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I Believe in Reincarnation
I Believe in Reincarnation
I believe in reincarnation, but not that kind of Reincarnation. Let me explain.
First, let’s examine why Reincarnation is attractive? It is even found in the country song “Highway Man” by that 4 megastar temporary group. Reincarnation helps us deal with both the dullness of this life and uncertainty of our eternal future. Are we good good enough?
Why is Hindu Reincarnation wrong?
“And just as it is appointed for people to die once — and after this, judgment — ” (CSB’17 Hebrews 9:27)
But that verse was not written to confront Hindu theology. What does it mean in context?
1. If reincarnation was correct theology then Jesus never needed to die for us. We would be saved by our own eventual perfection due to our darma leading to better and better karma, and eventually to nirvana.
“According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these.” (CSB’17 Hebrews 9:22-23)
2. If Reincarnation is correct theology then, Jesus would not have been made like us in all things and we like Him, because he died once and then comes the end:
“And just as it is appointed for people to die once — and after this, judgment — so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (CSB’17 Hebrews 9:27-28)
So how do I believe in reincarnation (with a little “r”)? Simple, the Bible calls this, born again (John 3:3,5). I am not born again into a different body upon my initial salvation, but born again into my same body that has now been sanctified by the Holy Spirit dwelling in me (1 Corinthians 6). This is “newness of life” (Romans 6).
And then, because I have been born again in this body, I will be born again in the resurrection where my body is raised in undefiled immortality (1 Corinthians 15). I receive a new body.
Why is this type of “reincarnation” greater than Hindu Reincarnation?
1. It is real and bolstered by Christ’s example.
2. It is based upon Christ’s perfection and not my own.
I know I took you through a backdoor, sidewindow, to get here. But now you have a way to discuss reincarnation with a Hindu where you both begin with the same premise. “But I don’t know any Hindus”. That’s OK, because Eastern Philosophy and Religions are becoming more popular among young Americans.
What people are seeking is assurance that God gives us another chance because this life is not all there is. And what a life God gives! At birth, at new birth, and at resurrected birth.
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