REINCARNATION and the BIBLE

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Reincarnation is usually defined as a cycle of birth and rebirth until one reaches a point of perfection. It is often connected to the concept of karma, in which some believe that a person’s present actions affect his next life, just as his past life affects his present. Reincarnation is a popular theme in movies, K-dramas, and even memes—to the point that many people begin to think there is truth in it. New Age supporters often say that the Bible also teaches reincarnation, but such an idea is based on obvious misinterpretations. Let’s discuss a few:

The Contrast of Reincarnation and Resurrection

They say that reincarnation is just like resurrection. The only difference, they argue, is that in reincarnation, a person’s soul or spirit transfers into different mortal bodies repeatedly, while in resurrection it is transferred into an immortal body one last time. They argue that if resurrection is true, then reincarnation could also be true. We have plenty of passages supporting the truth of resurrection (Luke 14:14; John 5:29; 6:40; 1 Thess 4:14; etc.), but we cannot find anything that supports reincarnation. Hebrews 9:27 clearly says, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” There are no unlimited chances to live again and again in order to spiritually evolve and escape God’s judgment.

Some also use the idea of regeneration (being “born again”) to support reincarnation. Yet the Bible reveals that being born again has nothing to do with a cycle of birth and rebirth to reach perfection (in other words, being born again and again and again), but rather with salvation (John 3:3).

The Case of John the Baptist and Elijah

Jesus said about John the Baptist: “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” (Matt 11:14). New Agers claim this is clear evidence that John the Baptist was the reincarnation of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. Such a theory is baseless, because even if reincarnation were true, Elijah could not have been reincarnated into John since Elijah never died in the first place (2 Kings 2:11). Thus, he could not be born again.

According to the angel, John “will go before him (Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). This simply means John would have the same inspiration, mission, and power as Elijah. In that sense, he was Elijah—but not literally. The same thing was said of Elisha, who succeeded Elijah: “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” (2 Kings 2:15).

The Conspiracy Theories of Reincarnation

Some claim that the early church originally believed in reincarnation, but that all teachings supporting it were later destroyed and erased from the Bible by “manipulative” church authorities. New Agers often accuse the Council of Nicea (325 AD) and the Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD) of this. Yet historical evidence shows that early church fathers like Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Jerome, Augustine, among others, opposed the belief in reincarnation. Augustine even said to Porphyry (an early supporter of reincarnation): “It caused him no embarrassment to hold a belief which would admit the risk of a mother returning as a girl and marrying her own son.” Furthermore, no passage was ever removed from the Bible to promote reincarnation—because there was never any passage that supported it in the first place.
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There is no truth in reincarnation. It is simply one of the many lies circulating today. As Christians, we are to be vigilant and always ready to give an answer (1 Pet 3:15). “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5). Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

Rhodes, R. (2010). “Reincarnation”. 5-π˜”π˜ͺ𝘯𝘢𝘡𝘦 𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘡π˜ͺ𝘀𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 π˜›π˜°π˜₯𝘒𝘺. Harvest House
Geisler, N. and Howe, T. (1992). “Matthew 11:14 —Didn’t Jesus say John the Baptist was Elijah reincarnated?”. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘊𝘳π˜ͺ𝘡π˜ͺ𝘀𝘴 𝘈𝘴𝘬: 𝘈 π˜—π˜°π˜±π˜Άπ˜­π˜’π˜³ 𝘏𝘒𝘯π˜₯𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘯 π˜‰π˜ͺ𝘣𝘭𝘦 π˜‹π˜ͺ𝘧𝘧π˜ͺ𝘀𝘢𝘭𝘡π˜ͺ𝘦𝘴. Victor Books
Hanegraaf, H. (2008). “Can Reincarnation and Resurrection be Reconciled?” π˜›π˜©π˜¦ π˜‰π˜ͺ𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 π˜‰π˜°π˜°π˜¬. Thomas Nelson

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