A Pastor and Freemasonry -
What's A Pastor to Do?
A Pastor and Freemasonry -
What's A Pastor to Do?
Rev. Harmon R. Taylor
International Director, HRT Ministries,
PO Box 12, Newtonville, NY 12128, USA)
I write this article as a pastor and as a former Mason. I served as head of the Welcome Lodge in Amsterdam, New York in 1980, and as former Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York from 1983. Then a Christian brother's witness caused me to flee and to study the roots of Freemasonry. The more I have studied since November 25, 1984 when I renounced Freemasonry, the more embarrassed I have become that I was ever a member, much less a spiritual supervisor of 150,000 Masons in New York State.
Pastors need to consider the relationship of their church, their ministry and their flock relative to Freemasonry. Masons are in the pulpits, in positions of leadership in the church, and in the pews. In every case they are either grossly deceived as I was for eleven years, or they are not truly Christians.
Charles G. Finney, the greatest of the 19th century evangelists, left Freemasonry when he acknowledged Christ as Saviour and Lord of his life. He wrote a book on the subject of Freemasonry. It has been re-issued by Crown Publications, Burlington, Ontario Canada, under the title "The Antichrist of the Masonic Society." On page 139 he states correctly:
"God hold the church and every branch of it, responsible for its opinions and actions accordance with the best light, which, in His providence, is afforded them. While Masonry was a secret, the church had no light, and no responsibility respecting it... Hence God did not require the church to bear any testimony on the subject as long as Masonry was secret. Freemasonry is now revealed. It is no longer a secret from any who wish to be informed.
"Since these revelations (the rituals) have been made and both the church and the world can know what Masonry really is, God demands, and the world has a right to expect, that the church will take due action and bear truthful testimony in respect to this institution. She cannot now innocently hold her peace. The light has come. Fidelity to God, and to the souls of men, require the church, which is the light to the world, should speak out, and should take such actions as will plainly reveal her views of the compatibility or incompatibility of Freemasonry with the Christian religion.
"... How can we fail to pronounce Freemasonry an anti-Christian Institution?... its morality is unchristian, ...its oath-bound secrecy is unchristian, ...taking its oaths is unchristian, ...Masonic oaths pledge its members to commit most unlawful and unchristian acts, deliver each other from difficulty whether right or wrong, favour Masonry in political action and business transactions, sworn to retaliate, to persecute unto death the violators of Masonic obligations... its oaths are profane, the taking of the name of God in vain, ...the penalties of these oaths are barbarous and even savage, ...its teachings are false and profane, ...its design is partial and selfish, ...it is an enormous falsehood.
"Every local branch of the Church of Christ is bound to examine this subject, and pronounce upon this institution, according to the best light they can get. God does not allow individuals, or churches, (or pastors) to withhold action, and the expression of opinion, until other churches are as enlightened as themselves.
"If churches who are known to have examined the subject withhold their testimony; if they continue to receive persistent and intelligent Freemasons; if they leave the public to infer that they see nothing in Freemasonry inconsistent with a creditable profession of the Christian religion, and by the world, that there is nothing in it so bad, so dangerous and unchristian as to call for their examination, action and testimony.
"It is almost universally conceded that persistent Freemasons, who continued to adhere and cooperate with them, ought not to be admitted to Christian churches."
What shall we as pastors say to our flocks that contain perhaps a great number of professed Christians who are Freemasons? Again we look to Brother Finney.
"Let them (Freemasons) have no more to do with it. Let Christian men labour with them, plead with them, and endeavour to make them see that their duty is to abandon it."
To these words of Brother Finney I can lend an "AMEN!" What can pastors do? They can receive this articles into their hands, perhaps from one of their lambs, and prayerfully consider it. They can study at their library. Albert Pike, Albert Mackey, 33rd degree, Henry Coil Wilson, 33rd degree, and Arthur Edward Waite are all recognised authorities by State Grand Lodges. They can contact me. They can read an excellent sermon "Freemasonry and Christianity" by Dr. Alva J. McCain, founder and first president of Grace Theological Seminary.
The One Thing That Pastors Can't Do Is Nothing!
A Pastor is accountable to God Almighty for Christ's sheep in their flock. I would never have become involved in Freemasonry if a pastor had preached even the poorest of sermons against Freemasonry in my youth. If he even whispered in my ear! I spent eleven years in Masonry. I defended it to my family, my church, my colleagues. God forgive me!
Thank God my teenagers didn't swallow my line. One went and educated himself and both of them prayed, one for four years, and one for two years, that I might be set free from the abomination of the cult of Freemasonry. The day came when a Christian brother and former Mason, had the courage to risk our friendship. He opened up his Masonic Bible and shared the Light as he there had found it in Jesus, the Light of the World. That Light showed the light of Freemasonry to be darkness and deception. Each verse he shared brought out more Masonic debris like "Salvation by works" from the closets of my life. With the living room of my life now cluttered with the false doctrines of Freemasonry, I renounced it that very day! I will never forget the joy in the voices of my children as I told them over the phone. I will never forget the tears on my mother's cheeks as she exclaimed, "Another prayer answered. One more to go before I die!" Yes, and the joyous embrace of my obedient wife!
We Must Renounce It! ]
In the year after I renounced Freemasonry, I personally sat with each Mason in my congregation and shared my testimony. Most defended the fraternity. Some even began a campaign against their pastor. So be it! "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." Some left their positions of authority in the church without ever being asked. On October 12, 1985 I delivered a sermon entitled "Mixing Oil with Water – Christianity & Freemasonry." That light exposed the darkness of Masonry and unrenouncing Masons still in positions of authority fled in shame. In their place God sent new people literally from across this country to take up the slack. Finances that were threatened by these Masonic families, instead, increased by 40%. The pledging units increased by 25%. Pastor, stand for God and He will bless!
I thank God for Bible-believing pastors. If you are one, know that in love I say to you, "Pastor, you preach the word with me! Yes, there will be opposition. In the world you will have tribulation, said Jesus, but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world."
Preach boldly as we are instructed in Acts 18:9; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Hebrews 2:11. Know that there will be rewards for any persecution that you may face as recorded in James 1:3,12.
Pastor, did you know that Freemasonry will not permit the name of Jesus to be used in any regular and well-governed lodge? Did you know that when they use a passage such as 1 Peter 2:5 or 2 Thessalonians 3:6, they delete the phrase that includes the name of our blessed and only saviour, Jesus Christ? That is not an oversight, as reference to it states (*slight, but necessary modifications have been made). Would you call deleting Jesus Christ a "slight" or "necessary" modification? No! No Christian should! 1 John 2:22-23 says, "Who is a liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; The one who confesses the Son has the Father also." Read also 1 John 4:2 in relations to this same thought.
Pastor, Hosea 4:6 declares, "My people are destroyed through lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from being my priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children."
Let None Perish!
As fellow pastors, we must agree that we do not want to see anyone perish. Certainly, not the lambs in our own flock! Labour with me. As I share with you, 433 men have renounced Masonry and are living more productive Christian lives. They discovered that the "friendships" of the Lodge were based on a Masonic bond and not genuine friendship. In every instance they found Christians coming forward who had held back from fellowship with them, not knowing how to confront their Christian brother in his error. Without exception, they confessed that their present friends are more genuine and more fulfilling to their lives than what they thought they had in the Fraternity.
If you have Masons in the membership of Christ's church, you, as pastor, need to become educated and confront them in love. I was delivered from my love of Freemasonry and left with an abiding love for Masons. I pray daily for their release from the cult of Freemasonry. With prayer, preparation and sharing, they will come out of either Freemasonry or the church.
Dwight L. Moody Speaks Out
Dwight L. Moody said, "I do not see how any Christian, most of all a Christian minister, can go into these secret lodges with unbelievers. They say they can have more influence for good: but I say they can have more influence for good by staying out of them, and reproving their evil deeds. Abraham had more influence for good in Sodom than Lot had."
For this D.L. Moody was challenged, "If you talk this way, you will drive all the members of secret societies out of your meetings and out of our churches."
To this the bold pastor proclaimed, "But what if I did? Better men will take their places. Give them the truth anyway, and if they would rather leave their churches than their lodges, the sooner they get out of the churches the better. I would rather have ten members who are separated from the world than a thousand such members. Better one with God that a thousand without Him."
What's a Pastor to do regarding Freemasonry?
1. Pray for guidance and direction.
2. Study Freemasonry together with your Bible.
3. Write down your thoughts.
4. Share them with Masons when you're sure enough not to be deceived by their uninformed or misinformed tales.
5. Proclaim from your pulpit the dangers of the double walk of a Christian in Freemasonry. Let your flock know again that they cannot serve two masters, nor can they have any other God before them. (Masonry permits any and every other god at their altar.)
If you are a pastor, thank you for listening and may God bless you as you serve Him and your flock for the glory of God. If you are a layman, your pastor needs your support and your help. Pray for your pastor; then share this article. Continue to pray with expectation for your pastor and be ready to assist your pastor in proclaiming the truth and setting free the oppressed.
HRT
Pastors need to consider the relationship of their church, their ministry and their flock relative to Freemasonry. Masons are in the pulpits, in positions of leadership in the church, and in the pews. In every case they are either grossly deceived as I was for eleven years, or they are not truly Christians.
Charles G. Finney, the greatest of the 19th century evangelists, left Freemasonry when he acknowledged Christ as Saviour and Lord of his life. He wrote a book on the subject of Freemasonry. It has been re-issued by Crown Publications, Burlington, Ontario Canada, under the title "The Antichrist of the Masonic Society." On page 139 he states correctly:
"God hold the church and every branch of it, responsible for its opinions and actions accordance with the best light, which, in His providence, is afforded them. While Masonry was a secret, the church had no light, and no responsibility respecting it... Hence God did not require the church to bear any testimony on the subject as long as Masonry was secret. Freemasonry is now revealed. It is no longer a secret from any who wish to be informed.
"Since these revelations (the rituals) have been made and both the church and the world can know what Masonry really is, God demands, and the world has a right to expect, that the church will take due action and bear truthful testimony in respect to this institution. She cannot now innocently hold her peace. The light has come. Fidelity to God, and to the souls of men, require the church, which is the light to the world, should speak out, and should take such actions as will plainly reveal her views of the compatibility or incompatibility of Freemasonry with the Christian religion.
"... How can we fail to pronounce Freemasonry an anti-Christian Institution?... its morality is unchristian, ...its oath-bound secrecy is unchristian, ...taking its oaths is unchristian, ...Masonic oaths pledge its members to commit most unlawful and unchristian acts, deliver each other from difficulty whether right or wrong, favour Masonry in political action and business transactions, sworn to retaliate, to persecute unto death the violators of Masonic obligations... its oaths are profane, the taking of the name of God in vain, ...the penalties of these oaths are barbarous and even savage, ...its teachings are false and profane, ...its design is partial and selfish, ...it is an enormous falsehood.
"Every local branch of the Church of Christ is bound to examine this subject, and pronounce upon this institution, according to the best light they can get. God does not allow individuals, or churches, (or pastors) to withhold action, and the expression of opinion, until other churches are as enlightened as themselves.
"If churches who are known to have examined the subject withhold their testimony; if they continue to receive persistent and intelligent Freemasons; if they leave the public to infer that they see nothing in Freemasonry inconsistent with a creditable profession of the Christian religion, and by the world, that there is nothing in it so bad, so dangerous and unchristian as to call for their examination, action and testimony.
"It is almost universally conceded that persistent Freemasons, who continued to adhere and cooperate with them, ought not to be admitted to Christian churches."
What shall we as pastors say to our flocks that contain perhaps a great number of professed Christians who are Freemasons? Again we look to Brother Finney.
"Let them (Freemasons) have no more to do with it. Let Christian men labour with them, plead with them, and endeavour to make them see that their duty is to abandon it."
To these words of Brother Finney I can lend an "AMEN!" What can pastors do? They can receive this articles into their hands, perhaps from one of their lambs, and prayerfully consider it. They can study at their library. Albert Pike, Albert Mackey, 33rd degree, Henry Coil Wilson, 33rd degree, and Arthur Edward Waite are all recognised authorities by State Grand Lodges. They can contact me. They can read an excellent sermon "Freemasonry and Christianity" by Dr. Alva J. McCain, founder and first president of Grace Theological Seminary.
The One Thing That Pastors Can't Do Is Nothing!
A Pastor is accountable to God Almighty for Christ's sheep in their flock. I would never have become involved in Freemasonry if a pastor had preached even the poorest of sermons against Freemasonry in my youth. If he even whispered in my ear! I spent eleven years in Masonry. I defended it to my family, my church, my colleagues. God forgive me!
Thank God my teenagers didn't swallow my line. One went and educated himself and both of them prayed, one for four years, and one for two years, that I might be set free from the abomination of the cult of Freemasonry. The day came when a Christian brother and former Mason, had the courage to risk our friendship. He opened up his Masonic Bible and shared the Light as he there had found it in Jesus, the Light of the World. That Light showed the light of Freemasonry to be darkness and deception. Each verse he shared brought out more Masonic debris like "Salvation by works" from the closets of my life. With the living room of my life now cluttered with the false doctrines of Freemasonry, I renounced it that very day! I will never forget the joy in the voices of my children as I told them over the phone. I will never forget the tears on my mother's cheeks as she exclaimed, "Another prayer answered. One more to go before I die!" Yes, and the joyous embrace of my obedient wife!
We Must Renounce It! ]
In the year after I renounced Freemasonry, I personally sat with each Mason in my congregation and shared my testimony. Most defended the fraternity. Some even began a campaign against their pastor. So be it! "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." Some left their positions of authority in the church without ever being asked. On October 12, 1985 I delivered a sermon entitled "Mixing Oil with Water – Christianity & Freemasonry." That light exposed the darkness of Masonry and unrenouncing Masons still in positions of authority fled in shame. In their place God sent new people literally from across this country to take up the slack. Finances that were threatened by these Masonic families, instead, increased by 40%. The pledging units increased by 25%. Pastor, stand for God and He will bless!
I thank God for Bible-believing pastors. If you are one, know that in love I say to you, "Pastor, you preach the word with me! Yes, there will be opposition. In the world you will have tribulation, said Jesus, but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world."
Preach boldly as we are instructed in Acts 18:9; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Hebrews 2:11. Know that there will be rewards for any persecution that you may face as recorded in James 1:3,12.
Pastor, did you know that Freemasonry will not permit the name of Jesus to be used in any regular and well-governed lodge? Did you know that when they use a passage such as 1 Peter 2:5 or 2 Thessalonians 3:6, they delete the phrase that includes the name of our blessed and only saviour, Jesus Christ? That is not an oversight, as reference to it states (*slight, but necessary modifications have been made). Would you call deleting Jesus Christ a "slight" or "necessary" modification? No! No Christian should! 1 John 2:22-23 says, "Who is a liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; The one who confesses the Son has the Father also." Read also 1 John 4:2 in relations to this same thought.
Pastor, Hosea 4:6 declares, "My people are destroyed through lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from being my priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children."
Let None Perish!
As fellow pastors, we must agree that we do not want to see anyone perish. Certainly, not the lambs in our own flock! Labour with me. As I share with you, 433 men have renounced Masonry and are living more productive Christian lives. They discovered that the "friendships" of the Lodge were based on a Masonic bond and not genuine friendship. In every instance they found Christians coming forward who had held back from fellowship with them, not knowing how to confront their Christian brother in his error. Without exception, they confessed that their present friends are more genuine and more fulfilling to their lives than what they thought they had in the Fraternity.
If you have Masons in the membership of Christ's church, you, as pastor, need to become educated and confront them in love. I was delivered from my love of Freemasonry and left with an abiding love for Masons. I pray daily for their release from the cult of Freemasonry. With prayer, preparation and sharing, they will come out of either Freemasonry or the church.
Dwight L. Moody Speaks Out
Dwight L. Moody said, "I do not see how any Christian, most of all a Christian minister, can go into these secret lodges with unbelievers. They say they can have more influence for good: but I say they can have more influence for good by staying out of them, and reproving their evil deeds. Abraham had more influence for good in Sodom than Lot had."
For this D.L. Moody was challenged, "If you talk this way, you will drive all the members of secret societies out of your meetings and out of our churches."
To this the bold pastor proclaimed, "But what if I did? Better men will take their places. Give them the truth anyway, and if they would rather leave their churches than their lodges, the sooner they get out of the churches the better. I would rather have ten members who are separated from the world than a thousand such members. Better one with God that a thousand without Him."
What's a Pastor to do regarding Freemasonry?
1. Pray for guidance and direction.
2. Study Freemasonry together with your Bible.
3. Write down your thoughts.
4. Share them with Masons when you're sure enough not to be deceived by their uninformed or misinformed tales.
5. Proclaim from your pulpit the dangers of the double walk of a Christian in Freemasonry. Let your flock know again that they cannot serve two masters, nor can they have any other God before them. (Masonry permits any and every other god at their altar.)
If you are a pastor, thank you for listening and may God bless you as you serve Him and your flock for the glory of God. If you are a layman, your pastor needs your support and your help. Pray for your pastor; then share this article. Continue to pray with expectation for your pastor and be ready to assist your pastor in proclaiming the truth and setting free the oppressed.
HRT
Suggestions for Dealing with Someone Who Claims to be
Both A Christian And A Freemason.
The first and most important step is to establish that as Christians, you both accept Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and Saviour (Acts 4:12). If you meet any hesitation or resistance on this first step, you can suggest that perhaps you could take the Bible test found in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to check and see if you are really both "in the true faith." This could lead to a discussion of what it means to have Christ "in you" to be "saved" and therefore be a Christian. Share your own salvation experience.
If the Mason appears to be basically an unbeliever, or a doubter, we recommend Josh McDowell's book, "Evidence that Demands a Verdict," especially in chapter 7 where he considers the claims of Jesus. Perhaps it may be necessary to establish this foundation before proceeding, should you find yourself dealing with a real sceptic, who nevertheless considers himself a "Christian."
In any event, remind the Mason that his own writings state that the "Holy Bible is the Great Light in Masonry, and the Rule and Guide for faith and practice." (The Holy Bible – the Great Light in Masonry, AJ Holman & Co., 1968.)
Once agreement is reached on the first step, you should move on by acknowledging that you are aware that Freemasonry makes many fine-sounding claims, that it has a public record of good works and that it enjoys a high degree of acceptability, especially within the historic Christian denominations.
Tell them that you are aware of their oath of secrecy, and that you will not in any way ask them to divulge any Masonic secrets. Explain that you are motivated by the love of Christ, and that from your understanding and reading, Freemasonry and Christianity are not only incompatible, but in fact are opposed to one another.
Listen patiently to the Mason's objections. He may try being a prevaricator; that is one who deflects someone from finding out the truth, even if it means lying to do so. Remember he is under oath to protect Freemasonry's secrets and may even tell you things about Freemasonry you know to be false. If not done deliberately, it is possible that the Mason has forgotten exactly what he has been taught, or has not carefully read what he was given. Be patient and proceed. We suggest you use only three or so of the following comparisons at a time, and keep the rest for later discussions.
Salvation by Works?
Freemasonry teaches "...that everything which man is put to do, if rightly and faithfully done, naturally helps to work out his salvation; that if he obeys the genuine principles of his calling, he will be a good man..." (Pike p 211.)
Christianity teaches, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one shall boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9. See Romans 11:6 also.)
Several Ways to God?
Freemasonry teaches "... these paths appear to branch off in various directions, yet they all reach the same ultimate goal, and that to some men one path is better, and to others another." (JSM Ward, 33rd degree, quoted in "Freemasonry – the Invisible Cult" by J. Harris, p. 100.)
Christianity teaches, "...I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." Jesus, John 14:6, see also John 10:9, 3:36.)
Is Jesus Only One of Many?
Freemasonry teaches, It reverences all the great reformers. It sees in Moses, the lawgiver of the Jews, in Confucius and Zoroaster, in Jesus of Nazareth, and in the Arabian Iconoclast, Great Teachers of Morality, and Eminent Reformers, if no more: and allows every brother of the order to assign to each such higher and even divine character as his creed and truth require." (Pike p 525)
Christianity teaches, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, see also 1 Corinthians 8:6)
Are Bloody Oaths Acceptable?
Freemasonry teaches, "First degree, to have the throat cut across from ear to ear and the tongue torn out...etc.; Second degree, to have the heart ripped out... etc., Third degree to have the body severed in twain, the bowels cut out and burned...etc. (every degree curses a different body part. (Harris pps. 50/51)
Christianity teaches, "But I say to you, make no oath at all, ...but let your statement be, "Yes, Yes" or "No, No"; and anything beyond that is of evil." (Matthew 5:34-37, see also James 5:12)
How Is The Bible Viewed?
Freemasonry teaches, "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." (Albert Mackey, 33rd degree, quoted by Harris, p 47.) Therefore any "Holy Book" may be on the Masonic Altar.
Christianity teaches, "All Scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, see also Proverbs 30:5-6; Hebrews 4:12.)
Should Secrets Be Kept by Christians?
Freemasonry teaches, "Masonry, like all the religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy conceals its secrets from all but the Adepts and Sages, or the elect, and uses false explanation and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled; to conceal the truth, which it calls Light from them, and to draw them away from it." (Pike, p 104-105.)
Christianity teaches, "Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold these know what I said." (John 18:20; see also Matthew 10:27; Luke 12:3; Ephesians 5:11-13)
Where Is True Light Found?
Freemasonry teaches, "Masonry is a search after Light. That search leads us directly back, as you see, to the Kabalah." (Pike P 741.) However the Kabalah teachings (Jewish occult mysticism) is condemned by God in the Bible.
Christianity teaches, "... Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the World; he who follows after Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12. see also John 1:4,5; & Matthew 5:14-16)
In conclusion, ... it is important to remember that of the many millions of Freemasons in the world, the vast majority are only in the Blue Lodge – the first three degrees. For them, the higher degrees do not represent true Freemasonry. Therefore it is possible that a Blue Lodge member will not accept the references provided above. The sad but true fact is that those who go on through the higher degrees find out eventually that they were deceived in those first three degrees. The following quotation illustrates just how badly and thoroughly deceived they are, and your Masonic friend or relative may be living proof of this deception by protesting that it is not so.
"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 he shall imagine he understands them... It is well enough for the mass of those called Masons to imagine that all is contained in the Blue Degrees; and whoso attempts to undeceive them shall labour in vain..." (Pike p 819)
As you close your discussion with your Masonic friend, read together 1 John 5:10-12:
"The one who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a Liar, because he has not believed in the witness that God has borne concerning His Son. And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." Remind him that there is no room for the name of Jesus in the well-regulated Masonic Lodge, as illustrated by the absence of His name in every prayer according to Lodge ritual.
You could conclude with a statement like the following: Jesus said in John 5:23, "...that all may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him."
Seeing then that Masonry does not require anyone to honour the Son at all, let alone give Him equal honour with the Father, will you cease belonging to an organisation that denies that Jesus is Lord? Your response should be to repent and renounce your involvement in this Christ-dishonouring group, ask for forgiveness from God and be determined to witness for Christ.
Truly, a Mason faces an eternal choice, will he be a Christian, or will he be a Mason, for he cannot be both!
(Based in large part on an article by Lyle Larrigan)
If the Mason appears to be basically an unbeliever, or a doubter, we recommend Josh McDowell's book, "Evidence that Demands a Verdict," especially in chapter 7 where he considers the claims of Jesus. Perhaps it may be necessary to establish this foundation before proceeding, should you find yourself dealing with a real sceptic, who nevertheless considers himself a "Christian."
In any event, remind the Mason that his own writings state that the "Holy Bible is the Great Light in Masonry, and the Rule and Guide for faith and practice." (The Holy Bible – the Great Light in Masonry, AJ Holman & Co., 1968.)
Once agreement is reached on the first step, you should move on by acknowledging that you are aware that Freemasonry makes many fine-sounding claims, that it has a public record of good works and that it enjoys a high degree of acceptability, especially within the historic Christian denominations.
Tell them that you are aware of their oath of secrecy, and that you will not in any way ask them to divulge any Masonic secrets. Explain that you are motivated by the love of Christ, and that from your understanding and reading, Freemasonry and Christianity are not only incompatible, but in fact are opposed to one another.
Listen patiently to the Mason's objections. He may try being a prevaricator; that is one who deflects someone from finding out the truth, even if it means lying to do so. Remember he is under oath to protect Freemasonry's secrets and may even tell you things about Freemasonry you know to be false. If not done deliberately, it is possible that the Mason has forgotten exactly what he has been taught, or has not carefully read what he was given. Be patient and proceed. We suggest you use only three or so of the following comparisons at a time, and keep the rest for later discussions.
Salvation by Works?
Freemasonry teaches "...that everything which man is put to do, if rightly and faithfully done, naturally helps to work out his salvation; that if he obeys the genuine principles of his calling, he will be a good man..." (Pike p 211.)
Christianity teaches, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one shall boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9. See Romans 11:6 also.)
Several Ways to God?
Freemasonry teaches "... these paths appear to branch off in various directions, yet they all reach the same ultimate goal, and that to some men one path is better, and to others another." (JSM Ward, 33rd degree, quoted in "Freemasonry – the Invisible Cult" by J. Harris, p. 100.)
Christianity teaches, "...I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." Jesus, John 14:6, see also John 10:9, 3:36.)
Is Jesus Only One of Many?
Freemasonry teaches, It reverences all the great reformers. It sees in Moses, the lawgiver of the Jews, in Confucius and Zoroaster, in Jesus of Nazareth, and in the Arabian Iconoclast, Great Teachers of Morality, and Eminent Reformers, if no more: and allows every brother of the order to assign to each such higher and even divine character as his creed and truth require." (Pike p 525)
Christianity teaches, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, see also 1 Corinthians 8:6)
Are Bloody Oaths Acceptable?
Freemasonry teaches, "First degree, to have the throat cut across from ear to ear and the tongue torn out...etc.; Second degree, to have the heart ripped out... etc., Third degree to have the body severed in twain, the bowels cut out and burned...etc. (every degree curses a different body part. (Harris pps. 50/51)
Christianity teaches, "But I say to you, make no oath at all, ...but let your statement be, "Yes, Yes" or "No, No"; and anything beyond that is of evil." (Matthew 5:34-37, see also James 5:12)
How Is The Bible Viewed?
Freemasonry teaches, "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." (Albert Mackey, 33rd degree, quoted by Harris, p 47.) Therefore any "Holy Book" may be on the Masonic Altar.
Christianity teaches, "All Scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, see also Proverbs 30:5-6; Hebrews 4:12.)
Should Secrets Be Kept by Christians?
Freemasonry teaches, "Masonry, like all the religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy conceals its secrets from all but the Adepts and Sages, or the elect, and uses false explanation and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled; to conceal the truth, which it calls Light from them, and to draw them away from it." (Pike, p 104-105.)
Christianity teaches, "Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold these know what I said." (John 18:20; see also Matthew 10:27; Luke 12:3; Ephesians 5:11-13)
Where Is True Light Found?
Freemasonry teaches, "Masonry is a search after Light. That search leads us directly back, as you see, to the Kabalah." (Pike P 741.) However the Kabalah teachings (Jewish occult mysticism) is condemned by God in the Bible.
Christianity teaches, "... Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the World; he who follows after Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12. see also John 1:4,5; & Matthew 5:14-16)
In conclusion, ... it is important to remember that of the many millions of Freemasons in the world, the vast majority are only in the Blue Lodge – the first three degrees. For them, the higher degrees do not represent true Freemasonry. Therefore it is possible that a Blue Lodge member will not accept the references provided above. The sad but true fact is that those who go on through the higher degrees find out eventually that they were deceived in those first three degrees. The following quotation illustrates just how badly and thoroughly deceived they are, and your Masonic friend or relative may be living proof of this deception by protesting that it is not so.
"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 he shall imagine he understands them... It is well enough for the mass of those called Masons to imagine that all is contained in the Blue Degrees; and whoso attempts to undeceive them shall labour in vain..." (Pike p 819)
As you close your discussion with your Masonic friend, read together 1 John 5:10-12:
"The one who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a Liar, because he has not believed in the witness that God has borne concerning His Son. And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." Remind him that there is no room for the name of Jesus in the well-regulated Masonic Lodge, as illustrated by the absence of His name in every prayer according to Lodge ritual.
You could conclude with a statement like the following: Jesus said in John 5:23, "...that all may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him."
Seeing then that Masonry does not require anyone to honour the Son at all, let alone give Him equal honour with the Father, will you cease belonging to an organisation that denies that Jesus is Lord? Your response should be to repent and renounce your involvement in this Christ-dishonouring group, ask for forgiveness from God and be determined to witness for Christ.
Truly, a Mason faces an eternal choice, will he be a Christian, or will he be a Mason, for he cannot be both!
(Based in large part on an article by Lyle Larrigan)