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Luther was not a systematic theologian, but his work was subtle, complex, and immensely influential. It was inspired by his careful study of the New Testament, but it was also influenced in important respects by the great 4th-century theologian St. Augustine.

Luther maintained that God interacts with human beings in two ways—through the law and through the Gospel.

The law represents God’s demands—as expressed, for example, in the Ten Commandments and the golden rule. All people, regardless of their religious convictions, have some degree of access to the law through their consciences and through the ethical traditions of their culture, although their understanding of it is always distorted by human sin. The law has two functions. It enables human beings to maintain some order in their world, their communities, and their own lives despite the profound alienation from God, the world, their neighbors, and ultimately themselves that is caused by original sin. In addition, the law makes human beings aware of their need for the forgiveness of sins and thus leads them to Christ.

God also interacts with human beings through the Gospel, the good news of God’s gift of his Son for the salvation of the human race. This proclamation demands nothing but acceptance on the part of the individual. Indeed, Luther argued that theology had gone wrong precisely when it began to confuse law and Gospel (God’s demand and God’s gift) by claiming that human beings can in some way merit that which can only be the unconditional gift of God’s grace.

Luther insisted that Christians, as long as they live in this world, are sinners and saints simultaneously. They are saints insofar as they trust in God’s grace and not in their own achievements. Sin, however, is a permanent and pervasive feature in the church as well as in the world, and a saint is not a moral paragon but a sinner who accepts God’s grace. Thus, for Luther, the most respected citizen and the habitual criminal are both in need of forgiveness by God.

Luther held that God makes himself known to human beings through earthly, finite forms rather than in his pure divinity. Thus, God revealed himself in Jesus Christ; he speaks his word to us in the human words of the New Testament writers; and his body and blood are received by believers (in Luther’s formulation) “in, with, and under” the bread and wine in Holy Communion (see Eucharist). When human beings serve each other and the world in their various occupations (which Luther called vocations) as mothers and fathers, rulers and subjects, butchers and bakers, they are instruments of God, who works in the world through them. Luther thus broke down the traditional distinction between sacred and secular occupations.

This question often comes up in discussions among Christians and there is a healthy debate on whether or not it is possible to lose your salvation. The question and the answer are important because they can affect your relationship with God. For example, if someone believes that he can lose his salvation then he might fall into the error of trying to keep his salvation by what he does. This is a serious error (Gal. 3:1-3). On the other hand, if he believed he could not lose his salvation then, he might fall into the error of sinning willfully because he believes it can’t be lost no matter how much he sins. This also is very wrong (Rom. 6:1-2,11-12). The proper understanding of salvation is that works play no part in it (Rom. 4:5), that it is a free gift (Rom. 6:23), and that it is received by faith (Eph. 2:8-9). Once we are saved we are to live a holy life (1 Thess. 4:7).
Fortunately whether you believe you can or cannot lose your salvation does not affect your salvation. That is, your salvation is dependent upon accepting Jesus as Savior, trusting in His sin sacrifice, and looking to no one and nothing else. Your salvation isn’t dependent upon whether or not you think it is possible to lose your salvation.
The important point is that you have studied the Word of God and are convinced in your own mind of what you believe (Rom. 14:5). You are the one who has to answer to God (Rom. 3:19). You are the one who needs to study to show yourself approved (2 Tim. 2:15).
There are on the surface good verses for both sides of the argument. There are verses that seem to suggest that it is possible to lose your salvation: 2 Pet. 2:1; Gal. 5:4; Heb. 10:26; 6:4_6; Ps. 69:28, and there are also verses that seem to say you cannot lose your salvation: John 10:27_28; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 7:21_23; 1 John 2:19; Rom. 8:38_39. But if there are verses used to support both sides, then is there a contradiction in the Word of God?  Of course not. There can be no contradiction in the inspired Word of God, only in our uninspired misunderstanding.
It is my opinion, and I stress opinion, that it is not possible to lose one’s salvation. I base this on scriptures that seem to have a more “eternal” perspective on them. For example, on the day of judgment when some seek salvation based upon their works Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:21-23). They were never known, that is, they were never saved although they appeared, from the human perspective, to be saved. Jesus says that His sheep will “never perish but have eternal life” (John 10:28).  How can eternal life be eternal if it can be lost particularly when Jesus said that they will never perish.  If they will never perish, then they can’t lose their salvation.   Also, Paul says that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39). I see these “divine perspective” type verses as giving us glimpses into the viewpoint of God. I see the other verses as being stated from a human perspective, that they appeared to be saved and then appeared to lose it (Gal. 5:4; Heb. 6:4-6).  However, 1 John 2:19 says in dealing with antichrists, “They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, in order that it might be shown that they all are not of us,” (NASB).  I see this verse saying two things:  First, that if it appears that false teachers leave because they are not regenerated to begin with.  In other words, if someone had salvation and then lost it, it was because they never were saved in the first place.  Second, it says that if someone is saved, they will remain in the faith.
Nevertheless, there are different positions on this issue. One position states that it is possible to lose your salvation, but only if you want to.  In other words, having been set free from sin, the person is then able by an act of will to deny the Lord and desire not to be a part of Him any longer.
Another position states that it is possible to lose your salvation if you sin too much. Then you need to go and confess your sin and get saved again. This has obvious problems because it could lead to someone trusting in his works and God’s grace to be saved.
Another position states that it is not possible at all to lose your salvation, that because Jesus has redeemed you and you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) you cannot, then, turn your back on God. Since attaining salvation did not depend on anything you did, keeping it does not depend on anything you do, then also, losing it can’t occur because of anything you do.
Unfortunately, this topic has caused far too much friction in the church today.  My hope is that people who disagree, can learn to live harmoniously with their eyes on Jesus

Rejoicing – How God fills our life with light to show His love to others

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse

Persecutors -
People who don’t want our light showing on their evil deeds.

2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted

John 15:20
Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’[ 15:20 John 13:16] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also’

When I am weak, I am strong (through Christ)

REJOICE – We are all partakers of Christ’s sufferings

TURN PERSECUTION INTO POWER

1. Learn to thank God for persecution (in everything give thanks)
We are all robbed from God’s purpose by not giving thanks.
All things come from the hand of the Lord.
Romans 8
²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose
All things come from the hand of the Lord.

The joy of the Lord is our strength

2. Find reasons to rejoice
Philippians 4
⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 4
¹²Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

3. Find a related scripture
Romans 10
¹⁷Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

by
Dr Dan Riley

God never intended our relationship with Him to be anything but a relationship.

Not Rules

Not Standards

Not Expections

- Simply A Personal Relationship With Jesus Christ.

^{1 Corinthians 15
22}For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive

John 14
¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– ¹⁷the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

When we have accepted Christ as our personal savior, He has entered our life. By allowing other things besides God to enter our life, we are taking away space for God.  We need to come to the Lord empty except for Him.

When we are unyielded, we are unfilled.

What is taking up space in your life that the Holy Spirit wants?

Anything that comes in your life before God is taking up space.
These are things such as:

• Greed
• Money
• Power
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Sex
• Pride
• Selfishness
• …all the above things are actually idols that become gods before the Lord God Almighty.

Search your life and your soul.  Ask yourself honestly:

What is taking up space in your my life that the Holy Spirit wants?

Freemasonry’s Plan of Salvation

by Duane Washum

http://www.emfj.org

Dr. Paul D. Feinberg, of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, delivered a lecture in which he listed six features that characterize a cult.   One of those six features is, “They Usually Have Their Own Eschatology.”

Whether you consider Freemasonry as being a cult, or a full-blown religion, there is one basic truth about Freemasonry, regardless of its proper classification, and that is:   It definitely has its own eschatology.

The World Book Encyclopedia’s dictionary defines the word, “eschatology”, as being, “doctrines of the last or final things, as death, the judgment, heaven, and hell; the branch of theology dealing with these doctrines.”

Judgment is properly listed among these last or final things, and when it comes to judgment, Freemasonry certainly does have a version all its own.

Freemasonry certainly does have its own eschatology.  And no place in blue lodge ritual is this Masonic doctrine more pronounced than, first of all, in the symbolism of the lambskin, or white leather, apron; and secondly, in the lecture accompanying the presentation of this apron to the newly initiated Entered Apprentice.

First of all, regarding its symbolism, we find this:

Nevada Ritual, page 32:

“You were presented with a lambskin or white leather apron, because the lamb, in all ages has been deemed an emblem of innocence.  The lambskin is therefore to remind you of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to that Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.”

Degree – Entered Apprentice, page 14:

“The Lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence.   The lambskin is therefore to remind you of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to that Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.”

Similar language can be found in every monitor or ritual book of every grand lodge jurisdiction in this country.  Here are a few examples.

North Carolina Lodge Manual:

“Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of a ‘purity of life and rectitude of conduct’…”

Book of Constitutions – South Carolina: The Badge of a Mason:

“…by the lambskin, the Mason is, therefore, reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the celestial Lodge above…”

Washington Monitor:

“…he, therefore, who wears the lambskin as the badge of a Mason is thereby continually reminded of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which are so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above…”

Kentucky Monitor:

“By the lambskin, therefore, the Mason is reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is essential to his gaining admission to the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.”

And, the Monitor of the Lodge – Texas, similarly states:

“May the pure and spotless surface of this Apron be an ever-present reminder of that ‘purity of heart and uprightness of conduct so essentially necessary’ . . .”

The point I wish to make here is this:  It doesn’t matter what any members of the Masonic Order, from any part of the country, may try to tell you, if any one of them attempt to tell you it is any different in their lodges, they are being deceitful at the very least, and it is intentionally done so.

How important is the symbolism of this apron to the Craft?

From the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Albert G. Mackey:

Mackey’s Revised Encyclopedia, Vol 1, p. 92:

“There is no one of the symbols of Speculative Masonry more important in its teaching, or more interesting in its history, than the lambskin, or white leather apron.  Commencing its lessons at an early period in the Mason’s progress, it is impressed upon his memory as the first gift which he receives, the first symbol which is explained to him, and the first tangible evidence which he possesses of his admission into the Fraternity.

Whatever may be his advancement in the “royal art”, into whatsoever deeper arcana his devotion to the mystic Institution or his thirst for knowledge may subsequently lead him, with the lambskin apron – his first investiture – he never parts.  Changing, perhaps, its form and its decorations, and conveying, at each step, some new but still beautiful allusion, its substance is still there, and it continues to claim the honored title by which it was first made known to him, on the night of his initiation, as the badge of a Mason.”

And from the Heirloom Masonic Bible, page 33:

“The lamb has always been regarded as an appropriate emblem of innocence.  Hence in the ritual of the First Degree the initiate is presented with the pure white lambskin apron as a reminder of “That purity of life and rectitude of conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the universe forever presides”. This apron becomes his permanent property as “the badge of a Mason”.  As he advances in Masonry he will receive other aprons of varying types, but never one that equals this first one in emblematic significance and Masonic value.”

These statements, from Mr. Mackey and from the Heirloom Masonic Bible, are affirmed in the Apron Lecture itself, which, in part, states (Nevada Ritual, page 25)

“My Brother, I now present you this lambskin or white leather apron.  It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason – the distinguished badge of a Mason.

“It may be that in coming years, upon your head may rest the laurel wreaths of victory, pendent from your breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an Eastern potentate; nay, more than these, with light added to the coming light, your ambitious feet may tread round after round of the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle, and even the purple of the Fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulders; but never again from mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the pearly gates, shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematical of purity and all perfections, be conferred upon you as this which I now   bestow.”

Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind as to the importance Freemasonry places upon this garment and the teachings it represents; as to how important the Craft feels that the symbolism of this garment is, in instilling into the candidate, the most important of all Masonic teachings – “…that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to that Celestial Lodge above…”

It is interesting to note that in the above statement, the candidate is not only told how highly revered this apron is; but he is also told – “…never again until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the pearly gates…”

By what authority does Freemasonry state, as a “given”, that Masons shall pass “upward and inward through the pearly gates…”?  The Craft extends a promise of everlasting life to be realized by all Masons who adhere to its teachings: From the Heirloom Masonic Bible, page 26:

“By the practice of Freemasonry its members may advance their spirituality, and mount by the theological ladder from the Lodge on earth to the Lodge in heaven.”

They are saying here that if a member of the Order will but faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Lodge, he will surely mount that theological ladder that will take him from the Masonic lodge he belongs to, here on earth, to “that Celestial Lodge above”.

By what authority does Freemasonry make its claims?  By its teachings.  And where do these heretical teachings come from? Its rituals and its monitors.

Freemasonry likes to tout its Bible Lecture, in an effort to show that it adheres to the Written Word of God.  In the Bible lecture, we find this: (Nevada Ritual, pp. 20-21):

“Freemasonry therefore opens this Book upon its Altars, with the command to each of its votaries that he diligently study therein to learn the way to everlasting life.” and “Freemasonry takes all good men by the hand, and, leading them to its Altars, points to the open Bible thereon, and urges upon each that he faithfully direct his steps through life by the Light he there shall find, and as he there shall find it.”

It is all well and good that Freemasonry would tell its members where the Light can be found.  But, as once was stated by the late Dr. Walter Martin, “What good does it do to know where the Light is, if you are not allowed to turn on the switch?”

Freemasonry tells its members to study the Bible that they may learn the way to everlasting life.   Yet, the Way, that plan of salvation shown in God’s Written Word, is totally ignored in the lodge room – it is banned from being taught in the lodge room.  Why? Because they have their own plan of salvation they are promoting, and they don’t want any competition, especially if it is readily recognized that their plan is in direct conflict with the Written Word of God.

It is quite clearly spelled out in the Bible, that Jesus Christ is the Way……..John 14:6:   Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

But in the lodge room?  No mention is made anywhere of acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Nowhere in all the teachings of blue lodge Masonry, do you hear John 14:6.

Nowhere in all the teachings of blue lodge Masonry do you find:  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 (KJV)

There is salvation through no other but through Him! Not through you; not through me; and certainly not through the ritualists of the lodge – but through Him!  Acts 4:12:  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Yes, the Light is found in the Written Word of God.  And, yes, that Light is Jesus Christ, as told to us in John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world:  he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (KJV)

The Light that is found in John 8:12 is the way, the truth, and the life, of John 14:6, who is the Son of God of John 3:16-17.  But Freemasonry ignores that Light; it ignores the way; it ignores the truth; it ignores the life; it ignores Jesus Christ.  It tells its members -  “You can do it yourself.  All you need, if you are a MASON, is your good works”.  All that is “essentially necessary”, according to the lodge, is that “purity of life and rectitude of conduct”.  Simply be a good person, and do good things. And if you will just be a good person, and do good things, you will pass “upward and inward through the pearly gates…”

We will now take a look at the Apron Lecture of Nevada ritual, in its entirety.  Please try to imagine yourself in a lodge room, surrounded by a group of men you want very badly to be a part of; imagine that to carefully parse everything that is being said to you doesn’t even enter your mind; or imagine that you are only vaguely familiar with a lot of what is in the Bible, if you are familiar with it at all – yet, you have always professed to be a Christian.

Maybe your pastor is a member of the lodge, which, as far as you are concerned, immediately rules out any doubts at all about Freemasonry, and whether or not it is compatible with the Christian faith.

This is what you hear, when you are presented with your Masonic apron: (Nevada Ritual, pages 25 & 26):

“My Brother, I now present you this lambskin or white leather apron.  It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason – the distinguished badge of a Mason.

“It may be that, in the coming years, upon your head may rest the laurel wreaths of victory; pendent from your breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an Eastern potentate; nay, more than these, with light added to the coming light, your ambitious feet may tread round after round of the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle, and even the purple of the Fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulders; but never again from mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the pearly gates, shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematical  of purity and all perfections, be conferred upon you as this which I now bestow.

“It is yours; yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your death to be deposited upon the coffin which shall enclose your lifeless remains, and with them laid beneath the clods of the valley.  Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever present reminder of a purity of life and rectitude of conduct,” a never ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements. And when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of life’s toilsome journey, and from your nerveless grasp shall drop forever the working tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem which I place within your hands tonight; and when your trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the Great White Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme the welcome words:  ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant!  Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things!  Enter thou into the joy of Thy Lord’.”

Those members of the Masonic Order who profess to be Christians would like to believe – and have others believe – that such a “…purity of life and rectitude of conduct..”, as  taught by the lodge, is meant by the lodge, to be in addition to acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

It would be nice to be able to believe that Freemasonry is teaching a salvation of works -  but that they are works which are the fruit of a believer’s faith in Jesus Christ.  As the Book of James makes abundantly clear, faith without works is dead, because if it is not in your heart to abide by the “Golden Rule”, for example, yours is a dead heart and your alleged faith is spurious.

If this was what Freemasonry was teaching, that would be nice. But, this is not the case.   It must be ever remembered that the teachings of Freemasonry are applied to all Freemasons, be they Christians, Jews, Moslems, Buddhists, Hindus, etc.

Now, of those systems of faith and/or religion that I have just mentioned, the Christian faith is the only one that confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.

None of the others make such a declaration.  Rather, they will, each and every one of them, deny that Jesus Christ was anything other than a prophet, at absolute best, which is a far cry from confessing the Deity of the only begotten Son of God.  Even the demons knew He was the Son of God!  But, those of these other religions would never make such an admission.  No such admission is allowed in the lodge room, either.

Keep all this in mind, as we once again visit the Apron Lecture of the Entered Apprentice degree, for the purpose of analyzing what is really being said here – more specifically, that portion of the Apron Lecture which asserts the eschatology of the Lodge:

“…and when your trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the Great White Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme the welcome words:  ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant!  Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things!  Enter thou into the joy of Thy Lord.’”

This is Freemasonry’s definitive statement as to what will transpire at the Great White Throne Judgment.  According to the eschatology of the Lodge, all Masons will stand before the Judge Supreme, and when the deeds done while here in the body are laid out on the table, the Lodge says the Judge Supreme is going to be so impressed with all the wonderful things the Masons have done, that He will immediately admit them all into heaven.

Excuse me?!  First of all, so there will be no mistaking whatever as to what the Great White Throne Judgment is, we will visit the Book of Revelation, Chapter 20, verses 4 thru 6:

4 And I saw  thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw  the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.  This is the first resurrection.

6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (KJV)

What is being said here?  Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, who was for many years the pastor of Chicago’s Moody Memorial Church, has written a book titled, Be Victorious.   It’s a commentary of the Book of Revelation.   Here’s what he tells us in Be Victorious, pp. 140-141.

“The Tribulation martyrs will be raised from the dead and given glorious thrones and rewards.  The church will share in this reign, as symbolized by the twenty-four elders…….  Some Bible students believe that the Old Testament saints will also be a part of this ‘first resurrection.’”

“The phrase “general resurrection” is not found in the Bible.  On the contrary, the Bible teaches two resurrections:  the first is of the saved and leads to blessing; the second is of all the lost and leads to judgment (note especially John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2).  These two resurrections will be separated by 1,000 years.

“Revelation 20:6 describes the special blessings of those who share in the first resurrection.  They did not earn these blessings; they are part of the believer’s inheritance in Jesus Christ.  These resurrected believers will share Christ’s glorious life, reigning as kings and priests with Him, and never experience the “second death”, the lake of fire.”

We now go to verses 11 through 15 for an explanation of this second death that is referred to, and where we also find the only mention of that which is called the Great White Throne Judgment; that judgment for those who are to be judged by their works; that judgment which is alluded to in the eschatology of the Lodge:

11  And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it,  from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:  and another book was opened, which is the book of life:  and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:   and they were judged every man according to their works.

14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.

15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV)

Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, in his well-known study bible, tells us, on page 1920:

“Here is pictured the judgment of the unbelieving dead.  It occurs at the close of the millennium; it is based on works, in order to show  that the punishment is deserved, though of course these unsaved people are first of all in this judgment because they rejected Christ as Savior during their lifetimes; and it results in everyone in this judgment being cast into the lake of fire.  This is the resurrection of judgment.”

This is all confirmed, and expanded upon, in Dr. Wiersbe’s writings (Be Victorious, pp. 142-143):

“There shall be a second resurrection, and the unsaved will be raised and will stand before God’s judgment.  Do not confuse this judgment at the white throne with the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers will have their works judged and rewarded.  At this judgment, there will be only unbelievers; and there will be no rewards.   John described here an awesome scene.  Heaven and earth will flee away and no place will be left for sinners to hide!  All must face the Judge!”

The Judge is Jesus Christ, for the Father has committed all judgment to Him.  These lost sinners rejected Christ in life; now they must be judged by Him and face eternal death.

From where do these “dead” come?  Death will give up the bodies, and hades (the realm of the spirits of the dead) will give up the spirits.  There will even be a resurrection of bodies from the sea.  No sinner will escape.”  Jesus Christ will judge these unsaved people on the basis of what is written “in the books”.  What books?  For one thing, God’s Word will be there.  “The Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).  Every sinner will be held accountable for the truth he or she has heard in this life.

“There will also be a book containing the works of the sinners being judged, though this does not suggest that a person can do good works sufficient to enter heaven (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).  Why then, will Jesus Christ consider the works, good and bad, of the people before the white throne?   To determine the degree of punishment they will endure in hell.  All of these people will be cast into hell.  Their personal rejection of Jesus Christ has already determined their destiny.  But Jesus Christ is a righteous Judge, and He will assign each sinner the place that he deserves.  There are degrees of punishment in hell (Matt. 11:20-24).  Each lost sinner will receive just what is due him, and none will be able to argue with the Lord or question His decision.”

The major problem area for the Lodge, in its attempts to misinterpret God’s Written Word, in an effort to make its members believe that its teachings are based on that Word, is precisely what Dr. Wiersbe additionally speaks of.  Once again, from ‘Be Victorious’, p. 143:

“When the judgment is finished, all of the lost will be cast into hell, the lake of fire, the second death.  Many people reject the biblical doctrine of hell as being “unchristian”, and yet Jesus clearly taught its reality (Matt. 18:8; 23:15, 33; 25:46; Mark 9:46).  A sentimental kind of humanistic religion will not face the reality of judgment, but teaches a God who loves everyone into heaven and sends no one to hell.”

Nothing is more descriptive of the eschatology of Freemasonry than that.  What does the Lodge say?

“It doesn’t matter if you believed in Jesus Christ or not. It doesn’t matter if your god was Buddha; it doesn’t matter if your god was Allah; it doesn’t matter if your god was Freemasonry’s ‘Great Architect of The Universe’!  All that really matters is if you were one of the good guys.”

I would like to address a statement made so often by those professing Christians who are in the Lodge:

“I am a Mason, and I am a Christian, and Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.  I have not rejected Jesus Christ, and I resent your implications that I have done so.”

I would very much like to believe this, but I have a problem with such a statement coming from any person claiming to be a Christian, who is also a Mason.  And my problem begins with:

Exodus 20:1-3:

1. And God spake all these words, saying,

2. “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the  land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

3. “THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME.” (KJV)

Just exactly how many “gods”, do those Masons who profess to be Christians, think their Masonic membership entitles them to?  In the Mystic Shrine, a blood oath is sworn to Allah.  Allah had no son, therefore he is NOT the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In blue lodge, be you Christian, Jew, Hindu, Moslem, Buddhist, Gentile, Confucian, or whatever, you are told that you may all join together and pray to the one common “god” of the “Universal Religion” – “that religion in which all men agree”.  These are phrases that come from Indiana’s Mentor’s Manual, and Arizona’s Monitor and Ancient Charges.

One matter we must clarify at this time is Freemasonry’s concept of “God”.  To help define Freemasonry’s concept, The Mentor’s Manual of Indiana, page 17, tells us: …“It is religious in that it teaches monotheism…“

Monotheism is quite clearly defined as being “the doctrine or belief that there is only one God.”  I must interject this at this time to eliminate the nonsensical rhetoric that comes from so many defenders of the Masonic faith – that being, that when you are in prayer in a lodge room, each individual member there is praying to his own particular God.  According to the Mentor’s Manual this is an inaccurate statement.  Yet, they tell you the lodge room is the place where Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Moslems, Hindus, etc., can all gather together and pray to the one God who is above all the “baalim”, or neighborhood gods.

Who is this monotheistic “god” of theirs who they tell you Buddhists, Hindus, Moslems, and the likes, have no problem at all in joining you in prayer to?    It is not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  It is not the True and Living God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  No way.  Because the Way – the only Way – is Jesus Christ:

John 14:6:  I am the way, the truth and the life.  No man comes unto the Father, but by Me.

A pastor I know has often stated in his sermons, “There are two religions in this world we live in:  First, there’s the one that believes that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior; and then you have all the others.”  This means there are only two “gods” in this world:  The True and Living God; and mammon – all the others.

So, for those Masons who profess to be Christians:  What exactly is it you are trying to do?  Trying to “cover all bases”?; “lookin’ for all the help you can get”?; trying to “improve your odds”?; You lose!

“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”

Some argue that it all depends on how you interpret the scripture.  This is true.  You can either interpret it correctly, or you can interpret it incorrectly.

In his Study Bible, dealing with Exodus 20:3, Dr. Ryrie says this: “before Me”.   Literally, in My sight (i.e., either in addition to Me, or in opposition to Me.)  God will not share His worship with another.”

Additionally:

10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, in order that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He.  Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.

11 “I, even I, am the LORD; and there is no savior besides Me. (Isaiah 43:10-11)

16  They made Him jealous with strange gods; with abominations they provoked Him to anger.17They sacrificed to demons who were not God, to gods whom they have not known, new gods who came lately, whom your fathers did not dread. (Deuteronomy 32:16-17)

20  No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)

“So, what’s the problem,” some may ask?

The problem with Christians who are in the Masonic Order is that they are more concerned about offending members of the lodge who reject the Deity of Jesus Christ, than they are about offending Jesus Himself.  And on this basis, they are willing to deliberately make no mention of Him in lodge room prayers.

Luke 16:13 tells us: No servant can serve two masters:  for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV)

You can serve the True and Living God, or you can serve mammon – all the others.

Espouse your claim to faith in Jesus Christ all you want, but as long as you cling to the god of the Lodge, you are rejecting the True and Living God – “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.”; and, as long as you defend the lodge’s false plan of salvation, you are rejecting His Written Word - “You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”

Who says?  “Thus saith the Lord.”

The false plan of salvation espoused by the lodge tells you that the essential ingredient for attaining to heaven is works.  That isn’t what His Written Word says:

For by grace are ye saved, through faith and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“Ye are saved through faith.”  Through faith in mammon?  No.  Through faith in Jesus Christ.

I am not trying to tell you that it is wrong to belong to some sort of charitable organization, which is doing good things for humanity, although I do suggest that your church is as much in need of your charitable services as any other organization.

I am not trying to tell you that it is wrong to be a part of some fraternal type organization that offers a fellowship of sorts, although I do suggest that your church is as much in need of your fellowship as any other organization.

What I am trying to tell you, is this:  When an organization represents itself as being no more than a charitable and/or fraternal group, but at the same time presents to its membership some sort of a generic god to pray to, coupled with a false plan of salvation – a salvation based on works, as opposed to acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – you, my friend, are in the wrong building.  And it is time to leave.

“How do I leave?  Which way out?”

Well, first of all, any door with an exit sign over it will get you out of the building;  But to get out of the darkness of the lodge requires a very special door named “Jesus”.

John 10:9:       I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

There’s only one Way out, and His name is Jesus.  He is the Door.  And I’m going to show you now, how easy it is to open that door.  Just pray this simple prayer:

“Heavenly Father, I am a sinner.  I confess all my sins to You.  I have spent far too much time trying to share subservience to You, with the false god of the lodge.   I know that I cannot serve God and mammon.   I know that I can serve only You.  Please forgive me for wronging You.  I renounce the false god of the lodge, I renounce its false teachings, and I renounce its sinful blood oaths.  And I now ask you to please come into my life as my Lord and Savior.  I wish to follow only you.  In Jesus’ precious name, and for His sake I pray.  Amen”

If you have prayed that prayer, and if you really meant it, “Glory!”, my friend, because you have been set free.  Just one more item to take care of.  Sit down and write a letter to the secretary of each and every Masonic organization you were a member of, and tell them you are no longer a Mason – that you have chosen to follow Jesus Christ.   My guess is that you will soon get your first opportunity to share your testimony with someone from lodge, and you will surely be blessed in doing so.

There are probably going to be plenty of peaks and valleys in your life.  Satan doesn’t like losing, and he just lost you.  But you’ll make it through those valleys, because from this day forward, whether you are standing at the top of the highest mountain, or at the lowest part of the deepest valley you have ever traveled through, Jesus is right by your side.   He is the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free.

Copyright, Duane Washum, 2005, 2009

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