Karma is a term known in Hindu and Buddhist theological concepts. Both religions believe in reincarnation after death. And karma itself is the law of cause and effect that will determine how the quality of a person's life in his new life, whether he will be someone who is full of joy and live happily, or vice versa, live in misery. This condition depends on human behavior in previous lives, living chaste and generous or living selfishly.
However, of course this theory about reincarnation is contrary to the Bible, so that automatically Christians reject the law of karma in the context of reincarnation in Hinduism and Buddhism. As believers, we believe that humans live in this world only once. After physical death, we will be judged and two possibilities will occur. The resurrection or death of the spirit depends on our faith.
Indeed, karma for the next life does not apply to Christians. What exists is karma in the sense of the law of sowing and reaping. And now, when we say the law of karma in Christianity, we mean karma in the context of the law of sowing and reaping. Well, after this we will know how the concept of the law of karma in Christianity.
In Christianity, the law of sowing and reaping is a concept in life where we will reap what we sow. If we sow goodness, we will reap goodness. Vice versa. And the karma you get only applies in this life because we only live once in this world. Do you believe in the law of sowing and reaping? Let's look at the following Bible verses:
II Corinthians 9:6
"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully"
The Apostle Paul said the concept of the law of sowing and reaping was to invite the church in Corinth to take part sincerely in God's work. As did the Macedonian congregation who remained generous and applied the principles of love about the Bible even though they were experiencing poverty and deprivation.
Galatians 6:7
"Don't get lost! God does not allow Himself to be toyed with. For what a man sows, he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will from his flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.”
As Paul said in this letter to Galatians, God will judge each person according to his deeds. If he is more concerned with lust and worldly satisfaction, then he will be destroyed. And conversely, if man lives in the Holy Spirit, he will live eternally.
Genesis 8:22
"As long as the earth exists, there will be seasons of sowing and reaping, cold and heat, drought and rain, day and night"
As long as we live on earth, we will always be given choices. And that choice will be skewed for good or bad. Every seed we sow, one day we will surely reap. And every deed we do today, we will receive the reward later.
Luke 6:37-38
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged either. And do not punish, neither will you be punished; forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken, and spilling out will be poured into your bosom. For the measure with which you measure, will be measured to you.”
This verse more clearly shows us what we will get after doing something. For example in terms of forgiveness in the Bible. If we want to forgive, then we will also be forgiven. And if we like to judge, then we will also be judged.
And the measure we use to judge others will also be used to judge ourselves. Very simple, right?
Psalm 126:5
"Those who sow in tears will reap in joy."
Ever heard the saying, “pain first, fun later?” Perhaps this is what this verse means. Who wants to be tired and try hard, then he will get a happy ending. Because results never betray effort. So, if we want a good future, try to start from now. Success does not come by itself. Because Allah is Just, whoever seeks then he will find. And something beautiful will come in time.
From the verses above, we can conclude that the Bible does not recognize the law of karma related to reincarnation. The law of karma in Christianity is the same law of cause and effect as the law of sowing and reaping. So, this karma only applies as long as humans live and will stop when humans die. Because no matter how good humans are while living in the world, they will not be able to save themselves.
As it says in 1 Peter 1:18-19, that our salvation comes from the blood of Christ, which is like a lamb without blemish and without blemish. Without His sacrifice, we will continue to bear the consequences of sin according to the Bible, both inherited and committed sins, which of course will be a dividing wall between us and God.
A few articles about the law of karma in Christianity. Hopefully this article can be useful for readers. Because in fact, the law of sowing and reaping can educate us to be wiser in our actions. We need to think carefully before doing something, especially if the action takes a big risk. What is the impact of our actions? So that we can learn to take responsibility for our actions.