How Does Karma Work In Life
Memories and desires are created by karma, and they determine how you live. The Karmic software that runs your life is made up of your actions, memories, and desires. Your actions create subtle energy, which is stored in your memories and desires and activated at a later timesometimes immediately, but more often later.
Some Major Problems With Karma
Another problem with karmais that it justifies any evil act committed against another person,because according to the doctrine on karma, whatever bad thinghappens to you, you deserve. So if a baby or little kid or anyone isabused in some way, sexually or not, or murdered, it was because theydeserved it. Is that true? According to the Bible even a person whois suffering or who is in need or handicapped, isn’t always sufferingor in need or handicapped because God is punishing them, butsometimes to test them , or to show his lovethrough them, like when Jesus healed various people who werehandicapped.
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Bible Verses About Karma
Many people ask is karma biblical and the answer is no. Karma is a Hinduism and Buddhism belief that says your actions determine the good and the bad that happens to you in this life and the afterlife. Karma is associated with reincarnation, which basically says what you do today will determine your next life.
Quotes
- With Karma you get what you deserve. In Christianity Jesus got what you deserve.
- Grace is the opposite of Karma.
You will not find anything associated with karma in the Bible. But the Bible does talk a lot about reaping and sowing. Reaping is the result of what weve sown. Reaping can be a good thing or a bad thing.
1. Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
2. James 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is grown from the seed of peace planted by peacemakers.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
4. Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Our actions towards others do affect us.
5. Job 4:8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.
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- DocReits
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Hi Robert,
Though originating in the East, many in our Western culture have adopted this notion of Karma. It is subtle in the things we say, vis, He got what he deserved, What goes a around, comes around, Looks like fate caught up with you.
We have to be careful as these ideas are not exclusive to the world, as we hear these ideas in those who claim Christ as Savior. The believers fate, as you so well pointed out, is bound up in the reality of Christ our Hope. We need to understand, that we died already, and our lives are hidden with Christ in God, not Karma Col 3:3
Thank you for your message!
DocReits
- Robert
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Great points, Doc,We believers must be diligent to continually reevaluate our relationship with Jesus, so that we stay on the right track. It was my pleasure to right this article. I pray it will help strengthen the faith of many. God bless you.Yours in Christ,
The Bible Says We Dont Get What We Deserve
Looking at the Bible, think of the criminal on the cross and what would have happened if God operated out of the rules of karma.
As Jesus was being crucified to die for our sins, he was hung between two criminals. One of them began to mock Jesus, but the other spoke up against him.
But the other answered, rebuking him: Dont you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly because were getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.
Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
And he said to him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
Luke 23:40-43 CSB
How could Jesus say that the criminal would be with him in paradise if his salvation was based on what he deserved? He deserved death, he had sinned and it was just for him to be crucified, yet his faith in Jesus allowed him a place in Gods kingdom.
I know if I were Jesus suffering through a death I didnt deserve and a man who did deserve death asked me for grace, I wouldnt give it to him. Thats not fair. But thats what grace is, its a gift we cant earn and something we could never deserve.
On the other hand, you may be thinking though that youve never done anything that bad, youve never been a thief, a murderer, or done anything that made you guilty and worthy of execution.
Jesus not only died but rose from the dead so that you and I can also have a relationship with him right now.
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The Meaning Of You Reap What You Sow
Sowing and reaping in a Christians life of faith relates to the eternal implications that faith has on the Kingdom of God.
In Hebrew, to sow means to conceive, to bear, or to yield, . To reap means to harvest. Sowing and reaping can both be applied to the Christians life on earth as well as in eternity. However, its different from Karma in that faith in Jesus Christ is a major component.
I find it interesting how similar in verbiage and basic understanding these two concepts seem to be. Without the knowledge of Christ and the discernment of the Holy Spirit, I believe we could easily mistake one for the other. However, both of these principles have very different effects on our beliefs and ways of thinking.
Why Do Christians Not Use The Term Karma
The concept of karma is self-focused, the way of Christian love is others-focused. In my faith, I do good for others to model Christ and bring glory to God. Yes, He might bless me in a special way, but that is not the goal of the action. Yes, it is wonderful to love others and to do good deeds, but what is at the heart and reason behind those deeds? My challenge to people living out the motto of karma is, what if you did a good deed but there was no evidence of good coming back to you? Would you still make choices to love others even if you received nothing in return?
Luke 6:30-33 says, Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.
It is easy to give to someone who gives back to you. These verses do not encourage being taken advantage of, but being willing to hold items, money, and time loosely for the sake of blessing others. We are all sinners, but the term, Even sinners refers to all people, even those who are not Christians, who do good to others who return that goodness. It is easy to love others who love us back, but what about those who do not? Karma cannot support the unmerited and undeserved grace that is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
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Accept The Forgiveness Jesus Offers You
Jesus offers to forgive your karma debt by absorbing it into Himself through His sacrificial death on the Cross. Jesus paid for your sins and makes your salvation possible if you accept His forgiveness. So give your life to Jesus and trust Him to take your bad choices and use them to accomplish good purposes – something only He can do.
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What Does The Bible Say Say About Karma
you reap what you sow
Actually, no. This is not karma. Read the text.
Its not mentioned in the way karma is used in eastern belief systems. However seed time and harvest time is stressed repeatedly and it emphasises in different ways that you will reap what you sow… however layers of other factors can impact how and when and to what extent this harvest will happen. Reading different texts shows that some seeds actually die on the stony roads, other portions of biblical text show that seed can return a 100 fold reward or a 7 fold reward, and most importantly sowing sin reaps you a harvest of eternal death.
Lol so theres no karma. Thats too simplistic. But God does demonstrate that actions have consequences and there are various factors that determine what consequences are experienced by the actor and when. Its beautiful and important to learn because there is a science to it. Its not arbitrary. The bible is super specific. If you have time – go and study this topic but it will take you a while.
Yes, I agree. I think the Christian explanation of karma is building up your treasures in heaven.
Listening to the sermon on the mount, it seems that people are rewarded for good deeds… But some are rewarded on earth and others in heaven. The people who show off their good deeds get praise on earth and have received their reward in full, others seemed to humbly do their good deeds and are seen by our father in heaven.
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Reaping What You Sow: Christian Karma
Editor’s Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of ‘s new book, The Karma of Jesus: Do We Really Reap What We Sow?, .
Many religions and philosophies promote the concept of karma: If you do something good, goodwill return to you, and if you do something bad, you’ll experience something bad as a result. But if you really reap what you sow, then every mistake you make will keep haunting you. Jesus offers a much better way to live – with grace. Here’s how you can trade karma for grace:
What Does The Bible Say About Karma
Karma is not a biblical idea. Karma is the core idea of many eastern religions. Karma is the idea that you reap what you sow. Doing good is the cause of good things happening to you, and doing bad is the cause of bad things happening to you. This thought is used in two ways. Originally, it mainly referred to good and bad deeds resulting in a good or bad new reincarnation . Nowadays, especially when western people use the word karma, it often refers to good or bad things happening to you in this life because of something you did earlier in your life. Both ways of using the word karma are not biblical.
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Bible Verses Related To Karma
Galatians 6:7 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Job 4:8 – As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.
2 Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Proverbs 26:27 – Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
Luke 6:27 – But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Galatians 6:8-9 – For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Hebrews 9:27 – And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Matthew 7:12 – So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 12:19 – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
Revealing Bible Verses About Karma
Although Karma is not a word used in the Bible, it holds similarities to biblical teachings. Karma is easily defined as what goes around, comes around. You could compare this as it relates to the judgment of God as spoken about in the Bible just like the phrase, we reap what we have sown. Learn more about how Karma is similar to our Biblical teachings in these 18 revealing Bible verses about karma.
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Does The Bible Believe In Karma
Christians should trust the Gospel rather than karma. The gospel, according to Christians, is the most beautiful and life-changing story ever told. Knowing the gospel is crucial, especially since believing in it is the only way to enter God’s kingdom. I am the way, the truth, and the life,’ Jesus told him.
Does Karma Exist In Christianity? Karma is a myth. It is a pagan concept that promotes a form of works-based salvation, and believers in Jesus Christ must eliminate it from their vocabulary. Let us give God his rightful place in the universe, because he will not be denied in the end!
What Is Karma According To God? Karma is a Hindu concept that explains how beneficial effects are derived from past beneficial actions and harmful effects are derived from past harmful actions, resulting in a system of actions and reactions throughout a soul’s reincarnated lives, forming a rebirth cycle.
How Does Karma Work In Christianity? Karma appeals to anyone who believes in the justice of God. Being born low is a punishment for evil, while being born high is a reward for goodness. The problem with karma is that it teaches that people who suffer in this life are suffering justly as a result of evil deeds committed in a previous incarnation, which is a double burden.
Come Up With A Graceful Response
When someone you know is caught up in the belief in karma, you need to have a graceful response ready to point her to the truth. Recognize that a belief in karma can certainly cause fear in someones life or lead to a hard heart towards others. So, how can you respond? Simply say, I am so glad that God doesnt give me what I deserve. I deserve severe judgment for my sin and nothing good at all in light of His goodness. I am so grateful for His grace to me that expresses His kindness to me because of His love for me. Its a much better way to live than to live in fear that I am not good enough or to live in bitterness against those who have mistreated me.
Does karma have anything to do with a Christians life? Absolutely not! By perpetuating the idea of karma, you actually draw people away from Jesus and His amazing grace and toward something that poorly substitutes for Him. Grace = YES! Karma = NO!
So, there is todays lesson in Facebook Theology 101.
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Grace = Yes Karma = No
As Paul writes in Colossians,
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
Does karma have anything to do with a Christians life? Absolutely not! Grace and karma are like oil and water. They dont mix. By spreading the karma infection, you actually draw people away from Jesus and His amazing grace and toward something that poorly substitutes for Him. Remember, grace Yes! Karma No! Delete the karma infection from your words and thinking.
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