FOUNDER
800 different secret societies in America (nearly half people in USA associated with one or another)
OLD LINE: Masons, Odd Fellows, Klu Klux Klan, etc. (Masons first, oldest, all others modeled after)
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS: Elks, Moose, etc.
LODGES started in Arabia, later revived in Egypt; 1st modern one in bar in London in 1713
They claim started Noah & Enoch started lodge, Solomon organized it, Jesus a Mason
Appeal to ego, pride, social status, business connections, etc. (Often bigoted) (Mt 23:5-12)
AUTHORITY
Bible seemed to be elevated, but use Koran in Arab countries, etc. (Bible no better than Koran, etc.)
Add own stories from ‘tradition’ to Bible (Bible just collection of fables)
VIEW of GOD
Composite of Jehovah, Baal, Osiris – called J.B.O. (secret name, never pronounced) often called Allah
One God, one universal religion (similar to Unitarianism & what Antichrist will use in Tribulation]
Feel they alone are right, superior to others which lack their secret knowledge; superior to church
VIEW of CHRIST
Great moral example like Buddha, Mohammed, etc. – different labels for same idea
Never use Jesus’ name even in Scriptures they read out loud; prayer never in Jesus’ name
All world religions worship the same God (claim to be “religious” but never claim to be “Christian”)
VIEW of SIN
No such thing, man not sinful nor in need of salvation;
VIEW of SALVATION
Hope of eternal life based on good works (live up to lodge obligations), deny blood atonement of Jesus
False security, no real salvation
False security allows them to often live in sin, immorality, etc. (Reputation of conventions)
VIEW of HEAVEN & HELL
Promise resurrection to members, special private funeral service at coffin)
BROTHERHOOD SUPPORT
Committed to helping each other in business, helping each other even if wrong or criminal
Loyalty to lodge and brothers there comes before church and home (secrets not shared with wife)
Oath to have throat slit and die if break rules or secrets of lodge
Secrecy forbidden by Jesus (Jn 18:20; Eph 5:11-12; Mt 10:26-27)
Unequal yoke wrong (II Cor 6:14-18)
Jesus against taking secret oaths: Mt 5:33-37; James 5:12; Ex 20:7
Gospel is FREE, no joining or paying dues or oaths to get way of salvation: Rev 22:17
Jesus is the ONLY way to God, salvation, heaven John 14:6