What is this Zion Doctrine of TPM? (Part – 1)

Cause for Erroneous Doctrines

Before we explain about this Zion Doctrine of TPM, it’s important that we understand the cause of such unbiblical doctrines. Every Cult in this world has few pet doctrines that are doctored by their leaders for exclusivity.  Moreover, they have an additional interest in this doctrine because it props up their clergy as God’s ruling elite while downgrading other Christians as low category folks. The prime cause for their spiritual pride.

In the process, they override some cardinal rules of hermeneutics and fool innocent people who are unlearned. The air of authority exhibited by these leaders acts as a deterrent for any questioning by their audiences.

None of their bible studies has a question-answer session. This is true in the case of TPM as well. I am stating below three important rules of hermeneutics for the reader to understand biblical interpretations. It is my intention to make it simple. I am specifically stating it here because the Zion Doctrine of TPM violates these scriptural principles.

Laws of Interpretation – 1

There are lots of topics in the Bible. However, when it comes to key doctrines of the Church, we should avoid taking parts of scriptures which can be misinterpreted. All interpretations need to be validated by other corresponding scriptures. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

“……..Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”  2 Corinthians 13:1

The above scripture itself is repeated at least 3 times in the Bible. Deut 17:6 and Matt 18:16.

In the above example, each of the verse is a witness to the other two in validating its authenticity. Note that all the writers of the above scriptures are different people. While one is Paul, The other is Moses and the Third is Matthew(quoting Jesus).  Therefore the Law of establishing a thing itself is established. Had Paul said the same thing thrice, it would have less acceptability because the witness is ONLY Paul. But notice how God has designed the scriptures in such a way that one witnesses is establishing a doctrine along with the others. That is the precise reason we have 4 gospels in the Bible.

Therefore as per this law, We should only establish an important doctrine if the Bible unambiguously states a thing twice or thrice. This removes the chance of misinterpretation.

Laws of Interpretation – 2

There are literal and symbolic passages in the Bible. If a passage is talking about literal things, just take it as it is, without any reinterpretation. However, if a passage is symbolic we should interpret it in such a way that all parts of the passage are addressed to satisfaction in a symbolic way.  At the same time, we need to understand that the symbolic passage has a spiritual reality. We should never mix up literal and symbolic passages to bring out a private interpretation. We should never try to force a pre-made interpretation into the context. The context should be the king. Let us allow interpretations to be developed from the passage, independently. Never do cherry picking with scriptures.

As per this law of hermeneutics, we should never mix up interpretation of literal and symbolic passages to fit our private interpretation.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” 2 Peter 1:20

Laws of Interpretation – 3

It’s important to understand that an interpretation of a symbolic passage need not be THE ONLY  possible interpretation. The scripture allows for double fulfilment of a prophecy passage. Therefore, we should also understand that there could be multiple interpretations of many symbolic passages.

A well-known example of multiple bearing is Ezekiel‟s lament over the king of Tyre. At first, God was directly addressing the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:1-11). Because the king of Tyre boasted that he was a god, the true God declared that he would die and be thrown down into the pit (v. 8).  However, starting in verse 12 the lamentation against the king of Tyre extended to address Satan: “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering…You were the anointed cherub who covers…”(Ezekiel 28:12-14). Clearly, the king of Tyre was never an anointed cherub in Eden. Once again, a double bearing is warranted, and in this case the king of Tyre becomes a type of Satan – providing us with a flashback to the fall of Lucifer.

As per this law, do not be dogmatic that you have the final and the only interpretation of the scripture . Do not assume that the rest of the interpretations are wrong.Be Open minded to accept the best fitting interpretation for the context.

Check out this link for more information on hermeneutics – Click Here

to be continued….