The New Testament And Masonry

Brethren need to know and be aware that the Masonic Lodge is more than just another civic club in our community. Masonry is widely known for several good deeds in which they are involved. The most noted one is the burn hospitals that provide care for victims without charge. We should appreciate any and all good that is done by everyone. However, we must recognize that just because someone does good does not mean that he is accepted by God (Matt. 7:21-23). Much good is done by those in the world and in the denominational world as well. When it comes to the truth regarding Masonry, we must not be beguiled into thinking them simply a social club. Masonry is indeed a religion. As such, we must stand against it as we should any denomination (Eph. 5:11; Rom. 16:17-18).
Funk and Wagnalls Standard Dictionary, Volume II, p.1064 defines religion as: “A belief binding the spiritual nature to a supernatural being, as involving a feeling of dependence and responsibility, together with the feelings and practices which naturally flow from such a belief.” It also defines religion as “any system of faith and worship.”
Masonry is a false religion and in direct conflict with New Testament worship and, thus it is also in opposition to the Lord’s church which we read about in the New Testament.
Please consider the following quotations from their own writer, Albert Pike, who served as Grand Commander from 1859-1891. His book was prepared for The supreme Council of the THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE (Mother Council of the World) for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States and Published by its authority. In this book, “Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry,” we read, “Masonry is a WORSHIP; but one in which all civilized men can unite ... it TRUSTS in God, and HOPES; it BELIEVES, like a child, and is HUMBLE” (page 526). “Masonry and Philosophy...have the same object, and propose to themselves the same end, the worship of the Grand Architect of the Universe” (page 325). “Masonry may rightfully claim to be called a religious institution” (page 618). “Masonry, around whose altars the Christian, the Hebrew, the Moslem, the Brahmin, the followers of Confucius and Zoroaster, can assemble as brethren and unite in prayer to the one God who is above all Baalim” (page 226).
In the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, on page 474 we read, “Freemasonry is a religious institution, and hence its regulations inculcate the use of prayer (as a proper tribute of gratitude).”
These quotes from their own writers should suffice to show beyond doubt that Freemasonry is a religious institution. It is occultic, satanic and sensual in nature. It is an evil that must be removed from the church. Instead, congregations allow masons to lead in the services of the Lord. Masonry is incompatible with being a faithful Christian (II Cor. 6:14?:1). I have friends who are members of the Masonic Lodge. Having spoken to them on this matter, I pray they will come out of it before it is too late.
The question that must be asked is. Can a faithful Christian be a member of the Masonic Order? Consider these thoughts:
1) Can one be a member of an organization that offers hope to men of all religions of the world? If so, one can be saved separate and apart from Christ. If this is true, and Masonry adheres to such a doctrine, there was no need for Christ to leave heaven, suffer and die the death He did. A faithful Christian cannot be a Mason IF the Masonic Order is another religious institution. God only authorized our Lord to build one religious organization — the church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4).
2) Can one be saved by being a good Mason only? If a faithful Christian can be saved in such a fashion, he can be saved without the blood of Christ. Not one drop of His blood was shed for any institution other than His church (Acts 20:28). Man’s salvation is in the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47), thus salvation is not in the Lodge or the Masonic Order. If so, the church is unnecessary and wasn’t worth the Lord shedding His blood.
3) Can one be a Mason and faithful Christian at the same time if a Mason has to call someone “Worshipful Master” (Matt. 23:8-10)? Masonry’s Lodges have a Worshipful Master.
4) Can one be a faithful Christian and recognize some man other than our Lord as his Potentate? Christ is our only Potentate (I Tim. 6:15).
5) Can one be a faithful Christian and a Mason if he has to take meaningless oaths that go against God’s teaching (Matt. 5:34-38)? Several oaths are involved in Masonry.
6) Can a faithful Christian go to heaven using another standard other than the New Testament? The standard of living for the Mason is his Blue Book, “The Masonic Monitor and Ceremonies.” If being a faithful Mason to his book will get one to heaven, then we do not need the New Testament (James 1:21).
A faithful Christian abides by all the doctrine of Christ. No denomination or Lodge has the authority to change one “jot” or “tittle” of God’s word (Gal. 1:6-9).
I am not debating the morality or good deeds of Masons in this article. The subject is doctrine. The truth of the matter is that Masonry and New Testament Christianity are not compatible. The Masonic Lodge, it’s oaths, the rituals it requires and its promises of heavenly reward are totally foreign to the teachings of the New Testament. The only way to heaven is through the blood of Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 22:16) and we contact that blood by obedience to the Gospel (John 12:48; acts 2:38). There is no other organization or lodge in this world that can save us!

By Glendon W. Cantrell, Sr.

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