The concept of karma, which refers to the idea that our actions in this life determine our circumstances in the next, is central to many Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. However, it is not a biblical concept. The Bible does not teach that we earn favor with God or determine our next life based on our works. Instead, it teaches that salvation comes by God’s grace through faith in Christ.
Though the word “karma” itself is not found in the Bible, there are several key biblical principles that relate to this popular idea:
1. God is sovereign over all things
The Bible affirms that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and fully in control of everything that happens in the universe. Nothing escapes His notice or happens apart from His sovereignty (Isaiah 46:10, Daniel 4:35, Acts 17:26). This means that our circumstances are not determined by impersonal karmic forces or something we did in a past life, but rather by the intentional plan and purposes of God.
2. God is just and will judge sin
While karma suggests that “what goes around comes around,” the Bible teaches that God is the ultimate judge who will deal justly with both the righteous and the wicked (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 7:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-6). Every person will stand before Him and give an account for their lives, receiving due rewards or punishments (Romans 2:6-11, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15).
Though we do reap consequences in this life based on our actions, God’s final judgment perfectly balances the scales of justice in a way we cannot expect or predict. The wicked do not always immediately get what they deserve, nor do the righteous always receive blessing in this life. But in the end, God will ensure perfect justice is carried out (Romans 12:19-21).
3. Salvation is by grace through faith, not works
The Bible clearly teaches that our standing before God is not based on our own righteous deeds or spiritual progress, but solely on the finished work of Christ on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-7). When we put our faith in Jesus, we receive His righteousness and holiness before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our eternal destiny in heaven is secure based on Christ’s work, not our own.
This goes against the karma concept that we must work off our bad karma from past lives and earn liberation through moral actions. The Bible says that no amount of human effort can ever earn salvation or put us in right standing with God (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:20). We are saved by grace alone.
4. Human nature is fallen
Karma assumes that people are basically good and through reincarnation have the potential to improve, work off their bad karma, and achieve enlightenment or unity with the divine. But the Bible teaches that all humans have a sinful nature inherited from Adam and are unable to save themselves through their own efforts (Romans 3:23, 5:12; 1 Corinthians 2:14). We are spiritually dead in our sins apart from Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3).
Only through being born again and receiving a new nature through faith in Christ are we able to produce good fruit and live righteously (John 3:3, 15:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Human nature is too corrupt to achieve righteousness through karma or successive reincarnations. We need the inner transformation that only comes through new birth in Jesus (Titus 3:4-7).
5. Life ends at death, followed by judgment
Reincarnation and karma go hand-in-hand in many Eastern religions. But Scripture teaches that each person lives once and then faces judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Believers go to be with the Lord when they die, while unbelievers suffer condemnation (Luke 16:19-31; John 5:28-29). There is no biblical evidence that people experience multiple lives or transfer karma from one life to the next.
Jesus and the apostles taught the urgency of repenting and being ready for judgment in this life, not some future life after reincarnation (Luke 13:1-5; Acts 17:30-31). Death marks the end of our opportunity to be saved in Christ (Luke 16:26). That is why it is so critical to turn to Him now while there is still time (2 Corinthians 6:2).
6. Suffering has a purpose in God’s plan
In religions with karma, suffering is seen as punishment for misdeeds in a former life. But the Bible shows how God can use suffering for good purposes like purifying our faith, perfecting our character, drawing us to rely on Him, and equipping us to minister to others (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Suffering is never pleasant, but Christians can have joy and hope in Christ in spite of it (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
7. God desires mercy, not sacrifice
Some karma-based religions emphasize strict codes of conduct and following rules to avoid generating bad karma. But Jesus taught that obeying rules without love, mercy and compassion misses the point (Matthew 9:13, 12:7). True righteousness comes from a changed heart, not just correct outward actions.
The Bible places far more emphasis on developing godly virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and gentleness than on rigid religious rules (Galatians 5:22-23). God cares more about why we do things and the condition of our heart than just what we do (1 Samuel 15:22; Mark 12:41-44).
8. Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all sin
According to karma, you must pay in the next life for sins committed in this one. But the Bible teaches that Christ’s death on the cross is the complete and final payment for sin, not just for some sins or one life’s sins (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 7:27, 9:12). When we trust in Christ, the record of our sins is nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). There is no need for further repayments through karmic consequences, reincarnation or any other means.
9. We are called to forgive others
Karma says we should desire justice when wronged. But Jesus calls us to forgive those who wrong us, leaving justice in God’s hands (Matthew 6:14-15; Romans 12:17-21). Holding onto resentment only breeds more negativity. When we release offenses through grace-empowered forgiveness, we can break destructive cycles of ungrace in our relationships.
10. We should love unconditionally
Karma teaches that people get what they deserve. But the Bible instructs us to love others unconditionally, following Christ’s model of self-sacrificing love even towards people who may be unkind or ungrateful in return (Luke 6:27-36; Romans 5:8, 12:20-21). We are called to humility and service, leaving judgments about what people deserve to God Himself (James 4:11-12).
In summary, the biblical worldview differs significantly from karma and reincarnation theology. Salvation cannot be earned through good works but is God’s free gift. We are accountable to a holy God who will justly judge all people. This should motivate us to repent, trust in Christ alone for salvation, extend grace and forgiveness to others, and seek to lead as many people as possible to find redemption in Jesus.