The Testimony of an Ex-Mason with a Heart of Love for all Masons, and Malice toward none, because of the Love of God Shed Abroad in the Heart of the Holy Spirit.

by R. E. Layne, Evangelist, Th.D.                                                                                                               Vol. X, No. 8, Sep/Oct 1997

I had been saved about two years when I joined the Masonic Order. Not having been advised against it, I joined against my better judgment and the will of God. My first mistake was failing to depend on God for guidance in the matter. Therefore, I was never completely satisfied in the Lodge and never went back for my lambskin apron, but rather sent for a demit in writing, withdrawing from the organization.

Before I joined the Masonic Lodge I was influenced by several people who were Masons. One was my brother who was a 32^nd degree Mason. Another was a minister. At that time, I thought, by joining the Masonic organization I would be able to reach more people for Christ. I soon found out I was altogether wrong. To be an effective witness for the Lord, we must live separated from the world (from sinful things) and set apart unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

My older brother, being a Mason, thought — and expressed his belief — that being a Mason and living by the rules and teachings of the organization, one could get to heaven.

After I withdrew from the Lodge, I talked with my brother. I thank God he listened to me, I believe without offense. He later came to hear me preach the gospel and finally made a profession of faith and was baptized. To God be all the glory! Several years later my brother died of cancer and went on to be with the Lord because he put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Praise God he came to realize his need for the Lord Jesus Christ and that he must trust HIM to be saved.

I noticed one day in the “Blue Book” one of the prayers read at Masonic funerals. The latter part reads: “... And after our departure in peace, and in Thy favor, may we be received into Thine everlasting kingdom, to enjoy, in union with the souls of our departed friends, the just rewards of a pious and virtuous life. Amen!” Not one word is mentioned in reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, our wonderful and only Savior!

I absolutely could not live a double life with double standards, preaching salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Way to be saved, and at the same time be yoked with people in an organization that teaches salvation by works, by-passing the cross, and advocating a false hope by way of a pious and virtuous life, when the Bible says it is not of works lest any man should boast, but according to His mercy. Acts 4:12 reads, “Neither is there salvation in any other (speaking of Christ): for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

My prayer to God for all saved Masons is that they will prayerfully study God’s Word and let Him show them that they are out of His will by being yoked with unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14), and by being in an organization that does not acknowledge Christ as the ONLY way of salvation. My prayer for the lost is that they will repent and trust Jesus as their personal Savior.