THE RELIGION OF FREEMASONRY

(Note: The following is a faithful copy of a tract authored by Pastor Ben J. Mott, Jr.) One need not investigate much to discover that Freemasonry is a religion. A most superficial knowledge of this institution will establish this fact. It is commonly known that the leader of the lodge is titled "WORSHIPFUL Master." What does that descriptive word "worshipful" convey if not religion? Masons take their oaths on the holy book of their religion. Masonic ceremonies incorporate prayers to a deity whom they term "the Great Architect of the Universe." The lodge furniture includes an altar. According to the World Book Encyclopedia, "Masons try to promote 'religion in which all men agree, that is, to be good men and true.' " (1) These easily acquired facts should be sufficient to convince any reasonable person that Freemasonry is a religion. However, Freemasonry is a religion which admits men of various creeds. "Throughout its history, Masonry has brought together men of varied beliefs and opinions. It does NOT (emphasis mine) sponsor any particular denomination of faith. Men of any religion that professes belief in one God may join." (2) It is commonly known that Jews and professing Christians can be members of this organization. A Moslem or a worshipper of Buddha can be admitted as well. Hence, it is obvious that a person may even deny that Jesus is the Christ and yet be a member of the lodge. Its members may or may not believe on the name of the Son of God. Either way, they are still admitted into the religion of Freemasonry. For this reason, it can be absolutely affirmed that the religion of Freemasonry is NOT THE RELIGION OF THE GOD OF THE BIBLE!! Observe this clear, uncompromising statement of the Bible: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is NOT OF GOD: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (1 Joh.2:22-23). The God of the Bible is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Deny that God is the Father of Jesus Christ and you deny the God of the Bible. It's that simple! This passage plainly declares that whosoever denies the Son does NOT have the Father. From this it should be obvious that if one denies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, he could not at the same time maintain a religion that is of God. Remember, if he denies the Son he does NOT have the Father. Furthermore, if anyone denies that Jesus is the Christ he is a LIAR. Now with those facts before you ask yourself: Would a religion that openly welcomes those who have not the Father be the religion of the Bible? Would a religion that admits Biblically declared liars be the religion of the God of the Bible? As pointed out earlier, it is commonly known that the leader of the Masonic lodge is termed "Worshipful Master". Now hear what Jesus Christ has to say about this: "But be not ye called Rabbi: for ONE is your MASTER, EVEN CHRIST; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called MASTERS: for ONE is your MASTER, EVEN CHRIST" (Mat.23:8-10). It is interesting to note that in a brief statement the Lord Jesus censures three corrupt religions. First, He attacks Jewish Phariseeism which calls its leaders "Rabbi". Secondly, He attacks Roman Catholicism which calls its leaders "Father." Then He attacks Freemasonry which calls its leaders "Worshipful MASTER"! In the face of this denunciation by Jesus Christ ask yourself: Is a religious organization that calls its leader "Master" the religion of the God of the Bible? The religion of Freemasonry also incorporates secret words, signs and rituals which its adherents are sworn to conceal. Compare this with the religion of Jesus Christ. Of His own ministry Christ said: "I spake OPENLY to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and IN SECRET HAVE I SAID NOTHING" (Joh.18:20). The apostle Paul speaking of his ministry said: "We...have renounced the HIDDEN things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by MANIFESTATION of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Co.4:1-4). The foregoing passages clearly show that the religion of Jesus Christ does NOT practice secrecy with regard to its doctrine and practice as does the religion of Freemasonry. If the Christian religion is hidden, it is not owing to an effort on the part of its adherents to keep it secret. It is rather because the mind of a person is blinded by the god of this world so as to be unable to perceive it. In the face of these facts ask yourself: Is a religion that attempts to keep its doctrine and practices secret the religion of the Bible? It should be clear from the foregoing observations that Freemasonry is a religion that is NOT of God. No professing Christian could be part of such an institution and be true to His profession of Christianity. The apostle Paul speaks plainly to this issue: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: 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?" (2 Co.6:14-15). Or, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in SECRET" (Eph.5:11-12). In Acts 4 the apostle Peter was speaking to the religious leaders of the Jews. He made an interesting statement to them in v.11: "This is the stone (referring to Jesus Christ) which was set at nought of YOU BUILDERS, which is become the head of the corner." These Jewish leaders were obviously religious stonebuilders. That is exactly what a Freemason is, a religious stonebuilder. Yet these religious stonebuilders rejected the chief cornerstone, the head of the corner, Jesus Christ. And Freemasonry is a religion which welcomes stonebuilders who reject Jesus Christ. Such a religion CANNOT be the religion of the God of Jesus Christ, the God of the Bible!!! (1) "Masonry," The World Book Encyclopedia, 1974, XIII, 208 (2) Ibid.