The whole system of Craft Masonry is intended to present the symbolic idea of man's pilgrimage on earth.  The First Degree is often referred to as a representation of youth, of the period of learning, of the time of the purification of the affections, as the period of preparation for advancement into higher spheres of life here on earth.  The Second Degree is often referred to as the representation of the period of adult life , of manhood, a time for increased and enlarged learning and of work.  The Third Degree is referred to as symbolic of mature life , of ripened experiences, a time of continued activities, of course; but of decrease in toil and laborious endeavor.  That there should be continued increase in knowledge and wisdom must be taken for granted.  But it is a period of heavier responsibilities in many respects, of trials, of sufferings, and of inevitable termination in death.  Foremost in the conceptions of this period of life is that it is a time of waiting by the wearied workman for the word of the Grand Master of the universe which will summon the Master Mason from the labors of earth to the eternal refreshments of heaven.  For these reasons, and because of the superlative beauty and significance of the Ritual, the Ceremonies, and the symbols of the Degree, it is called "The sublime Degree of a Master Mason".

     As an Entered Apprentice, the Mason is taught those elementary instructions which fit him for further advancement in his Masonic career, just as the youth is taught those elementary rudiments of education which prepare him for entering upon the active duties of life.  As a Fellow Craft, the Mason is taught to continue his investigations into the science of the Institution and to labor diligently in the tasks prescribed by the Order, just as a man is required to enlarge his mind by the acquisition of new ideas and to extend his labors for the welfare of his fellowmen.

    As a Master Mason, he is taught the last, the most important, and the most necessary of all Truth, that having been faithful to all his trusts, he is at last to die, and to receives the reward of his fidelity.  Foremost of all the Truths taught and emphasized in this Degree is the immortality of the soul of man and the certainty of the resurrection of his body to eternal life.

The whole scope of the Ritual and the ultimate of the symbols of the Master Mason Degree is place supreme emphasis upon the Truth that when man's life has spent itself on the earth, has passed away as the fleeting shadows, his soul returns to God who gave it and his body which returns to dust shall be raised, incorruptible and glorified and qualified for entrance into the Grand Lodge of the Celestial City of God.  By the instructions of that notable legend and of the entire Ritual, it is implied that we have been redeemed from the death of sin and the sepulcher of pollution.  The essence of principles illustrated in the Third Degree brings ultimate triumph to every true, tested, tried, and faithful Master Mason.