Do you believe in Karma ? Why ? Why not ?

@LadyGrace But reap what we sow might be another way to describe Karma ?

@usher It may be for some but the difference is that karma supposedly happens to you in your next life on Earth and stands apart from any kind of omnipotent God. It's more like a function of the universe. While, "you reap what you sow", is part of the Christian life and things you do in relationship with God.

@usher In the Christian's life, sow in Hebrew, means "to conceive, to bear, or to yield" and "reap" means "to harvest".

@LadyGrace yes, but Karma is meant to happen to you in this life, not the next ?

@usher I looked that up and it says the principle of karma is that people will eventually be paid back with good or evil in future reincarnations for the deeds they have done in the past. But I think that you are right, and that people use it in this life as well. However, you reap what you sow, is different from karma, in that faith in Jesus Christ is a major component. Even though the scriptures teach us that we will reap what we sow, karma and Christianity are not compatible. We must remember that Galatians 6:7 is talking about this lifetime, not the afterlife. The Bible teaches that after this one life, we do not go to another.

@usher The Bible does not talk about karma in the Eastern mysticism since. There is no reincarnation in the Bible according to Hebrews chapter 9 verse 27. But there is a sense in which our actions toward others affect our own lives. Those who seek trouble, usually find it (Job 4:8). Karma is based on the theological belief in reincarnation.

@LadyGrace but what about the afterlife ? Is that another life ?

@usher Yes it is. The difference is that God says it is appointed for man to die only ONCE, not over and over. You die once, and then you go to the afterlife in one of two places.

@LadyGrace perhaps the next life is not a place but rather a state of existence

@usher According to God's Word it is definitely a place, and it is described in great detail in God's Word. And God's even said, "I go to prepare a place for you. If it were not so, I would have told you, but I go to prepare a place for you, and there YOU shall be also with Me." People can take a chance on the other, if they want to gamble with their soul, but I'm afraid they will be sadly mistaken when they see there is no reincarnation.

@LadyGrace I believe that it's a state of existence described as a place for interpretation. For instance a place where time does not exist is something more than a physical place.

@usher The Bible gives the exact measurements of heaven and even lists the precious jewels it is made of. It is specific and doesn't need interpretation. There is no need for time beyond earthly existence. Eternity is forever and that's a long time if people get it wrong.

@LadyGrace I fail to see heaven as a physical place but I do believe in its existence. I read the bible as metaphorical and representations of literal meanings. For me it's a state of existence and more spiritual than physical. I do rever the bible but I interpret it differently than others

@usher Well, yes, it IS more spiritual, but it is just as real a place as earth, where saved spirits go, when the body dies. Until resurrection day. And no one has to miss going there.

@usher The Bible is its own best interpreter. Most of the expressions in Scripture that seem challenging or mysterious have appeared in Scripture elsewhere. We therefore look up and cross reference these instances, and the meaning becomes clear. It is the Holy Spirit that interprets the Word of God for us, teaching us. Without which, it is misinterpreted.

1 John 2:27 - "But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true— it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ."