Description of the 30th Degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry (Knights Kadosh)

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This is creepy stuff, and demostrates how Freemasonry has pioneered anti-Christian secular humanism and "totalitarian tolerance" in the very strong sense of the word.

The source:

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,

By James L. Holly, M.D.


http://www.freemasonrywatch.org/holly.html#VII



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:

"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" encouraged 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 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.


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)


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.

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(continued)


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 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.


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.

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)

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)


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?"


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.


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 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 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.

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 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.

[Petr]

(Continued)



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 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)

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 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 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 establish 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 enjoined 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 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 PREPARED 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)


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 argument 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 because 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

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)

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)

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 Freemasonry, 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.

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.


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.

[Petr]

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 York Rite Freemasonry also has its equivalent for this morbid, death-celebrating skull ceremony:

http://freemasonrywatch.org/yorkrite.html


Knights Templar Degree

Knights Templar Degree Logo Freemasonry mimics the two fundamental sacraments of the Christian Church - baptism and communion.

(1) They perform a Christless esoteric baptism in the 'Prince of Mercy' degree when they pour water over the candidate and foolishly assure him, he has been purified.

(2) They perform a blasphemous Black Mass in the Knights Templar degree when they drink communion from a human skull-cap in a Christ mocking occult ceremony.

The Knights Templar's initiate drinks 5 symbolic libations (or toasts) during his Templar Order initiation ceremony. The first 4 are taken out of a goblet; the libations being to the memory of (1) King Solomon "our ancient grand master" (2) Hiram King of Tyre; "our ancient grand master" (3) Hiram Abiff "the widows son, who lost his life in defence of his integrity") (4) Simon of Cyrene, "the friend of our Saviour, who bore his cross, and fell a martyr to his faith."

[In some occult writings Jesus Christ did not die on the cross as they claim he secretly switched places with one 'Simon of Cyrene' during Christ's journey from Pontus Pilate's sentencing to Golgotha, and then they allege Jesus instead stood nearby the crucifixtion site laughing at the precedings. This reference in Masonic ritual shows the depth of the heresy and blasphamy of Freemasonry, as well as the trickery, deceit, and "craftyness" of the "lodge", as the repulsive occult meaning of the 'Simon of Cyrene' reference is never explained to the duped initiate. - FW]

(5) The fifth, and supreme, libation is made unto 'the unknown' and is performed in the vilest manner imaginable; an actual human skull-cap is placed in the hand of the candidate and he is caused to sup the content of such from this mystic cup. The fluid that is consumed from the top part of this human skull is normally bitter wine. Such is employed to vividly impress important occult teaching to the initiate. The candidate is told, "Pilgrim, the fifth libation is taken in a very solemn way. It is emblematical of the bitter cup of death, of which we must sooner or later, taste."

The fifth libation is called the sealed obligation because the candidate is never told to whom the fifth libation is drunk; it is rather 'sealed'.

...

Resource: Evangelical Truth



Petr

[Vindex]

The York Rite is better.

[Vindex]

The original Templars where Satanic.

[Petr]

Masonic head honcho Albert Pike gave this heart-warming commentary on the meaning of Masonic eucharist at the 30th degree:


http://freemasonrywatch.org/what_is_freemasonry.html


In his commentary on the Council of Kadosh, Pike inferentially referred to the Holy Eucharist, and said:

"The chief symbol of man's ultimate redemption is the fraternal supper of bread and wine. This fraternal meal teaches among other things "that many thousands who died before us might claim to be joint owners with ourselves of the particles that compose our mortal bodies, for matter ever forms new combinations: and the bodies of the ancient dead, the Patriarchs before and since the mood, the Kings and common people of all ages, resolved into their constituent elements, are carried upon the wind over all continents, and continually enter into and form part of the habitations of new souls creating new bonds of sympathy and brotherhood between each man that lives and all his race.

"And thus the bread we eat, and the wine we drink tonight may enter into and form part of us the identical particles of matter that once formed parts of the material bodies called Moses, Confucius, Plato, Socrates, or Jesus of Nazareth. In the truest sense we eat and drink the bodies of the dead...."


Qute.


Petr

[Kodos]

The original Templars where Satanic.

Ah the original knight templars existed to protect pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem from bandits.

[Jimbo Gomez]

Hey Petr, lots of protestans in those masonic circles. ;)

You do know Rome's opinion about them right? :D

[Petr]

Hey Petr, lots of protestans in those masonic circles. ;)

You do know Rome's opinion about them right? :D

Are you aware that according to many, many traditionalist Roman Catholics, the Vatican has been thoroughly infiltrated by Freemasons?

http://freemasonrywatch.org/bugnini_vaticanII.html


Petr

[Sinclair]

Freemasonry is interesting. To listen to some of them, they're an ancient, ancient group, but it can only really be dated back, and even then it's a bit sketchy, to the 13th or 14th century AD. A lot of their ideas about history and their rites are based on fundamental misunderstandings by Greek writers about Egyptian religion.

[OVERWATCH]

:cool: Granddad on mom's side was a 33rd degree Mason (a Shriner).

[Kodos]

Are you aware that according to many, many traditionalist Roman Catholics, the Vatican has been thoroughly infiltrated by Freemasons?

http://freemasonrywatch.org/bugnini_vaticanII.html


Petr

You couldn't infiltrate the organization which has been in the spy business longer then any country on earth...

You could explain to us why we shouldn't share the skeptical attitude of the Masons towards revealed religions?

[Jimbo Gomez]

Are you aware that according to many, many traditionalist Roman Catholics, the Vatican has been thoroughly infiltrated by Freemasons?

http://freemasonrywatch.org/bugnini_vaticanII.html


Petr

I know. But there is no evidence for this, and even the fact that this suspicion exists already shows that you acknowledge that the HRC indeed has been opposed to this scum from day one on.

[daisy]

are you aware that according to many, many traditionalist roman catholics, the vatican has been thoroughly infiltrated by freemasons? true i witnessed it with my own eyes. i know some of the catholic priest are freemasons and they have freemason rings. they even made others want to join the freemasons and want a freemason ring. i watched and wondered what was luring catholics to look in awe at the outside of freemason lodges, why they were longing to be an honorary freemason and why they would go so far as to look to buy a freemason ring from pawnshops if they felt they were not good enough to be accepted into the freemasons even though it is against freemason rules for anyone who is not a member to wear a freemason ring.
http://www.rotten.com/library/conspiracy/freemasonry/

[Vindex]

Yes, in the start the early start, till as the story goes they dug up the temple mound.


Ah the original knight templars existed to protect pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem from bandits.

[Vindex]

Freemasonry evolved out of the Templars, it started as a kind of under ground railroad for them, during the catholic churches attempted stamping out of them. The knowledge itself mainly goes back to the Order of the Serpent in Ancient Egypt, though a lot of it has been corrupted.


Freemasonry is interesting. To listen to some of them, they're an ancient, ancient group, but it can only really be dated back, and even then it's a bit sketchy, to the 13th or 14th century AD. A lot of their ideas about history and their rites are based on fundamental misunderstandings by Greek writers about Egyptian religion.

[Felix the Cat]

Homer: I saw weird stuff in that place last night. Weird, strange, sick, twisted, eerie, godless, evil stuff! And I want in.

Carl: We don't, uh, know what you're talking about, Homer.

Lenny: And you can't join the Stonecutters because it's too exclusive!

Carl: [sighs] Well, it was a real nice secret organization we had once.

[Lenny]

Homer: I saw weird stuff in that place last night. Weird, strange, sick, twisted, eerie, godless, evil stuff! And I want in.http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palace/9295/Simpsons/4/iwantin.wav

[Petr]

Homer: I saw weird stuff in that place last night. Weird, strange, sick, twisted, eerie, godless, evil stuff! And I want in.

Carl: We don't, uh, know what you're talking about, Homer.

Lenny: And you can't join the Stonecutters because it's too exclusive!

Carl: [sighs] Well, it was a real nice secret organization we had once.

I wouldn't wonder at all is that particular "Simpsons" episode had been promoted by Freemasons, in order to make all conspiring secret societies look silly and harmless.

It has actually been speculated that "The X-Files" series that started out in 1993 were a direct establishment response to the revival of serious conspiracy theorizing inspired by Oliver Stone's "JFK" and Bush the Elder's "New World Order" speech. The ultimate effect of that show was that it made all conspiracy theories look kooky.

"As the "X-Files" and the other fictional TV shows which neither I or Shelby have ever seen, purposefully muddy the waters with a flood of pop drivel disguised as revelation, the actual truths are lost in the swirl."

http://www.revisionisthistory.org/kingkill33.html


That sort of confusing disinformation is known in CIA slang as "noise."

"The chief defense of the conspirators in this Age of Revelation (revelations largely made by the conspirators themselves), against prosecution and punishment for their crimes, has been to confuse the truth and mix it into a salad bowl of falsehood.

The agents of the System have seeded the ideas that everything causes cancer and everyone killed Kennedy. The corollary being that the study of the food that makes one ill and the food that nourishes is so fraught with counter-claims and ambiguity as to be impossible to unravel, therefore eat anything you want because you'll get cancer no matter what you do.

In a similar process, the competing solutions to the riddle of who killed Kennedy seem to carry equal degrees of plausibility in the mind of the public: Castro did it and so did the anti-Castroites; the Communists killed him and so did the anti-Communists; it was the CIA; the Mafia; the military-industrial complex; the Mossad, MI5, the masons, the Birchers, your grandmother and my Uncle Ned.

After a time the whole JFK investigation dissolves into a stew of contradictions more puzzling than the original mystery and we are left demoralized and apathetic. If everyone killed Kennedy then in a sense no one did, because indictment and punishment are impossible when faced with such a miasma of conflicting theories.

As the deliberately planted confusion grows, so does the establishment's hypnotic suggestion that conspiracy investigators are an obnoxious nuisance and just plain nuts. That has been the state of the chess game between those seeking to bring the conspirators to justice and those seeking to cover up for them so that they might continue in power."

http://www.revisionisthistory.org/occult1.html


It is all so damn predictable - once you begin to talk about occult conspiracies, people post references to Stonecutters, or pictures of Shriners driving their silly little cars.

And an average slob chuckles and thinks that that settles it.


Petr

[FranzJoseph]

It is all so damn predictable - once you begin to talk about occult conspiracies, people post references to Stonecutters, or pictures of Shriners driving their silly little cars.

And an average slob chuckles and thinks that that settles it.

Absolutely correct. I am in full agreement with Petr. Amazing.

Debunkers ask yourselves: There has been through most of recorded history secret societies who claim to have knowledge "too dangerous" to reveal to the unwashed rabble. If for thousands of years they've been lying, what sort of need would such a fraud fulfill? Why lie at all, indeed, but why that lie?

Then again they might actually be hiding something quite real and dangerous. The occult technology of power, if nothing else. If so, any number of ex-masons have been candid about this.

Smoke don't always mean fire. But centuries of smoke might be a hint.