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In the 3 Degree a candidate become a Master Mason. In this degree there is a ceremony that is very important from the Masonic perspective. Free Masons say they are not a religious organization, however they often quote, and twist the Holy Scriptures in their ceremonies, along with the use of other pagan beliefs.  

The basis for the ceremony of the 3 Degree is a representation of the history of the death of the Masonic Master Hiram Abiff. The Masonic believe that Hiram Abiff is the one mentioned as the King of Tyre and the architect hired by Solomon to help build the temple (1 Kings 5). In 1Kings 5:18 does say, “And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the stonesquares: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.” The house is the temple of the Lord (1Kings 5:5). However King Hiram sent an architect to help build the temple of the Lord according to the scriptures, “And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s. The son of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone…. (1Chronicles 2:13-14)”   

According to the Masonic version, and not the scriptures, Hiram was brutally tortured by three vile workers because he refused to reveal the secret name of God. He was struck on the head with a wooden mallet, which is also called a Masonry hammer, leading to his death.   

During the ceremony into the 3 Degree an oath is taken once again, which is with every degree. “…Of having my body cut in two, my bowels torn out and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of the earth so there will be no more remembrance of such a vile wretch.”   

“Every Mason knows that a broken vow brings with it a terrible penalty…When a Mason swears that he will devote his life to (Masonry)… and then defiles his living temple…he is breaking a vow which imposes not hours but ages of misery.” [1] Manly Hall

 

During the ceremony the candidate is symbolically struck on the forehead and is laid on the floor of the lodge. This act simulates the death of Hiram.

 

The story of Hiram continues with his remains mysteriously disappears. When his body is finally found after several days, various attempts are made to resuscitate him. First the apprentice tries raising him by one hand, but he slips and is unsuccessful. Then a companion tries, but the same results happen. Finally, a more expert worker tries, supporting the body strongly using his right hand. Hiram comes to life, after touching him in the five key points of companionship.

 

The Masonic Rite says, while simulating a resurrection of the new member, “Hand with hand, I greet you as a brother; feet with feet I will sustain you in your praiseworthy commitments; knee to knee, the pose of my daily supplications, I will remember your desires; chest to chest when you trust me with a secret, I will keep it as if it were my own and hand upon back, I will protect your honor in your absence and in your presence.”  The candidate is now considered a Master Mason.

 

Manly Hall (1901-1990) was a 33 Degree Mason (Scottish Rite), which is the highest degree in Masonry. He was one of the Fathers of Masonry whose beliefs and books greatly influenced Free Masonry.  In his earlier years he was a pastor of The People Church. Later his curiosity got the better of him. Manly was involved in Greek and Egyptian mythology, mysticism, and sorcery which has greatly influences Free Masonry’s beliefs and rituals. Manly Hall was murdered and his death was unsolved. He was eighty-nine years old at the time of his death.

 

 

Let’s stop here for a moment and contemplate on what was just quoted by Manly Hall. The bible states, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Mathew 3:16-17). “ King James Version

 

Mr. Hall describes the 3 Degree Mason as equal to Jesus Christ the Son of God.  Some other quotes by Mr. Hall are, “Man is a god in the making who eventually receives…godhood.” And, “The birth of the Christ within which can be achieved by Masonic effort.”[2]

 

According to Free Masonry, they are not a religious organization, then why the scriptures or references to the Godhead? Most Christians can draw a correct assumption about Free Masonry based solely on Mr. Hall’s statements. But, for those who need more evidence lets continue. The Godhead consist of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and last but not least the Holy Spirit. These three make up the Godhead or Trinity. Man, whether a Mason or a Christian— does not.

 

The born again experience cannot occur through Masonic achievement, penitence, religion or any other futile attempts by man, but only by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit after receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior.

 

Hall also says “Through him (Master Mason of 3 Degree) passes Hydra, the great snake and from it’s mouth there pours to man the light of God.”  In Greek mythology, the Hydra was a giant water snake with many heads, one of the heads being immortal. Heracles in Greek mythology destroyed this monster as one of his twelve feats. So now we have Christianity and Mythology combined in this complex, secretive and yet popular organization.

 

Manly Hall as a 33 Degree Mason knew exactly who and what Masons worship because by this level it is revealed to them whom the Great Architect of the Universe is that they are worshipping.

 

A friend, I’ll call Betty, informed me that her husband Bill joined Free Masons years ago, and achieve 1.Degree. After taking his vows and oath curses he seemed hesitant about joining. Shortly afterwards he was asked to clean a certain room and warned not to divulge what was behind the closed door, ever. He reluctantly went into the room as ordered. A short time later Bill ran out of that room frightened. He continued running right out of the building, and never looked back. To this day he refuses to tell anyone including Betty what he saw.

 

However, throughout the years Bill was troubled and had a wandering, vagabond spirit. He would leave home for months, even years before returning home to his waiting wife. Although Bill fled Free Masonry he couldn’t flee the curses of breaking covenant. He and his family are still suffering from the consequences of self -imposed curses spoken years ago in an organization Bill knew little about…To be continued

 

 [1] The Secret Teachings of The Masonic Lodge (A Christian Perspective) by John Ankerberg  & John Weldon, pg. 149   

 [2] The Secret Teachings of The Masonic Lodge (A Christian Perspective) by John Ankerberg  & John Weldon, pg. 149      

[1] The Secret Teachings of The Masonic Lodge (A Christian Perspective) by John Ankerberg  & John Weldon, pg. 180

Other references:

 

Hydra: http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Ho-Iv/Hydra.html#b#ixzz2gnByWgri

 

THE SECRET TEACHINGS OF ALL AGES by Manly Hall                                                             [1928, copyright not renewed]