Karma is a concept that has its roots in Hinduism and Buddhism but has gained popularity in the Western world as well. The basic principle of karma is that every action has a reaction and that one’s current circumstances in life are a result of past actions.
Karma is a concept that many people, including some Christians, believe in. Simply put, karma is the belief that our actions today will determine our fate and future experiences.
It has become a popular concept that has influenced the way we think and act. But as Christians, we ought to be careful of what we believe and what we hold on to. Let’s discuss why Christians should not believe in karma.
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Karma vs. “Reap What You Sow”
Can Karma and biblical teaching coexist? Some think they can. Both the concept of karma and the Bible’s teachings on reaping what we sow share the idea that our actions have consequences.
Proverbs 22:8 says “Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.” In Galatians 6:7, the Apostle Paul states “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
However, it’s important to note that the Bible does not actually endorse the doctrine of karma. Yahusha (Jesus), in fact, challenges this idea. He came to offer redemption, not to punish us for our wrongdoings.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17
Life in God’s kingdom is characterized by freedom and grace, while a life rooted in karma is filled with fear and condemnation.
We often misunderstand karma as simply the natural outcome of our actions. But in its true spiritual form, karma is a fundamental belief in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
It involves the concept of reincarnation, which is what gives karma its power. Karma doesn’t necessarily have to be experienced in this current life, it can also manifest in future lives.
According to karma, the universe will repay us with good for good and bad for bad. However, because we are imperfect, karma will always bring condemnation upon us.
Karma Doesn’t Account for Redemption
One of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity is that we are saved through grace. We are saved not because of what we have done but because of what Christ has done for us.
Karma, however, teaches the opposite. It suggests that our current circumstances are a direct result of our past actions. It doesn’t account for redemption, forgiveness, and the ability to transform our lives.
As Christians, we must grasp the concept of grace and understand that our past does not determine our future.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach (Christ Jesus) for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:8-10
Karma Promotes Selfishness
Karma is often viewed as a way of getting what you want. The idea that we can control our future by our actions encourages selfish behavior. If we believe that doing good things will bring good things back to us, then our motives for doing good change.
Instead of serving others out of love, we serve others to benefit ourselves. As Christians, we are called to serve others selflessly, not for personal gain.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Karma Goes Against the Principle of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is an integral part of Christianity. As Christians, we are called to forgive those who have wronged us and to seek forgiveness when we have wronged others.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. – Matthew 6:12
Karma, on the other hand, promotes the idea that if we do bad, we receive bad things. And if we do good, we receive good things. There is no room for forgiveness of our sins with this concept.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:10-12
Karma Negates the Concept of a Loving God
Karma suggests that our circumstances, whether good or bad, are a result of our actions. It insinuates that God is not loving and that our current circumstances are a result of our wrongdoings in the past.
This goes against the biblical truth that God is loving and gives us grace. If we believe in karma, we may begin to think that God is punishing us for our past transgressions, rather than understanding that He loves us and wants what is best for us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
Christianity Offers a Better Alternative
Christianity offers a better way of looking at the world. Instead of holding on to the idea of karma, we can rest in the truth that we are saved by grace. We can trust that God is for us and not against us.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31
When we face challenges and trials in life, we can rest in the knowledge that God is with us and that He will work all things together for our good. Karma may seem like an appealing idea, but it doesn’t offer the hope and security that God provides.
Repent and Turn Away from Sin
Instead of believing in karma, Christians should focus on repenting and turning away from sin. We are all sinners, and we all need to repent to gain God’s forgiveness.
Repentance involves confessing your sins to God, asking for his mercy and forgiveness, and turning away from sin. The Bible teaches that when we turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness, our sins are forgiven, and we become a new creation.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Final Words on Karma and Christianity
As Christians, we must be careful of what we believe in. While karma may seem like an attractive idea, it goes against the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.
It doesn’t account for grace, forgiveness, and the love of God. Instead, we can trust in the truth of what it means to be a Christian – that we are saved by grace and that God is for us, not against us. Let us hold on to this truth and stand firm in our faith.
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