Does the Bible Support Karma?

"It seems like the idea of karma is supported in the bible. Do you believe in Karma?", (Question courtesy of Ken Merceri)

The word karma gets thrown around a lot, and I'm not sure that there is a set definition for the word. The most basic meaning of karma is a kind of raw spiritual cause and effect; that the actions of the past have created the present, and the actions of the present will create the future. Generally, any notions of right and wrong, or divine reward and punishment, are implicitly denied. Karma is viewed as more of a law of nature, like gravity, as opposed to the wrath or blessings of a Creator. According to this definition I would certainly have to say no, I don't believe in karma.

However, I do believe in ultimate justice, because God is by his nature fair, and not a respecter of persons, "For there is no respect of persons with God" (Romans 2.11 KJV bible). In fact, God is better to most people than they actually deserve, "ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil" (Luke 6.35 KJV bible).

Many people (both believers and non-believers) have observed that in life, what goes around tends to come around. The betrayer gets betrayed, the thief gets robbed, and so on. However, it's also true that many people seem to reap tragedy that is greater than anything that they have sown, particularly in comparison with other people. The is why the operative term when it comes to understanding God's fairness is "ultimate justice". A nonbeliever's perception of the world is built upon life in the flesh, because they don't know anything else. This is how they reckon reward and punishment. However, the believer knows that life in the flesh is fleeting, and that it pales in comparison to the spiritual realities of salvation and eternal life. So ultimately, God deals fairly with everyone, but on his own terms, which are far more foresightful and comprehensive than man's.

"For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men...When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction." (Psalm 18.3-5,16-18 KJV bible).

Comments

jackie 22 Aug 2010, 11:06

where can i view answers to my questions?
also my question is: the Bible said no man has ascended into heaven, but Jesus, so how did john and other apostles, see heaven? they would have had to have been there to make their writings reliable, there are so many times that the writers refer to heavenly events. also my second question is:people say God doesn't make evil happen, and in the early books, i don't remember which, my ex husband found a scripture that said god creates evil, so i was stunned, i had no answer for him cause it was there plain as day. i'll look for the scripture, it seemed to be in the o.t.

Doug Buckley 23 Aug 2010, 00:26

Hi Jackie, some of the questions I get by email I post, but it depends on how thoroughly I answer them.

As far as "ascending" into heaven, people did go to heaven before Jesus, but Jesus is the only one that "ascended". This means that Jesus did not need a ticket or invitation to go to heaven, but could enter according to his own righteousness. Jesus is our ticket.

The passage you're probably thinking of is Isaiah 45.7, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things" (KJV bible). Basically the Hebrew word for evil (raw-aw) can also mean calamity, distress or trouble. God can bless us, but he can also raise up calamity and distress for us. This is often what happens when we forsake him, as Israel did in the OT, but this isn't the only reason. Just remember, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8.28 KJV bible).

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