By R. L. Wilson: In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is the result of a person’s actions as well as the actions themselves. The actions of a person in this life (and previous lives) impact a person’s future fate and future lives. In today’s culture, popular videos and expressions have popularized the concept of karma, but is it consistent with biblical teachings? Is Karma Biblical?
A close look at Scripture reveals many problems with the concept of karma. First, karma relates to a person’s past and future lives, a teaching inconsistent with biblical teachings. According to Hebrews 9:27, “…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The Bible presents humans as created in the image of God, living on earth, and describes that upon physical death the soul experiences eternity with God or exists apart from God for eternity.
Second, karma is based upon the belief that people receive equal consequences for their actions. While the Bible affirms a person reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7), there are many biblical examples that discuss an evil person who flourishes in this life, as well as godly people who experience suffering in this life. Further, the gift of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) reveals we often receive blessings we do not deserve through the forgiveness of Jesus.
A close look at Scripture reveals many problems with the concept of karma. First, karma relates to a person’s past and future lives, a teaching inconsistent with biblical teachings. According to Hebrews 9:27, “…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The Bible presents humans as created in the image of God, living on earth, and describes that upon physical death the soul experiences eternity with God or exists apart from God for eternity.
Second, karma is based upon the belief that people receive equal consequences for their actions. While the Bible affirms a person reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7), there are many biblical examples that discuss an evil person who flourishes in this life, as well as godly people who experience suffering in this life. Further, the gift of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) reveals we often receive blessings we do not deserve through the forgiveness of Jesus.
Connect With John Ankerberg