What is Freemasonry?

Question
Is Freemasonry a cult?
Answer

Freemasonry is a cult. Briefly, Freemasonry is a fraternal order that traces itself back to the stone masons. There are three basic degrees of Masons: (1) Apprentice, (3) Journeyman or Fellowcraft, and (3) Master Mason. They meet at various Masonic Lodges or Grand Lodges throughout the world. Their symbol is the Masonic square and compasses, with or without a "G" in its center. In their rituals, the Masonic Degrees are connected to the story of the construction of King Solomon's Temple, and the events that surrounded the building of the temple.

The table below reveals some of the false teaching of Freemasonry.

Christianity Scripture Freemasonry
God created the universe Gen. 1:1; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:3 G.A.O.T.U. [Great Architect of the Universe] is the creator and the representative of all other gods of other religions
There is one true and living God, who exists as three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit Jer 10:10; 1 Tim 2:5; Jas 4:12 Different religions acknowledge the same God, only they call him by different names
Jesus is God. He is fully human and fully divine John 1:1-2; 20:28; Tit 2:13 Masons do not invoke the name of Jesus when praying. Jesus' name is removed from Bible verses in Masonic rituals
The Bible is the inspired Word of God 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21 The Bible is an important book for Christians, but the Koran is just as important for Muslims. The Bible is not the exclusive Word of God
Everyone, except Jesus, has a sin nature Psa 51:5; Rom 3:23; Eph 2:1-3 Man is not sinful, just rude and imperfect by nature
Salvation is thru Christ by grace alone John 3:16; Eph 2:8-10; Rom 5:8 Ignores the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Salvation by good works

Mason army suffers from many Gnostic influences. While Christianity and Freemasonry disagree on other doctrinal issues as well (such as the Trinity) as one can observe Freemasonry is not biblical, but a cult.

Those in Freemasonary need Christ. See "Is Jesus the ONLY WAY to Heaven?" below.

References

[1] Albert G. Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, (Kessinger Publishing, 1991).
[2] George A. Mather, Larry A. Nichols, Masonic Lodge Zondervan Guide to Cults & Religious Movements Series, (Zondervan, 1994).
[3] Jack Harris, Freemasonry Invisible Cult, (Whitaker, 2015).
[4] David Barton, The Question of Freemasonry and the Founding Fathers, (WallBuilder Press, 2005).

Related Topics

Is Jesus the ONLY WAY to Heaven?
What is the Oldest Religion in the World?
List of False Religions?

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).