Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 9
February 20, 1958
NUMBER 41, PAGE 2-3b

Masonry Versus The Bible

Jere E. Frost, Newbern, Tennessee

Error and false doctrine seldom presents itself under its true colors. Error is always based upon a system of fabrications and falsehoods, being essentially a lie in the guise of truth. Often fashioned into an "angel of light," sentiment and acceptance is gained that never would have been accorded otherwise. It is under such a circumstance, being protected under false colors, that sinister (though avowedly benevolent) systems such as Freemasonry sometimes succeed through protests from being identified by her true standards. Good moral men and some Christians, unaware of the facts, frequently are those whose cry of indignation is most conspicuously heard in defense of the Masonic Order.

Most men who enter the Lodge are assured that it is not a religion and will not in any way interfere with their being a Christian. But contrary to this soothing overture of encouragement, both clams are false.

Masonry Is A Religion

No work is more authoritative to the Order than "Masonry Defined," by Albert G. Mackey. It is a fundamental work and accepted without question. Now quoting:

"It (the Masonic Altar) is a sacred utensil of religion, intended, like the altars of the ancient temples, for religious uses, and thus identifying Masonry, by its necessary existence in our lodges, as a religious institution. Its presence should also lead the contemplative Mason to view the ceremonies in which it is employed with solemn reverence, as being a part of a really religious worship." (page 65.)

Yes, Masonry is a "religious institution" and its ceremonies should be viewed "with solemn reverence, as being a part of a really religious worship." It is true that not all Masons so regard it, but the facts of the nature of the Lodge are not changed by ignorance. Every reference to the "grand lodge in heaven" is indicative and the altar a professed "sacred utensil of religion." This is subversive, even on the face of it, to the religion of Jesus, who charges men's doctrines with creating vain religions. And Masonry certainly is not from God; hence, from man — and vain!

It's ceremonies, requiring "solemn reverence" from contemplative Masons, would be almost comical but for its solemn and pathetic tragedy. It is not a game. The men are dead serious! (They even have to "die" and be "resurrected" to enter the Lodge's fellowship.) This resurrection, without Christ, is borrowed from an Oriental legend by Origen. And it is even professed that "Its religion comes from the ancient priesthood." (ibid. 133.) A sham from beginning to end, Freemasonry accepts and justifies.

Substitutions For The Bible

Under the heading of the Bible, Mackey states: "The Bible is used among Masons as the symbol of the will of God, however it may be expressed; and therefore, whatever to any people expresses that will may be used as a substitute for the Bible in a Masonic lodge." The Bible is just a symbol! The altar is "sacred" but the Bible may be replaced; its just a SYMBOL. No, friends, the Bible IS the word of God, and is much more than an empty, vain symbol that means nothing. Its message, the Gospel, is God's power to save and its words will abide forever — but you can substitute Masonic power and the passing words of men. God forbid.

Listen to the further desecration of God's word and trampling underfoot of Jesus' blood. "Thus, in a Lodge consisting entirely of Jews, the Old Testament alone may be placed upon the altar, and Turkish Masons make use of the Koran." (ibid.) Jesus is made unnecessary; his blood unimportant and vainly shed. And notwithstanding Jesus' claim: "I am the way . . . no man cometh unto the Father but by me," he's NOT the way (Masonically speaking) and you can come to the Father different ways (take your choice)! Quoting: "Whether it be the Gospels of the Christian, the Pentateuch to the Israelite, the Koran to the Mussulman, or the Vedas to the Braman, it everywhere Masonically conveys the same idea — that of the symbolism of the Divine will be revealed to men." The religious books of heathens are exalted, and God's word reduced to a ridiculous mockery, for all these books convey "THE SAME IDEA" to the Mason. Yes, the Koran and Vedas convey "the same idea" as the Bible concerning Jesus Christ! These pagan systems of idolatry and materialism are diametrically opposed to the Bible and their "ideas" no more resemble one another than do sunshine and coal mines "look alike" — Masonically. A Mason may say, "but, you don't understand Masonry, not being one." I don't profess to "understand" any contradictory or ungodly system, but the error is sufficiently evident and discernible to refute, and an understanding of God's word is all that is necessary to know that nothing can be substituted for divine truth — even "Masonically speaking."

A Myriad of Errors In ten thousand ways, Masonry undermines true religion and Christ, being itself a judaistic-pagan relation with promises of spiritual blessings and light — all out of Christ. He is unnecessary!

Oaths are necessary and are taken at every level (degree), ranging from blood-curdling vows to immoral promises. Many of these oaths bind self-inflicted death to the violator of the "secrets," and include such gory thoughts as (quoting) "no less a penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out" or "binding myself under no less a penalty than to have my left breast torn open and my heart and vitals taken from thence and thrown over my left shoulder ..." Or consider this one (seventh degree) as regards immorality. "I furthermore promise and swear, that I will assist a Companion Arch Mason when I see him in any difficulty, and will espouse his cause so far as to extricate him from the same, whether he be right or wrong." Can a child of God promise to uphold sin and wrong? Jesus took away the cloak of unrighteousness (John 15:22) — Masons put it back! Christians are commanded to "swear not at all" (James 5:12) — Masons must not only swear, but the oaths themselves invariably contain distasteful ungodliness.

Its fraternal supper is brazen in its mockery of Christ. Its purported origin and antiquity (supposedly to Solomon and his day) is blasphemous and anti-scriptural. From center to circumference, error is predominant and truth is perverted.

Conclusion

Wherefore, what saith the Scripture? All blessings are provided in Christ, in whom we are complete. (Eph. 1:3; Col. 2:10.) Unto Him be glory in the church, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. (Eph. 3:21; 1:22,23.) Our every activity is in His name (by his authority); in keeping with His word. (Col. 3:17.)

And so, of the unfruitful works of evil and unequal yoking to unbelievers, or idolaters, the Scripture saith plainly: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? . . . And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord ..." (II Cor. 6:14-17.)