accepted Rite...must be eternal"
declares that Masons believe the teachings of the Lodge to be truth, for only
truth
29
is eternal. The arrogance of this statement is astonishing! But, it is not
surprising when it is realized that Masons believe that the teachings of the
Lodge are superior even to the word of God. THIS IS AN INTERESTING DISCOVERY;
THE LODGE WHICH ARGUES AGAINST ANY RELIGION'S CLAIM THAT IT EXCLUSIVELY HAS THE
TRUTH, NOW CLAIMS THAT FREEMASONRY EXCLUSIVELY HAS THE TRUTH.
2. SEVENTEENTH DEGREE: DOUBT IS THE ONLY TRUTH MAN CAN EMBRACE
17TH Degree: "THE MASTER OF NAZARETH PASSED AWAY IN DOING GOOD,
and we are rich with the splendid inheritance he left us. His
death teaches us civil and religious toloration, and that, short
as is our mental vision, and limited as our knowledge of the great
mysteries of God and nature must ever be, we must never persecute,
or ever become a stranger, to our brethren, because the opinions
which they enunciate, conflict with those that we entertain."
(Ibid. p.405)
Without the resurrection, Christianity is the worst of all religions.
Paul said, "If Christ be not resurrected then we of all men are most miserable."
(I Corinthians 15) Jesus Christ was not "the Master of Nazareth". He is the
incarnate God. Jesus Christ did not "pass away." He laid His life down of His
Own will. (See John 10:18) Jesus Christ did not teach us that truth cannot be
known by man; He taught us that truth was revealed by His Words and His Life,
for He is The Truth. When Jesus Christ said, "no man can come to the Father
except by Me.", He established the most sectarian, the narrowest, faith con-
ceivable. He said, "I am THE Way, THE Truth, THE Life." No place for another given. IT IS EITHER CHRIST'S WAY OR NO WAY.
way, another truth, another life was given. IT IS EITHER CHRIST'S WAY OR NO
WAY. Jesus Christ rejected the unitarian liberalism of the Masonic Lodge. So
should every Southern Baptist.
3. 19th DEGREE: CYNICISM OF TOLERATION
19TH Degree: "Teaches us that, as true apostles of the doctrine
of civil and religious toleration we must, as it were, bridge
the abyss that devides us from our brethren, who adhere to the
old law and ceremonial observances of the past, and win them over
to us by kindness and reason." (Ibid., p.407)
Jesus Christ never commanded toleration as a motive for His disciples, and
toleration is the antithesis of the Christian message. The cynicism of tolera-
tion as a motivation is its implication that there is nothing worth standing
for. According to toleration, truth is relative so it should never be held
tightly. In opposing the concept of toleration, the Christian does not then
advocate coercion. Faith, to be efficacious, must be embraced by the heart and
soul of the adherent. Even if it were possible to effectively mandate and/or
force belief, it would be false faith and would have no value. But, the
avoidance of coercion does not require the assertion that no faith is superior
to any other faith, as the Masonic Lodge argues.
30
a. Toleration Defined
The central dynamic of the Freemason drive for world unity through frater-
nity, liberty and equality is toleration. This is seen in the writing of all
the "great" writers of Freemasonry. On the other hand, the central dynamic of
the Christian faith is receiving.
The contrasting of the concepts of the Masonic ideal of "toleration" and
of the Christian ideal of "receiving" gives considerable insight into the mut-
ually exclusive nature of these two religions. This contrast will enable one to
discover why in the end one or the other must "win" by overcoming and destroying
the other.
While Biblical eschatology is clear as to how this conflict will conclude,
the process of the ultimate triumph of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ over
her enemies, including Freemasonry and its god, Lucifer, requires the church to
engage in mortal combat with her enemies because they are the enemies of her
Lord. The process of this triumph is facilitated by the examining of the dif-
ference between "toleration" and "receiving", and by, exposing the central dif-
ference between the method of the god of Freemasonry and the motavation of the
God of the Bible.
The *Webster's Third New International Dictionary* defines "toloration" as:
"a permissive or liberal attitude toward beliefs or practices
differing from or conflicting with one's own -- sympathy or
indulgence for diversity in thought or conduct -- breath of
spirit or of viewpoint -- the act of allowing something -- the
allowable deviation from the standard."
*Roget's Thesaurus -- International Edition* gives the following list of
synonyms for the word "toleration":
"broad-mindedness, wide-mindedness, large-mindedness, catholicity,
liberal-mindedness, lattitude, liberalism, latitudinarianism,open mind,
indulgence, lenience, condonation, bigheartedness, unprejudice,
disinterestedness, indifference, neutrality, freethinker."
*Roget's Thesaurus* lists the following verb phrases as synonymous with
"toleration":
"Keep an open mind, be big, judge not, suspend jedgement, view with
indulgence, listen to reason, see both sides, live and let live,
lean over backwards, shut one's eyes, look the other way, wink at,
blink at, overlook, disregard, 'swear allegiance to the words of no
master.'"
The centrality of the concept of toleration to the Masonic brotherhood
has been demonstrated. THE BATTLE CRY OF THE LODGE IS "TOLERATION" OR IN
OTHER WORDS, THEIR BATTLE CRY IS THAT THERE IS NO BATTLE WORTH FIGHTING,
LEAST OF ALL A BATTLE FOR THE TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. THEY DENY THAT
CHRISTIANITY HAS ANY GREATER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER RELIGION AND, IN FACT, SEE
CHRISTIANITY, TAUGHT AS THE ONLY TRUE FAITH, AS THE GREAT ENEMY OF THE PROGRESS
OF MAN.
31
The appeal for toleration seems "good" upon superficial examination, but
when contrasted with the Biblical concept of "receiving" the insidious nature
of the Masonic lie will be apparent.
b. Receiving Defined
*Webster's Dictionary* defines "receive" as:
"to come into the possession of -- to be placed under the burden,
charge, or constraint of -- to partake of (the eucharistic sacrament)
-- to accept as true or valid -- to recognize as authoritative."
The King James translation of the Word of God uses the word "receive" in a
very restricted sense. The English word does not reveal all of the wealth of
meaning contained in the New Testament concept of receiving than virtually any
other passage of Scripture. That passage states:
"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful
disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things:
another who is weak eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth
despise him that eateth not: and let not him which eateth not judge
him that eateth: for God hath received him...Wherefore receive ye one
another as Christ also received us to the glory of God..."
(Romans 14:1-3, 15:7)
The Greek word translated "receive" means to "take to one's self, to grant
one access to one's heart, to take into friendship and intercourse." (Kenneth
Wuest) The *Expositor's Greek Testament* says of this concept that "if Christ
received both, they are bound to receive each other." (p.709, Romans) Dr.Albert
Barnes, stated in Barnes Notes:
"It means here that God hath received him kindly; or has acknowledged
him as His Own friend; or he is a true Christian. These scruples, on
the one side or the other, are not inconsistant with true piety; and
as God has acknowledged him as His, notwithstanding his opinions on
these subjects, so we also ought to recognize him as a Christian brot-
her. Other denominations, though they may differ from us on some sub-
jects, may give evidence that they are recognized by God as His, and
where there is evidence, we should neither despise nor judge them."
(Romans p.298)
32
On Romans 15:7, Dr. Barnes commented: "Acknowledge one another as Christ-
ians, and treat one another as such, though you may differ in opinion about
many smaller matters..." (Romans, p.315)
Matthew Henry's comments are instructive:
"Receive one another into your affection, into your communion, and
into your common conversation, as there is occasion. '...for some-
times the prejudices of the weak Christian make him shy of the
strong, as much as the pride of the strong Christian makes him shy
of the weak, neither of which ought to be. Let there be a mutual
embracing among Christians. Those who have received Christ by
Faith must receive all Christians by brotherly love; though poor
in the world, though persecuted and despised, though it may be a
matter of reproach and danger to you to receive them, though in the
less weighty matters of the law they are of different apprehensions,
though there may have been occasion for private piques, yet, laying
aside these and life considerations, RECEIVE YOU ONE ANOTHER."
(Vol. 6, p.485)
But the reason for this receiving, Henry says, is:
"Now the reason why Christians must receive one another is taken,
as before, from the condescending love of Christ to us...Can there
be a more cogent argument? Has Christ been so kind to us, and shall
we be so unkind to those that are His? Was He so forward to enter-
tain us, and shall we be back backward to entertain our brethren?
Christ has received us into nearest and dearest relations to Himself:
has received us into His fold, into His family, into the adoption of
sons, into a covenant of friendship, yes, into a marriage-covenant
with Himself; He has received us (though we were strangers and enemies,
and had played the prodigal) into fellowship and communion with Him-
self. Those words, to the glory of God, may refer both to Christ's
receiving us, which is our pattern, and to our receiving one another,
which is our practice according to that pattern." (Romans, p.435)
33
c. Receiving and Toleration Contrasted
Our pattern is Jesus Christ, Who received us; our practice is the covenant
relationship among all who name the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The real
issue is, "How does toleration, which is espoused by the Masonic Lodge, differ
from receiving which is commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ?"
Proverbs 22:17-21
Spring, 1992
"The secret cults of the Hellenistic period were open only to
initiates, who were granted redemption and access to the eternal
world of the devine being. Among the most important mystery
cults were the Greek cult of Dionysus (Bacchus), the mysteries of
Isis and Serapis which originated in Egypt, the Syrian Adonis cult,
the worship of the mother god Dybele and Attis in Asia Minor,
and the mysteries of the light god Mithras from Persia. The
mystery gods were originally nature divinities whose death and
return to life mirrored the chance of the seasons. Through the
cult, the initiate participates in the fate of the diety. Since the
mystery cults made no exclusive claim on their adherents, one could
be initiated into several cults in order to gain as much devine,
life-giving power as possible. (p.64)
I.E., SECRECY IS AN ILLUSION
No. | TOLERATION | RECEIVING |
1. | Based on CONTRACT -- conditional acceptance | Based on COVENANT -- unconditional acceptance. |
2. | Demands RECIPROCITY, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. | Demands nothing in return -- Giving without any hope of getting. |
3. | Accepts the POSITION, ignores the PERSON. | Accepts the PERSON, evaluates the POSITION. |
4. | Stems from a desire to be tolerated. | Stems from having been received by Christ. |
5. | Based on AMBIGUITY and uncertainty about reliable truth. | Based on the CERTAINTY of the Truth. |
6. | Opposes any absolute STANDARD particularly the Word of God. | Imposes an absolute STANDARD which is the Word of God. |
7. | Brings glory to man by accommodating ANYTHING. | Brings glory to God by LOVE of the brethren. |
8. | Requires the IGNORING of one another. | Requires the EXHORTING of one another. |
9. | Demands the INCLUSION of anyone and everyone. | Requires the EXCLUSION of anyone who violates truth. |
10. | Encourages a person to become all that HE wants to be. | Encourages a person to become all that God made him to be. |
11. | Results in PRIDE of man and self adulation. | Results in WORSHIP and PRAISE of God. |
12. | Dependent on OUTWARD APPEARANCES. | Dependent on INNER Condition of the heart. |
13. | Provides the foundation for SECULAR HUMANISM. | Provides the foundation for Christ-centered living, the dynamic of the church. |
34
This is not an exhaustive analysis of the difference, the essential and
eternal difference, in these two concepts and dynamics, but it is adequate to
demonstrate that the Masonic ideal of toleration does not have its roots in the
Biblical concept of receiving. If the Masonic ideal is not Biblical, then from
where does it spring? It springs, as demonstrated in the initial study in this
series, from the pits of hell and from the father of lies, Lucifer.
4. Masonic Judgement on the Bible
The Masonic rejection of Christianity is declared in the *Masonic Altar
Bible*, which sits on the altar of worship in every Masonic Lodge in America;
it states:
"For Masonry knows, what so many forget, that religions are
many, but Religion is one...Therefore, it invites to its altar men
of all faiths, knowing that, if they use different names for 'the
Nameless One of a hundred names,' they are yet praying to the one
God and Father of all; knowing, also that while they read different
volumes, they are in fact reading the same vast Book of the Faith
of Man as revealed in the struggle and sorrow of the race in its
quest of God. So that, great and noble as the Bible is, Masonry
sees it as a symbol of that eternal Book of the Will of God...What
Homer was to the Greeks, what the Koran is to the Arabs, that, and
much more, the grand old Bible is to us...like everything else in
Masonry, the Bible, so rich in symbolism, is itself a symbol --
that is, a part taken for the whole. It is a sovereign symbol of the
Book of Faith, the Will of God as man has learned it in the midst of
the year -- that perpetual revelation of himself which God is making
mankind in every land and every age. Thus, by the very honor which
Masonry pays to the Bible, it teaches us to revere every book of faith
in which men find help for today and hope for the morrow,joining hands
with the man of Islam as he takes oath on the Koran,and with the Hindu
as he makes covenant with God upon the book that he loves best."
(emphasis added) (p.5)
The Masonic Lodge rejects the unique name of Jesus Christ. The Masonic
Lodge rejects the unique nature of the Bible. The Masonic Lodge rejects the
unique and narrow redemptive plan of Jehovah God. The Masonic Lodge claims that
the Bible is only a symbol of the will of God. Recall the discussusions from
pages five and twenty-one as to the Masonic Lodge's bizarre use of the word of
God. Add to this the Masonic belief in a continuing revelation, thus rejecting
the Biblical canon, and the depths of the heresy of Freemasonry is comprehended.
The Bible, to the Mason,is a product of man's reason -- a product of the "strug-
gle and sorrow of the race in its quest of God" -- not a product of God's
revelation.
Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church institutionalized the concept of a "per-
petual revelation" -- God continuing to speak to men with new and different rev-
elation throughout time. Where did he get such an idea? From the Freemasons,
obviously! The Bible maintains that while God continues to commune with His
people in devotions, in prayer and in the Word of God, there will be no "per-
petual revelation"; the Canon of Scripture is closed. The Bible encourages no
confidence
35
in any other "revelation", and the Bible does not allow "joining hands" with
those who substitute the Koran, the Vedas or the Book of Mormon for the Word
of God.
5. Name of Jesus Ridiculed By the Masonic Lodge
Masonry holds up to ridicule the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, both by
eliminating it from the Lodge in prqayer and in Bible readings when it occurs,
and by saying that His Name is just one of the names whereby God can be known.
The previous quote from the *Masonic Bible* states:
"...it (the Lodge) invites to its altar men of all faiths, knowing that
if they use different names for the 'Nameless One of a hundred names,'
they are yet praying to the one God and Father of all..."
The Bible says that there is "no other Name given among men whereby we must
be saved." The Bible states that God has given Jesus Christ a "Name which is
above every Name, at which Name every knee will bow." Either the Masons are
right or the Bible is right. Both cannot be true.
In the *Masonic Edition Cyclopedic Indexed Holy Bible*, the following
comment is made on page 13:
"The foregoing selections from Scripture, slightly paraphrased, are
peculiarly appropriate by reason of their reference to the principle
symbol of the degree."
The "slight paraphrasing" to which the Masonic Master, Albert Pike, refers
is that the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is removed from every New Testament
verse quoted in his explanation of the Masonic Degrees. The same abomination
is found in the *Masonic Altar Bible* which states:
"The direct textual quotations (of Scripture) require no comment
except the obvious one that references to the New Testament do
not appear to have been made with evangelical or other dogmatic
intent." (p.6)
Once again the examination of the quotations demonstrate that the Name of
the Lord Jesus Christ has been removed from all Scripture used by the Lodge.
HOW COULD A SUPPOSEDLY CHRISTIAN DEACON, PASTOR OR LAYMEN BOW HIS KNEE TO SUCH
A BLASPHEMOUS ALTAR? The absence of "evangelical or other dogmatic intent"
means the absence of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Masons teach that
the Bible is no different than any other "book of faith" and that the Name of
the Lord Jesus Christ is no different than the name of any other God. No one
who worships Jesus Christ as God could belong to such an organization.
6. 21st Degree: Man Will Become a God
21st Degree: "Teaches you to strive earnestly to learn the means
necessary to vindicate the power of truth, in bringing together
all God's children, whatever their religions and political
opinions. That means TO RAISE MAN TO THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF WHAT HE IS,
AND
36
WILL SOON BECOME; WHAT HE OUGHT TO BE." (*Scotch Rite Masonry
Illustrated*, Volume II, p.408)
The "consciousness of what (man) is, and will soon become; what (man)
ought to be" is the consciousness of his ability to become a god. The
national magazine of the Masonic Lodge has been titled, *The New Age*, since
the middle of the nineteenth century. As Allan Boudreau, Ph.D., Curator and
Librarian Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York,
said in the foreword to Wilmshurst's *The Meaning of Masonry*:
"In this new Aquarian age, when many individuals and groups are
working in various ways for the eventual restoration of the
mysteries, an increasing number of aspirants are begining
to recognize that Freemasonry may well be the vehicle for this
achievement.
The great value of this book is that it was written by one who sets
an example for all Masters of the Lodges...In these pages, he
whispers the password to those of us who still clamor at the gate,
enabling us to enter that inner chamber where we can join the true
initiates and share EXPERIENCES NOW VEILED FROM ALL BUT A HANDFULL
OF BRETHREN." (*The Meaning of Masonry*, p.4)
The "new age" philosophy argues for the deification of man. This
false theology was adopted from the Masons by Joseph Smith and incorporated
into the cult which he founded and called, The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. It is promoted today by the Masonic Lodge and all of its
related organizations. IT IS ANTITHETICAL TO CHRISTIANITY, BUT MANY SOUTHERN
BAPTIST CHURCHES ARE LED BY MEN WHO HAVE SWORN ALLEGIENCE TO THIS SPIRIT OF
ANTI-CHRIST. No wonder that there is so little revival among Southern Baptists.
In a footnote on page 73 of *The Meaning of Masonry*, Wilmshurst states
that the true Masonic teaching has always been that reincarnation is true. But
because of Christianity's opposition to such an idea, it is not often discussed.
Reincarnation is just a method whereby man eventually becomes a god.
7. 22nd Degree: Anti-Sectarianism
22nd Degree: "Teaches you that even after succeeding in that
object, you would still need to be ever watchful and always on the
alert, to bar the way of entrance against sectarianism."
(*Scotch Rite Masonry Illustrated*, Volume II, p.409)
From the rooftops let it be shouted, Jesus Christ is sectarian. Jesus
Christ said, "I...". He did not say, "I and someone else...". He exclusively
said, "I...". That is sectarianism. It excludes Buddha; it excludes Mohammed;
It excludes Confucius; it excludes Joseph Smith. Jesus said, "I am THE..."
He did not say that He is one among several from which man may choose. He
established the most sectarian of all possible faiths. Either He is totally
right or He is totally wrong. He left no room for equicocation.
37
When the Mason bars the way to sectarianism, he bars the way to Christ.
The Pharisees did that, Jesus said in Luke 11:52. Now the Masons, the true
spiritual heirs to the Pharisees, bar the way to Christ of many who have
joined in the occultism of the Lodge.
8. 24th Degree: Sectarian Imprisons the Mind of Man
24th Degree: "Teaches how arduous is the task of a true Mason,
who endeavors to oppose sectarianism, FOR THE SECTARIAN WILL
ALWAYS OBSTINATELY MAINTAIN HIS OWN, NARROW AND EXCLUSIVE CREED,
AS THE ABSOLUTE AND ONLY TRUTH, AND SUCH CREEDS WILL LONG CONTINUE
TO HOLD A LARGE PORTION OF MANKIND IN BONDAGE."
(Ibid., p.409)
The hatred of Jehovah God is manifesting itself. The agreement with the
statement of Pike that Lucifer is God is clear. The denigration of Jehovah is
complete. His truth, the 24th Degree implies, places man in bondage; the only
hope for man is his rescue from the imprisoning teachings of the sectarian,
Jesus Christ. The Mason joins himself with the secular humanist in the Human-
ist Manifesto as they both oppose the Word of God and the God of the Word.
The mission of the Mason is to liberate man from the shackles of revealed
religion. Man's liberty is dependent upon there being no reliable truth, or at
least, no truth that can be reliably known. This is the contention of the ag-
nostic and it is the logical implication of the doctrine of the Masonic Lodge.
No man can claim Christ as Saviour, owning Him as The Way, The Truth and the
Life, and be in affinity with the Blue Lodge of the Freemasons.
9. 25th Degree: Masonry, French Revolution, Secular Humanism
25th Degree: "Teaches us to maintain the doctrine of liberty,
equality and fraternity, as the only means of gathering around
us the intelligent and good men of every lineage, creed and
opinion, to repel and defeat the encroachments of idle theorists
and kingly and priestly usurpers." (Ibid., p.409)
The identification of the Masonic Lodge with secular humanism is complete.
The adoption of the motto of the French Revolution was unfortunate for these
occultists, for it betrays their agenda. Once again, Lucifer trips up himself
and his followers.
10. 27th Degree: Reason above Revelation
27th Degree: Teaches that the noblest reward, of him who has
proved himself the apostle and champion of universal peace and
toleration; who has aided fraternity to overcome and annihilate
all formulas that stood in his way...KNOWING THIS, THE MASON'S
THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE INCREASES, AND HE LEARNS THAT ONLY BY
38
PROFOUND STUDY, CAN HE SOLVE THE GREAT PROBLEM OF THE ULTIMATE
DESTINY IN STORE FOR HUMANITY." (Ibid., p.410)
What a burden! Through learning, i.e., education -- information -- the
Mason must solve "the ultimate destiny...for humanity." Reading the Bible one
might think that God in Jesus Christ had done just that. The Mason becomes the
"apostle and champion of universal peace and toleration". No one could state
the goal of the New Age movement more concisely. No one persues it more vigor-
ously than the occultic brotherhood of the Masonic Lodge. The Masonic Lodge is
one of the manifestations of the spirit of anti-Christ in the world today.
It is the claim of the Mason that his brotherhood can be dated from the
earliest human history and especially from the building of Solomon's Temple.
Yet, Solomon, who was supposedly one of the first Master Mason's, disagreed in
writing with these men. Solomon said:
"And further, because the Preacher was wise, he (Solomon) still
taught the people knowledge; and he pondered and sought out and
set in order many proverbs The Preacher sought out acceptable
words, and to write down rightly words of truth or correct sent-
iment. The words of the wise are as prodding goads, and firmly
fixed [in the mind] like nails are the collected sayings which
are given [as proceeding] from one shepherd. [Ezek. 37:24] BUT
ABOUT GOING FURTHER [THAN WORDS GIVEN BY ONE SHEPHERD], MY SON,
BE WARNED. OF MAKING MANY BOOKS THERE IS NO END [SO DO NOT
BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ], AND MUCH STUDY IS A WEARINESS OF
THE FLESH. All has been heard. The end of the matter is, Fear
God -- know that He is, revere and worship Him -- and keep His
commandments; for this is the whole of man [the full original
purpose of His creation, the object of God's providence, the
root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjust-
ment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the
sun], and the whole duty for every man. For God shall bring
every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it
is good or evil. [Matthew 12:36; Acts 17:30,31; Romans 2:16;
1 Cor. 4:5] (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, *Amplified Bible*)
Solomon does not seem to have a great deal of confidence in education as a
means of transforming man's character. Listen again to his words:
"BUT ABOUT GOING FURTHER [THAN WORDS GIVEN BY ONE SHEPHERD], MY SON,
BE WARNED. OF MAKING MANY BOOKS THERE IS NO END [SO DO NOT BELEIVE
EVERYTHING YOU READ], AND MUCH STUDY IS A WEARINESS OF THE FLESH.
39
v
It is not through education, experimentation and investigation that man
will find fulfillment, happiness and joy. Solomon said that it is through "
fearing God and keeping His commandments." Both of these are products of
revelation and both require revelation to be known by men. Solomon sounds
rather sectarian with his admonition not to go farther than the words given
by "one shepherd."
G. OPPOSING SECTARIANISM
Initially, this opposition to sectarianism does not appear to be so of-
fensive. After all, sects are normally associated with odd or unusual teach-
ings. But, sectarianism is defined by *Webster's Third New International
Dictionary* as:
"exclusive or narrow-minded attachment to a sect, denomination,
party or school."
"Narrow", the word was elevated to its ultimate meaning in Matthew 7, when
the Lord Jesus Christ stated: "Straight is the way and narrow is the gate that
leads unto life." Jesus Christ further: "I am the THE way, THE truth and THE
life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
For narrowness and sectarianism,there is no equal to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, for those who oppose all sectarianism, He is God! Therefore, if
He says that He is Narrow, then narrowness ceases to be an evil and becomes very
Good. The anti-sectarian and universalism of the Masonic brotherhood finds it-
self in the unenviable position of fighting against God and against His Christ.
H. Thirtieth Degree Continued
After taking the first oath, the initiate is instructed by the Thrice Puis-
sant Grand Master to "rise and imitate me." the Thrice Puissant Grand Master
then stabs the skull crowned with a Tiara and says:
"Down with imposture, down with crime." (*Scotch Rite Masonry
Illustrated*, Volume II, p.260)
The "imposture and crime" is symbolically the Roman Catholic Church. How-
ever, to Lucifer, it, the Tiara-crowned skull, is only the vicarious represent-
ation of the Church of Jesus Christ, against which he desires to prevail by
having his disciples, here the Freemasons, renounce all sectarianism.
What seems to be so right in the interest of toleration and its cousins --
Liberty, equality and fraternity -- is actually one of the subtlest lies of the
"father of lies." After several other intermediate steps of the Thrice Grand
Master says to the candidate:
"It is not yet too late; reflect on the importance of your
obligation and on the dreadful consequences which perjury
might bring upon your head. NOTHING COULD SAVE YOU FROM THE
PUNISHMENT WE WOULD HAVE FULL RIGHT TO INFLICT. As already
stated, we
40
have no more to do with symbols of more or less significance, it is
truth; it is reality we have now before us. Our statues are dreadful
...You are now bound by your word of honor, and you may still retire.
BUT ONE STEP MORE, AND YOU ARE BOUND TO US FOREVER AND AT THE PERIL
OF YOUR LIFE." (Ibid., p.261)
Is it necessary to point out the dredful curse of being bound to "something"
for the rest of your life? That is a covenant. Our Heavenly Father has said,
"thou shalt not bow down to them or serve them for I, the Lord Thy God, am a
jelous God visiting the iniquities of the fathers to the second and third gen-
eration to those that hate Me." All who have bowed their knee to the god of
Freemasonry must read Deuteronomy 7 and flee from the wrath that is to come upon
all who entered into a covenant with the enemies of God and of God's people.
The Grand Marshall then enters, siezes the candidate by the arm and says:
"YOUR RASHNESS IS GREAT! YOU WISH TO PROCEED? YOUR DOOM IS SEALED!
PUNISHMENT AWAITS YOU!" (Ibid., p.262)
The candidate then enters the second apartment, after a number of movements
and statements in this apartment, the Grand Pontiff says to the candidate:
"You have already been informed that among the Knights Kadosh,
truth and reality take the place of symbols, and even now your
sagicity will partly raise the curtain which cannot be entirely
removed untill you have sustained new trials. In all the preceding
degrees you must have observed that THE OBJECT OF SCOTCH MASONRY
IS TO OVERTHROW ALL KINDS OF SUPERSTITION...(Ibid., p.263)
1. Superstition Rejected
"Superstition" is, through out these and other Masonic teachings, iden-
tified:
...as anything which suggests that man is not the controller of his
own destiny and/or that man will confront any obstacle that he
cannot with effort and education overcome...
This definition of superstition is a subtle work of Lucifer contradicting
the revelation of God in the Bible. Man was created to live dependently upon
God. But, to the Mason, dependency upon God is superstition and must be
destroyed. Once again the serpent says to man, "Hath God said?" (See Genesis
3)
The Grand Pontiff continues the previous recitation without interruption:
"...and that by admitting in her bosom on the terms of the strictest
equality, the members of all religions, of all creeds and of all
countries, without any distinction whatever, she has, and indeed
can have but one single object and that is to restore to the Grand
Architect of the Universe; TO THE COMMON FATHER OF THE HUMAN RACE
THOSE WHO ARE LOST IN THE MAZE OF IMPOSTURES, INVENTED FOR THE SOLE
PURPOSE OF ENSLAVING THEM. The Knights Kadosh recognize no particular
religion, and for that reason we demand of you nothing more than to
worship God..." (Ibid., p. 263-264)
41
The bold faced (capitalized) phrase is referring to the ancient mysteries,
not to Judaism and Christianity. The "common father of the human race" to the
Mason is EN SOPH, Lucifer.
2. Universalism of Freemasonry
Universalism, that lie of the pit of hell, teaches that all men will be
saved because of their intrinsic worth and value to God. Freemasonry, which is
a particularly obnoxious form of this heresy, here flies its flag of universal-
ism at high mast. THE ACCEPTANCE OF ALL RELIGIONS ARGUES THAT NO RELIGION IS
TRUE. When a man believes that everything is true and that all religions are
valid, he affirms his conviction that nothing is true and that all religions are
equally vacuous. This is the belief of the secular humanist and of his brother,
the occultist of the Masonic Lodge. Religion, i.e. Christianity, is "the maze
of impostures, invented for the sole purpose of enslaving" man. The true Mason
has as his purpose the freeing of man from this bondage. That is the bondage
of revealed religion and the enthronement of man's reason, the only avenue to
salvation.
3. Faith of One's Childhood To Be Rejected
The Grand Pontiff continues with the previous statement, which is delivered
without interruption:
"And whatever may be the religious forms imposed upon you by
superstition at a period of your life when you were incapable
of discerning truth from falsehood, we do not even require you to
relinquish them. Time and study alone can enlighten you. But
remember that you will never be a true mason unless you repudiate
forever all superstitions and prejudices." (Ibid., p.264)
How magnanimous! The toleration of the Masonic brotherhood extends to all
errors of sectarianism, even those imposed upon a man in his youth. THE MASONIC
LODGE WILL "TOLERATE" A MAN THAT HAS BEEN DUPED BY HIS PARENTS, PASTOR AND SUN-
DAY SCHOOL TEACHER, UNTIL EDUCATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT ENABLE HIM TO REPUDIATE
ALL OF THE "SUPERSTITIONS AND PREJUDICES" WHICH HE LEARNED FROM THE WORD OF GOD.
The statement, "we do not even require you to relinquish", trivializes the
faith that a man would bring to this demonic brotherhood. Who could, in good
conscience, allow this statement to be made of their childhood conversion and
confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour? Who desires to stand before
God and answer the question, "Why did you allow them to trample under their
swine's feet the Name and Blood of My Precious Son?" What a price to pay to
become a "true mason", either to actually deny or functionally renounce the
doctrines of blood atonement, the depravity of man and the narrow, exclusive
doctrine of Christ as Saviour, Alone.
4. EN SOPH is god to the Lodge
As if this indignity to the Name of God is inadequite, the fiendish devils
continue in the same instance of the Rite:
"however, until then, you will own that we have required of you
42
nothing more than to acknowledge with us the sole, the only
certain and undoubted point admitted as such by all the human
race without exception. We mean THE EXISTENCE OF A FIRST CAUSE
WHOM WE CALL GOD Almighty. Repeat then with me the unusual oath
of all who wish to proceed further and kneel before the altar of
truth." (Ibid., p.264)
Is the ugly head of Kaballism with its worship of EN SOPH, the emanations
from god and the "ladder" back to that existence, apparent? It should be. Here
we have the God-less heresy of an impersonal, unknowable god of first causes,
who is in every way contrary to the God of the Bible. An impotent being, who,
unable to actively create, can only "ooze" over into states of existence until
he (or it) becomes material and substance, is this god of the Kaballist. So is
also the god of the heir of the Kaballist, the Mason.
What a lie to be quietly accepted by a man who has heard the Lord Jesus
Christ say:
"And this is eternal life, that they may know (perceive, recognize,
become acquainted with and understand) Thee, the only true God and
Jesus ZChrist Whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
What arrogance on the part of this "seat of the image of jealousy" (recall
Ezekiel 8, page 16, this study) to reduce God's requirements of His creation to
the lowest common denominator: just agreeing that a god exists.
5. Oath to Secular Humanism
The candidate then recites the oath of the second apartment:
"I...solomnly and sincerely promise and swear wholly to devote
myself to THE EMANCIPATION OF HUMANITY, to practice toleration,
in political and religious matters especially, toward all men. To
strive unceasingly for the happiness of my fellow beings; for the
propagation of light and FOR THE OVERTHROW OF SUPERSTITION,
FANATICISM, IMPOSTURE AND INTOLERANCE..." (Ibid., P.264)
Happiness,by implication of this Masonic oath,proceeds from the unfettering
of man from the constraints and anxieties produced by "superstition, fanaticism,
imposture and intolerance." Of course, each of these is a synonym of revealed,
God-centered religion. Happiness proceeds from man being "free" to discover
himself through education and through re-ascending the ladder of emanations to
rediscover the "stuff", the "ooze", the god from which he emanated. The oath of
the second apartment of the thirtieth degree is in reality an oath to work for
the destruction of Christianity.
"Toleration" sounds so "good", so right, but the "receiving of one another",
which the Word of God commands, is not the toleration of the Mason. While the
Christian is to receive each man (Romans 14:1-15:7), he is to abhor and avoid
evil, and evil men. THE MOST INTOLERANT EVENT IN HUMAN HISTORY WILL BE THE
SUPRAHISTORICAL EVENT OF THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT. There, the deeds,
thoughts
43
and intents of the hearts of all men will be rewarded by a Holy,Righteous Judge,
the Lord Jesus Christ. SINCERITY IN FOLLOWING AN ERROR WILL NOT BE MERITORIOUS
AT THAT JUDGEMENT.
6. Hatred of Christianity Called "Fanaticism, Intolerance, Imposture
and Superstition.
The thirtieth-degree candidate then arises from his oath and is instructed
to throw incense in the fire burning on the altar of perfumes. The Grand Pontiff
then recites:
"Almighty Father, Holy and Merciful, Oh! Thou of whom we are the
beloved children, accept this incense which we offer thee with
our hearts, as a token of love and reverence. May thy kingdom
come at last, and with it the end of all fanaticism, intolerance,
imposture and superstition. Amen." (Ibid., p.264-265)
Galations 3:26 states:
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."
No one can be called a "child of God" unless he or she has been born again
through faith in Jesus Christ. Membership in the Masonic Lodge does not estab-
lish or achieve relationship with the God of the Bible.
The sense of the occult is heavy in this apartment. Imagine the scene: a
mausoleum, a human skull, a dark room, men be-robed in strange clothing and now
the incantation of their diety through the altar of incense. STRANGE STUFF,
PARTICULARLY COMING FROM THESE BRETHREN OPPOSED TO SUPERSTITION AND FANATICISM.
The candidate then enters the third apartment. In this apartment the
sincerity of the candidate is challenged. A Free Judge says:
"I have good reasons to believe, nay I know, that the candidate
entertains anti-masonic opinions; that is to say, intolerant and
sectarian principles, not only in religious but also in Masonic
matters. I know that his notions of politics and government are
far from being liberal and it is now plain to me that the rapid
progress he has made in the Masonic Hierarchy is owing merely to
the unwise indulgence and weakness of his brethren. He knows
nothing of our sublime institution and he would almost tax us
with absurdity. I therefore request that he be commanded and en-
joined to lay before us in writing, over his own signature, HIS
PROFESSION OF FAITH, ON MASONIC, RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL MATTERS."
(Ibid., p.267-268)
7. Masonry Hates Revealed Religion, i.e., Christianity:
The Profession of Faith in The Lodge
The truth is out!! THEY WHO TOLERATE ANYTHING, WILL NOT TOLERATE ONE THING
-- ACTIVE, VOCAL, FANATICAL FAITH AND DEVOTION TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS THE
SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD, THE UNIQUE, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, WHO ALONE IS WORTHY
OF ALL
44
GLORY, PRAISE, RICHES, WEALTH AND HONOR. This "brother" cannot continue his
initiation unless and until he "professes" that he will not insult them with
any such absurdities as the Nature, Person and Propitiation of the Lord Jesus
Christ. This is another point at which the Christian would be required to run
from this mockery of his God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. HE IS ABOUT TO BE
ASKED, IN SUBTLE, BUT DEFINATE TERMS, TO RENOUNCE HIS FAITH IN THE GOD OF THE
BIBLE AND TO EMBRACE THE GOD OF THE KABALLA.
The candidate is then instructed to retire until such time as HE HAS PRE-
PARED THIS "PROFESSION OF FAITH" WHICH IN REALITY IS A "PROFESSION OF NO FAITH".
So doing, and providing same to the sovereign grand judge, the candidate hears:
"The profession of faith which you have submitted to this tribunal,
is the only defense which you could oppose to the accusations brought
against you. Whatever might have been your opinions, we have no right
to doubt your good faith. THIS PROFESSION WHICH YOU HAVE WRITTEN AND
SIGNED WITH YOUR OWN HAND WILL REMAIN FOREVER IN OUR ARCHIVES. We
believe it to be sincere, for we hold you to be a man of honor...But
remember that THIS TRIBUNAL SHOWS NO MERCY TO TRAITORS AND PERJURERS
AND THAT IT VISITS THEM WITH THE SEVEREST PUNISHMENT."
(Ibid., p.268-269)
A man, who may be a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is
instructed by the Word of God to press toward the mark of the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ, now allows his testimony to be taken prisoner. The
archives of this occultic society will hold hostage the statement of faith of
this man, which statement, if ever amended, except as they allow and desire,
could require the forfiture of his life. But remember this statement of faith
is not in the Lord Jesus Christ. This statement of faith is in the purpose and
in the god of the Lodge,both of which are antithetical to the purpose of the God
of the Bible and of the Christian faith. FLEE O'THOU MAN OF THE LIVING GOD;FLEE
FROM THIS ANTI-CHRIST, WHO WOULD ROB YOU OF THE VITALITY OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD IN CHRIST.
The third oath is now taken, the substance of which has little interest for
this presentation. Now the candidate enters the fourth apartment. It is there
that the meaning of all that has gone before becomes clear. The furniture of the
fourth apartment in part consists of:
"...a funeral urn, covered with black veil, is placed on the platform
of the mausoleum. It is surrounded by a crown of laurel. On the
right of the urn is a regal crown; on the left a popish tiara. At the
upper angle of the mausoleum is a vase in which burns spirits of wine...
...IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WEST, IS AN ALTAR ON WHICH ARE PLACED A HUMAN
SKULL INLAID WITH SILVER, A DECANTER OF RED WINE AND A LOAF OF WHITE
BREAD, all of which is covered by a white cloth which is removed at a
certain period of the ceremony.
Between the East and the altar is the mysterious ladder which a black
cloth conceals from the candidate till the moment specified in the
ritual..." (Ibid., p.271)
45
8. The Cup of the Lodge: A HUMAN SKULL
Any student of covenant theology is immediately aware that this apartment
is prepared for the most sacred ceremony known to man. This candidate is about
to enter into a covenant relationship with the god of this occultic brotherhood.
It takes no arguement to support that the Holy God of the Bible does not use hu-
man skulls and leavened bread as elements in a covenant ceremony. If not with
He Who is the lover of our souls, then with whom is this covenant made? Could
it be the loather of our soul, created by the One and True God, but fallen be-
cause of pride and rebellion? Do not forget the Knight in the coffin. Do not
forget Simon ben Jochai. It is he, "the god of this world", the imitation god
of light, Lucifer, who presides at this covenant meal. Let every man beware who
enters into covenat with the devil. LET EVERY SOUTHERN BAPTIST BEWARE, WHO
HAVING BOWED HIS KNEE TO THE MASONIC ALTAR, HAS THEREBY BETRAYED THE LORD JESUS
CHRIST.
The candidate is then led before the Thrice Puissant Grand Master once more
and the Master of Ceremonies is asked:
"Since you have ventured to introduce this intruder among us,
and were so bold as to give him no other title than that of being
a man, what do you understand by that word?" (Ibid., p.275)
9. The Masonic Lodge's Definition of a Man
v The Master of Ceremonies answers: "By 'MAN' I understand A BEING DIVESTED
OF THE PREJUDICES AND SUPERSTITIONS OF HIS CHILDHOOD, who is determined to
follow unflinchingly in the path of truth. A being whom no puerile considerations
can check in his glorious career." (Ibid., p.275)
What are the "prejudices and superstitions of his childhood"? For many
these are confidence in the Word of God as the only, unique, inerrant, reliable
revelation of God and of Jesus Christ as the only way, the only truth and the
only life. THE MAN OF THE LODGE HAS EITHER "SUCCESSFULLY" DIVESTED HIMSELF OF
SUCH CHILDISH BURDENS AND DEPENDS ONLY UPON HIMSELF AND HIS LODGE FOR SUCCESS
AND SALVATION, OR HE HAS ESTABLISHED THAT AS HIS GOAL IN LIFE.
On the contrary, the Bible says a man is one who embraces God in Jesus
Christ; a man is one who owns his God in all circumstances no matter what the
consequences; a man is a precious Creation of God who "fears God and keeps his
commandments." But here, in the Masonic Lodge, this mutilated man is one that
denies his "origins", and rejects his God.
10. Masonry, Public Education, Secular Humanism
This occultic brotherhood, which enthrones reason, education and ration-
ality, reminds one of the secular humanists of the Modern American education
establishment, which says of the children of America:
"...the battle for humankind's future must be waged and won in
the school classroom by teachers who correctly perceive their role
as the proselytizers of a new faith...The classroom must and will
become the arena of conflict between the old and the new -- the
rotting corpse of Christianity...and the new faith of humanism."
(*The Humanist*, Jan./Feb. 1983, p.26)
46
The final confession of this "new faith" is made by a Harvard professor of
educational psychology who stated at a childhood education seminar in 1973 (He
reaffirmed these comments in a private telephone interview in March, 1983):
"Every child in America entering school at the age of five is
mentally ill, because he comes to school with certain allegiances
toward our founding fathers, toward our elected officials, toward
his parents, toward a belief in a supernatural being, toward the
sovereignty of this nation as a seperate entity...It's up to you
teachers to make all of these sick children well by creating the
international children."
There is nothing in the goals of the Masonic Lodge, as stated in the Kadosh
Degree, that would conflict with this statement. The OPPOSITION TO FANATICISM --
which is the opposition to devotion to Jesus Christ personally -- the OPPOSITION
TO SUPERSTITION - which is the opposition to the Bible and its teaching of man's
need for God - and the OPPOSITION TO SECTARIANISM -- which is the opposition to
the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God -- are
analogous to and identical with the goals of this Harvard professor.
Is it possible that the "father of lies" has duped a group of good and well-
intentioned men so completely? There is no question that he can and there is no
question that, in this case, he has. The Thrice Puissant Grand Master then says:
"If such be the disposition of the candidate let him kneel and behold
that mausoleum." (*Scotch Rite Masonry Illustrated* Vol. II, p.275)
The candidate is caused to kneel, to turn toward the mausoleum, and to
extend his hand toward the urn on which are written the letters J.B.M. The
Thrice Grand Master then continues:
"When your rashness prompted you to enter this awful sanctuary,
you were no doubt informed of the danger which threatened you,
and of the trials which still await you. Swear therefore, upon
your word of honor, never to reveal what you have seen or heard
hitherto. Remember...THAT THE SLIGHTEST INDISCRETION WILL COST
YOU YOUR LIFE..." (Ibid., p.275)
Avowing his desire to continue, the candidate is told:
"Since you will proceed, we must unfold to you the mysteries and
real object of Scotch Masonry." (Ibid., p. 275-276)
The following are important quotes from the information then given to the
candidate. The full text is available in the volume cited.
"...IN ONE WORD YOU SHALL RECEIVE THE TRUE LIGHT. Although the
degree which is now being conferred upon you, is but the 30th of
our Hierarchy, it is nevertheless the NE PLUS ULTRA (there is none
higher) of Masonic knowledge..." (Ibid., p.276)
47
The Christian has been mistaken. He thought that Jesus Christ was the
true light, but now his Lodge reveals the truth, the Lodge is the true light.
Absurd!!
11. Covenant Meal From a Human Skull
The candidate is then led through the emanations of the ladder of Free-
masonry, after which he recites the fourth oath, that of the fourth apartment.
The Thrice Puissant Grand Master then states:
"My brother, you are now convinced that the degree of Knight Kadosh
is the apex of the Masonic ediface. It contains all the science of
Masonry. You are rapidly approaching the end of its teachings, and
as all in this degree assumes an appearance of actual reality, I will
as it is my duty, lay your finger on the terrible symbol of human
equality. (He puts the candidate's hand on the skull)...This is the
truth, acknowledged and proclaimed by the Knights Kadosh, and in
order never to forget it, they all drink from the same cup, from the
cup of equality. They all break together the bread of fraternity...
Thrice Puissant Grand Master then breaks the bread and distributes
it among the Knights; then fills the cup, drinks and passes it to
his neighbor, and he to his till all have drank." (Ibid., p.285)
v The Word of God instructs that it is impossible to drink of the cup of the
Lord and of the cup of devils. The Lodge claims that the human skull represents
equality. In the sense that all men are equal in death, there is an element of
truth to the presumption. But in reality the use of the skull represents Satan's
pretended triumph over the image of God in man. Hebrews 2:14-17 identifies
Satan as the one who has power over death. Here, in this covenent ceremony with
his disciples, Satan glories in the death of man by using a human skull as a cup.
The contempt which this shows for the life of mankind is great. The human skull
is not the cup of the Lord. If not the cup of the Lord, then it must be the cup
of Lucifer.
The Christ-centered mind and the Holy-Spirit-filled spirit recoils at the
vileness of this last act. The covenant meal -- immortalized in the Pascal
Lamb of the passover feast and realized in the Person and Sacrifice of the Lord
Jesus Christ -- is not to be lightly entered into. The proper meal, it is warned
if partaken of unworthily, may result in death; how much more worthy of death
would a Christian brother be who would profane the Name of his God by partaking
of a covenant meal with devils by drinking from a human skull?
12. Final Discourse Shows How Masonry Contradicts the Bible
and Faith in Jesus Christ
A long discourse then ensues, portions of which are:
"Let there be light', THE LIPS OF DIETY BREATHED MASONRY INTO
EXISTENCE AND IT MUST LIVE FOREVER MORE; for truth is eternal,
and the principles of truth are the foundation of Masonry.
48
MASONRY IS UNCHANGEABLE, but it must of necessity in the fulfillment
of its mission keep pace with the advance of civilization, the arts
and science...IF THOSE WHO POSSESSED THE CAPACITY AND POWER HAD
EMPLOYED AS MUCH TALENT AND INGENUITY, AND EXPENDED AS MUCH TREASURE
IN THE CULTIVATION OF THE MINDS AND FACULTIES OF THEIR SPECIES AS THEY
HAVE IN BLINDING, DECEIVING AND DEBASING THEM, the noble family of man
could at this day present a spectacle of so much happiness, peace and
contentment, AS TO BE WORTHY THE REGARD OF THE CREATOR, WHO BEING GOOD
AND JUST, CERTAINLY NEVER INTENDED THAT THEY SHOULD EXIST IN A STATE OF
IGNORANCE AND MISERY...
What shall we teach our disiples? What dogmas, what principles?...You
have sworn to combat fanaticism and superstition...To wage war against
fanaticism and superstition, seems to me to be one of the most glorious
human efforts of virtue...
But what is fanaticism and superstition?...Fanaticism is the offspring
of ignorance. To ignorance, oppose knowledge, which springs from
enlightened education. Instruct the masses; teach them truth. TO
KNOWLEDGE ADD VIRTUE, and the universe is saved....
QUOTE OFTEN THE PRECEPTS OF ZOROASTER AND CONFUCIUS. Remind them of the
devotion of Codrus and Leonidas, the virtues and maxims of Pythagoras,
Socrates, of Plato, of Epictetus and of Marcus Aurelius.
Say with Zoroaster: 'Love your fellow men and succor them; pardon those
who have offended you.'... (Ibid., p.290-299)
It is immediately obvious that there is no admonition to meditate upon the
Word of God.
A Christian, Biblical commentary on this material would be voluminous. A
few observations will have to suffice:
a. "...THE LIPS OF DIETY BREATHED MASONRY INTO EXISTENCE AND IT MUST
LIVE FOREVER MORE..." (Ibid., p.290)
One edition of a Masonic Bible, which has since been burned by its
owner, stated: "Some truth was revealed to Jesus Christ; all truth
was revealed to Freemasonry." The arrogance and pride of this
statement is characteristic of the god of the Lodge and is the spirit
of anti-Christ, the author of secular humanism. The only knowledge
which will live forever is the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
That knowledge is contained in a personal relationship with Him
through repentance, salvation and worship.
49
b. "...IF THOSE WHO POSSESSED THE CAPACITY AND POWER HAD EMPLOYED
AS MUCH TALENT AND INGENUITY, AND EXPENDED AS MUCH TREASURE IN THE
CULTIVATION OF THE MINDS AND FACULTIES OF THEIR SPECIES AS THEY
HAVE IN BLINDING, DECEIVING AND DEBASING THEM..." (Ibid., p.292)
This is the trust in education which gave birth to the public
education system in America. Later in this quote it is stated,
"To ignorance oppose knowledge, which springs from enlightened
education. Instruct the masses..." THE BANKRUPTCY OF EDUCATION
AS A TRANSFORMING INFLUENCE IN THE LIFE OF MEN AND WOMEN IS NO
WHERE BETTER SEEN THAN IN THE FAILURE OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TO
INCREASE RIGHTEOUSNESS, ALTHOUGH IT HAS INCREASED INFORMATION
ABOUT GOD.
It was Lenin, the founder of another New Age movement, Communism,
who called religion "the opiate of the people." This phrase is
accurately translated into English by the Masonic accusation that
religion produces "blind(ness), deception and debasement." All
New Age movements, whether the bizarre oriental faiths, communism
or the faith of the Masonic Lodge, are opposed to revealed religion.
All that is required, the Mason is told, for man to enter the state
of "peace and perfection" is for him to refocus his energies from
revelation to peace, from the enlightenment of God to the education
of man.
c. "...TO KNOWLEDGE ADD VIRTUE..." (Ibid., p.295)
The Bible commands that knowledge be added to virtue (II Peter 1:5)
-- Character must precede increasing information. The world says that
the way to character is increasing information. Masonry has a con-
fidence in the perfectibility of man which the Bible does not substan-
tiate.
If anyone harbors any illusion of the capacity for education to "make
good men better", it is only necessary to examine Nazi Germany. Educa-
tion has long been worshipped by the Teutonic Empire from which Germany
emerged. Yet, the most morally and spiritually bankrupt system of this
century was produced by this highly educated people.
With these brief comments,suffice it to say that in this final event of the
initiatory rites of the thirtieth degree, the contentions concerning humanism,
anti-Christ and Luciferianism in Freemasonry are confirmed.
The Word of God condemns "Jewish fables". These "Jewish fables" are the
myths and lore of the theosophic societies which concern themselves with "eman-
ations and aeons". The Kaballa is and was a Jewish theosophic society. The
Kaballa is condemned by the Word of God. The occultic, secret society of Free-
masonry with its offsprings of Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, and Demolay are
among the successors to the Kaballa. They are all condemned by the Word of God.
50
PART VIII. SUMMARY: HOW CAN CHRISTIANS BE SO DUPED?
How can this be? How can so many ministers, deacons, Sunday School teachers
and church members be involved not only in a cult, but, in the occultic? Scrip-
ture gives the answer. Paul in writing to the Corinthians stated:
"For I am zealous for you with a godly eagerness and a devine
jealousy, for I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present
you a chaste virgin to Christ."
A chaste virgin is one who has not been involved in spiritual harlotry with
other gods or other covenants. Paul continued:
"But [now] I am fearful lest that even as the serpent beguiled
Eve by his cunning so your minds may be corrupted and seduced
from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
(II Cor. 11:3 *Amplified Bible*)
Paul's affirmation of "devotion to Christ" sounds a great deal like the
sectarianism which the Masons hate.
The enemy of our soul is subtile. That subtlety has been demonstrated in
the teachings of Freemasonry. The ultimate subtlety in the Christian's life
would be to have him accept "another" Jesus, Paul states:
"For [you seem ready to endure if] a man comes and preaches another
Jesus than the One we preached, or if you receive a different spirit
from the [Spirit] you [once] received, or a different Gospel from
the one you [then] received and welcomed. You tolerate [all that]
well enough!" (II Cor. 11:4, *Amplified*)
Paul does not have such a high opinion of the toleration of the Freemason.
He does not receive the spirit of Zoroaster and Confuscius. He does not allow
for a non-gospel of an unknowable emanation called the Supreme Architect of the
Universe, EN SOPH. He does not share the Freemason's enthusiasm for "another"
jesus (no error in lower case), who was the heir of the ancient mysteries and
the Jewish Kaballa. Paul identifies the source of these lies:
"For such men are false apostles -- spurious, counterfeits - deceitful
workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ, the
Messiah. And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an
angel of light. So it is not surprising if his servants also masquer-
ade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond
with their deeds. (II Cor. 11:13-15, *Amplified Bible*)
The apostles of toleration of the Ancient and Accepted Rite do not seem so
noble in the true light of the Word of God. IT WILL NOT BE BY THE REASON OF MAN,
BUT BY THE
51
REVELATION OF GOD THAT MAN WILL DISCOVER THE WAY TO HAPPINESS, THE WAY TO WHOLE-
NESS, THROUGH INTIMATE, PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF GOD IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Paul said:
"And you [He made alive], when you were dead [slain] by [your] tres-
passes and sins. In which at one time you walked habitually. You
were following the course and fasion of this world -- were under the
sway of the tendency of this presentage -- following the prince of
the power of the air. (You were obedient to him and were under his
control) the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons
of disobedience -- the careless, the rebellious and the unbelieving,
who go against the purposes of God." (Ephesians 2:1-2 *Amplified*)
Satan is alive and is a lying spirit. The disobedient angels are his band
of devils. Disobedient men are Satan's army of allies. The "careless" have
allowed themselves to become duped by this clever liar, but it does not need to
be always this way; Paul states:
"For though we walk [live] in the flesh, we are not carrying on our
warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the
weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood),
but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of
strongholds, [inasmuch as we] refute arguements and theories and
reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against
the (true) knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away
captive into the obedience of Christ, the Messiah, the Annointed One."
(II Cor. 10:3-5)
Freemasonry is a "proud and lofty thing that (has set) itself against the
(true) knowledge of God." The "arguements and theories and reasonings" of
Freemasonry must be and can be overthrown. The man who ignorantly joined hands
with Satan and his henchmen in the Masonic Lodge can extricate himself. There
is forgiveness with the Lord Jesus Christ even for the blasphemy of Freemasonry.
But, it will require the mason to "humbly himself, to pray, to seek God's face
and to turn from his wicked ways." (See Chronicles 7:14)
Spiritual renewal in the life of the individual Mason will await public
renouncing of the Lodge. Spiritual revival for the Southern Baptist Convention
will be delayed so long as this occultic brotherhood is not exposed and renoun-
ced.
52
PART IX. * WHAT ARE CHRISTIANS AND CHURCHES TO DO?
The "arguments and theories and reasonings" of the Masonic Craft can be
brought down if Masons submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately,
Masonry was born in rebellion against God and that is why most Masons are the
initiators of rebellion in the local church. They will not submit to the
pastor's authority -- unless he is their personal friend and they choose to
do so and/or unless he agrees with them. They generally are not spiritually
minded men and they cannot be spirit-filled while they maintain the alliance
with EN SOPH in the Lodge.
Masons will rise up against a move of God and will stifle what God is try-
ing to do in a local church. All of this will be done in the guise of "defending"
" the church. Masons will control the church until they can't, and then they
will destroy the church.
What should be done? The following would be a start:
1. The Southern Baptist Convention's elected leadership and moral
leadership must declare Freemasonry to be inconsistant with the
Word of God and with faith in Jesus Christ.
2. The Southern Baptist Convention must officially establish the
position that Freemasonry is incompatible with faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Then each Southern Baptist Church should apply that truth to its
membership as the leadership of each church is led by the Lord.
4. The following recommendations would be made to Southern Baptist
Churches and their pastors:
a. No man who is a Mason should be allowed to be a deacon or a
leader in any Southern Baptist Church.
b. No man should be called as a pastor by any Southern Baptist
Church who is a Mason. If he is "inactive", he should not be
called unless he has publicly renounced the Lodge and has burned
his apron and all of the Masonic paraphernalia which he was
given upon entering the Lodge.
c. New converts should be counseled as to the impossibility of
maintaining Lodge membership and being part of a New Testament
church.
d. The Southern Baptist Convention has many churches which were
founded in the Lodge and which have corner stones dedicated by
the Lodge. Each of these churches should hold public ceremonies
of repentance and of praying the blood and the Name of the Lord
53
Jesus Christ over the church and renouncing the oaths taken at
the dedication of the church and/or the building. This will
begin to break the spiritual bondage which prevents many of
these churches from experiencing revival.
e. No pastor or laymen should ever participate in a funeral
which is conducted by the Freemasons.
f. Upon their public withdrawal from the Lodge, repentance of
the oaths taken in the Lodge and destruction of all Masonic
materials, any Christian who was in the Lodge should be
accepted back into full fellowship with the Church of Jesus
Christ.
g. These same steps of action should be taken for those involved
in Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls and Demolay.
Having come to the conclusion of the examination of the Masonic Lodge, it
should be stated plainly:
The Church's battle is not with the Lodge. It is with the principal-
ities and the powers which empower the Lodge.
To focus upon the Lodge would be to miss the point. Once a stand is taken
against the Lodge, the Southern Baptist Convention must move on to stand against
the Devil, to batter down the gates of hell, and to retake the spiritual ground
which has been yielded to the enemy for many, many years by many, many Baptists
and by many, many Southern Baptist Churches.
May God give us the spiritual wisdom to understand that it must be done.
May He give us the courage to do it without regard to the cost. May He in all
of this get glory for Himself and for His Son, our Saviour, the Lord Jesus
Christ.
54
Resolution Introduced to Southern Baptist Convention
Dallas, Texas, June, 1985
By
Reverend Charles Burchett and Dr. James L. Holly
Whereas, The Word of God declares God as the Light, Jesus as the brightness of
His Glory, as the express image of His Person, and that in Jesus Christ we
have the mind of Christ and we are the light of the world;
But, Freemasonry denies the Word of God by saying that its Christian initiates
are "poor, blind candidates, in darkness seeking light, more light and
further light". (Reference: *Standard Freemasonry Illustrated, Full Ritual
and Secret Work of the Three Blue Lodge Degrees Profusely Illustrated*,
Ezra A. Cook Company Publishers, Chicago, Ill. pp.110, 181, 257 [a firm
which has continuously served the craft since 1867], and
Whereas, the Word of God commands that we speak the Truth in love and put away
lying and all falsehood;
But, Freemasonry denies the Word of God by saying that "the initiate...is in-
tentionally misled by false interpretations...because it is not intended
that he shall understand; but it is intended that he shall imagine that
he understands..." (Reference: *Morals and Dogma*, Albert Pike, Prepared
for the Supreme Council of the Thiorty-third Degree for the Southern Jur-
isdiction of the United States and Published by its Authority, p. 819),and
Whereas, the Word of God declares that Jesus Christ is Lord and that His Name is
above every name and the only Name whereby men must be saved, He is the
image and fullness of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all
things, at whose Name every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess
His Lordship to the glory of God the Father;
But, Freemasonry denies the Word of God by saying, "the true disciple of ancient
masonry has given up forever the worship of personalities...he realizes
with the devine illumination of his lodge that as a mason his religion must
be universal:Christ, Budda,[sic] or Mohammed, the name means little, for he
recognizes only the light and not the bearer...". (Reference: *The Lost
Keys of Freemasonry*, Manly P. Hall, 33~, Macoy Publishing and Masonic
Supply Company., Inc., p.64-65), and
Whereas, the Word of God declares itself to be quick, powerful, piercing, dis-
cerning, and enduring forever, as entirely inspired by God and profitable
for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness;
55
But, Freemasonry denies the Word of God by saying that "the Bible is used, among
masons in this country, as the symbol of the Will of God, however it may be
expressed; and therefore, whatever expresses that will may be used as a
substitute for the Bible...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 Devine Will revealed to man." (Reference: *Manual of the
Lodge - Texas Monitorial Instructions in the Three Degrees of Symbolic
Masonry*, copyright by the Grand Lodge of Texas,Printed and Bound by Depar-
tment of Printing Masonic Home and School, Fort Worth, Texas, p.227, and
"The Bible in Masonry", *Masonic Temple Altar Bible*, published by A.J.
Holman Company, Philadelphia, Penn., 1968, p.5), and
Whereas, the Word of God declares that we are not to swear at all, neither by
heaven, by earth, by cities, or by parts of our bodies; but we are to
communicate with a simple "yes" or "no". Anything more than this comes
from the evil one, declares the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Word
of God also declares that, as the Temple of God with the Spirit of God dwel-
ling in us, we are not to defile His Holy Temple, under penalty of God's
destruction if we do;
But, Freemasonry denies the Word of God by saying that each candidate must with
repitition "solomnly swear..." to oaths of secrecy "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 rough sands of the sea...of having
my left breast torn open, my heart plucked from thence and given to the
beasts of the field and birds of the air as prey...of having my body sev-
ered in twain, my bowels torn from thence and burned to ashes..." (Refer-
ence: *Standard Freemasonry Illustrated, Full Ritual and Secret Work of
the Three Blue Lodge Degrees Profusely Illustrated*, Ezra A. Cook Publish-
ers, Chicago, Ill., pp.109, 180, 256 [a firm which has continuously served
the craft since 1867]), and
Whereas, the Word of God declares that worshipping the sun, moon, or any of the
host of heaven, using divination, or being involved in any occult practice
is a despicable abomination;
But, Freemasonry denies the Word of God by saying "the Kabalah is the key of the
occult sciences...all truly dogmatic religions have issued from the Kaballa
and return to it...all the Masonic associations owe to it their Secrets and
their Symbols..." and "the images of the Sun, Moon, and Mercury...are still
the three great lights of a Masonic Lodge..."and "that Osiris and Isis were
the Sun and Moon is attested by many ancient writers...the Sun was termed
by the Greeks, the Eye of Jupiter, and the Eye of the World, and his is the
All-Seeing Eye in our Lodges". (Reference: *Morals and Dogma*, Albert Pike,
Prepared for the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree for the South-
ern Jurisdiction of the United States and Published by its Authority, pp.
262, 744, 411, and 476-477), and
56
Whereas, the Word of God declares that we are to be obedient to God, not confor-
med to the world or fashioned in former lusts, not yielding to any sensual-
ity of thought, word, or deed, but to flee immorality and to be holy as God
is Holy;
But, Freemasonry denies the Word of God by saying,"that which we must say to the
crowd is -- We worship a God, but it is the God that one adores without su-
perstition. To you, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, we say this, that
you may repeat it to the Brethren of the 32nd, 31st, and the 30th degrees -
The Masonic Religion should be, by all of us initiates of the high degrees,
maintained in the purity of the Luciferian Doctrine. If Lucifer were not
God, would Adonay (The God of the Christians) whose deeds prove his cruelty
, perfidy and hatred of man, barbarism and repulsion for science, would
Adonay and his priests, calunmiate him? Yes, Lucifer is god, and unfortun-
ately, Adonay is also god. For the eternal law is that there is not light
without shade, no beauty without uglyness, no white without black, for the
absolute can only exist as two gods: darkness being necessary for light to
serve as its foil as the pedestal is necessary to the statue, and the brake
to the locomotive. Thus the doctrine of Satanism is a heresy; and the true
and pure philosophical religion is the belief in Lucifer, the equal of Ado-
nay; but Lucifer, God of light and God of Good, is struggling for humanity
against Adonay, the God of Darkness and Evil." (Reference: "Instructions
to the 23 Supreme Councils of the World", Albert Pike, Grand commander,
Sovereign Pontiff of Universal Freemasonry, July 14, 1889, Reported by A.C.
De La Rive, *La Femme et L'Enfant dans la Franc-Maconnerie Universelle*
p.588)
Be it therefore resolved, that we the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention
meeting in Dallas, Texas, June 11-13, 1985, recognizing that the vast
majority of men in Masonry are unaware of the occultic, Satanic, and sen-
sual nature of Freemasonry, declare Freemasonry as a contemporary example
of what God calls and condemns in the Word of God as "profane...Jewish
fables" which cause men to question and turn from the truth, and
Be it further Resolved, that we urge all Southern Baptists to hear the truth of
the Word of God when it says "Be ye not unequally yoked together with un-
believers: For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ
with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and
what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of
the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them;
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore, come out
from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the un-
clean thing; and I will receive you."
and once having heard the Word of God, we urge every Southern Baptist to be a
doer of the Word and not a hearer only, by confessing and repenting before
the Lord of their involvement in this unGodliness and removing before men
their names, energies, and resources from this spiritually devastating and
unGodly brotherhood of Satanic darkness.
57
M M M
MISSION AND MINISTRY TO MEN, INC.
550 N. 10TH Street Beaumont, TX 77702 (409) 835-0314
Mission and Ministry to Men, Inc. produces materials for encouraging evan-
gelism and discipleship. Dr. Holly and a team of men conduct men's conferences
men's and women's conferences, Bible conferences, deacon's retreats, pastor's
conferences and staff conferences across the United States. Additional infor-
mation about the outreaches of Mission and Ministry to Men, Inc. can be obtain-
ed by writing the above address or by calling the above number.
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
Mission and Ministry to Men, Inc. affirms:
1. The Sovereignty of God and the responcibility of man.
2. That Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God the only saviour
of mankind.
3. That Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, has an impeccable character,
lived an immaculate life, died an atoning death, was resurrected on the
third day and reigns in Heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit as the Lord
of and the intercessor for the redeemed.
4. That man's only hope for eternal salvation and temporal satisfaction is
through the atoning death of Jesus Christ, which is available to man only
through the grace of God and the faith of Jesus Christ, without which man
is hopeless as his works are ineffectual in the face of the righteous
judgement of God.
5. That the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the spirit of man at the time of
conversion -- of being 'born again' -- providing by His presence the power
to be a child of God, to live an abundant life in Christ, to declare to the
world that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and also provid-
ing supernatural gifts of motivation, ministry and manifestation for the
carrying out of God the Father's singular purpose upon the earth today,
the glory and honor, the exulatation and majesty of the Person and of the
Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
6. That the Holy Bible is the inerrant, eternal, immutable, universal Word
of God, and that it is totally authoritative in all issues of faith and
practice and is superior to to all other instruction.
7. That every believer is a priest before God, having access directly to
God through Christ without mediation of another man and that every redeemed
man has the capacity, through theilluminating work of God, the Holy Spirit,
to read and rightly understand the Word of God for himself,constrained only
by the principles of interpretation which that Word has established.
8. That every believer should live out his relationship with the Lord Jesus
Christ in a local body of baptized believers, called The Church, in which
the believer is actively involved with and supportive of.
58
* WHAT ARE SOUTHERN BAPTISTS TO DO ABOUT FREEMASONRY? *
"The intent of this booklet is to encourage the Southern Baptist Convention
to take a stand on the issue of Freemasonry, and then for each individual church
to apply that stand as they are led by the Lord. Recently, an African pastor,
led to Christ by a Southern Baptist missionary, was asked, "What are the hind-
rances to revival among Southern Baptists?" He said:
"rebellion...ignorance of the supernatural (spiritual warfare, not
charismatic gifts)...and the toleration of Freemasonry in the
church."
How each of our hearts yearn for the Holy Spirit empowered, Christ-honoring,
life-changing revival to sweep America. It may happen. It can happen. We can
be a part of it happening.Prayerfully read this booklet and support the S.B.C.'s
declaring of Freemasonry to be incompatible with the message of the Bible and
with the ministry of the church.
James L. Holly M.D.
(Back Cover)
"Helping Men Establish Courageousness in Convictions and Consistency
In Commitments Based on the Commandments of Jesus Christ."
Proverbs 22:17-21
Mission and Ministry to Men, Inc. hereby grants permission
for the reproduction of part or all of this booklet with two provisions:
one, the material is not changed and two, the source is identified.
Additional copies are available from:
Mission and Ministry to Men, Inc.
550 North Tenth Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706
for two dollars each.
Further Reading: