As believers, what does the Bible really teach us about karma? When listening to conversations of young people, I often hear them drop phrases like “karma.” To them, it is normal and just a cool way to talk about payback.
People often say that bad things happen because of “bad karma” or that good things happen because of “good karma.” “Karma will get you for that!” is commonly used as a curse or warning these days. However, karma is not what you might think it is; there is more to it.
This article will help you understand what karma is, especially what the Bible has to say about it. In the end, you will know if this is a biblical concept or an idea to believe in as a Christian.
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Karma has its roots in Hinduism, particularly in ancient India, and originates from the Sanskrit word कर्म, which means “act,” “action,” or “deed.” Karma is simply the spiritual principle of cause and effect. A lot of people know this term better as the popular “what goes around comes around” phrase. The definition of karma varies across different traditions.
It is a more popular concept in Eastern religions, especially Hinduism and Buddhism. In these religions, the law of karma is that a person’s actions, good or bad, have ethical consequences that affect the person’s next life.
Many people believe that karma is the same as fate, predetermination, or destiny, but they are all different things. Karma is mostly centered around reincarnation and the consequences of a person’s actions in a past life.
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Some schools of Indian religion (including Taoism) believe karma to be linked to rebirth. These traditions believe that during reincarnation, the life you lived, good or bad, affects your future existence.
If you lived a good life, your next will be a pleasant one. On the other hand, evil actions bring about negative consequences in your future life. So there is good karma that comes as a result of good deeds and bad karma as a result of bad deeds.
Karma is a popular concept across the world, despite having its roots in ancient India. It is now a new age belief, especially in American culture. Young people in particular find comfort in believing in it. Death is certain, and it is, no doubt, uncomfortable to know you only live once.
For this reason, the majority of people prefer to stick to the idea of a rebirth. On many occasions, I have seen people wishing themselves a better next life, like they were sure there was one.
What Does The Bible Really Teach Us About Karma?
No verse in the Bible teaches karma, in both the Old and New Testaments. Karma is an idea that the Bible does not support because it talks about having endless existences. In addition, the idea of reincarnation is not biblical in any way; a man dies once and then faces judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
The Bible also talks about God’s sovereignty as one who controls the universe. There is no impersonal force at work, only God, who rewards and punishes. So it is wrong as a believer to live with the idea of karma, an endless circle of life and death.
Understand that there are biblical concepts like sowing and reaping, which is similar to karma. But reaping what you sow does not happen after reincarnation. According to the Bible, God can reward or punish any good or bad deed in the same life. Moreover, the Bible tells us that the way we choose to live now also matters in the end. It affects our eternity, and there are only two sides to it: an eternal reward or punishment.
So, contrary to the belief in rebirth into a new body on earth, the afterlife, according to the scripture, is different. It is either eternal life in the kingdom of God or eternal suffering in hell.
Now you can see that these biblical teachings are far different from the principle of karma. While karma allows no second chance, God’s grace gives us multiple chances to change.
Now, what the Bible teaches instead of karma is grace. In the book of Ephesians, Apostle Paul said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).” This verse is so different from Karma, as it has nothing to do with our good or bad works.
Jesus Christ died on the cross for us to be saved and gain an eternal reward through our faith in him. So it is not just by our good works but also our faith in Christ Jesus that grants us eternal life.
Karma is fixed, but the scripture tells us that no one is bound to be doomed. God’s justice is fair; it holds people accountable while still offering forgiveness. His grace is available for all, and that is what the Bible teaches us.
God’s grace is an unmerited favor; it is where you get what you do not deserve. No matter the sin or the nature of the person, God is always ready to forgive and redeem anyone. His goodness does not depend on how people treat Him or feel about Him. He remains good at all times, even when people turn away from Him.
Should Christians Believe in Karma?
The scriptures do not support the concept of karma, so Christians should not believe in it. Firstly, karma is a part of a false religion, one that encourages the worship of idols. Hence, believing in it can affect our spiritual growth. Karma goes against what Jesus says about life and sin. A sinful lifestyle is not the cause of all bad things in a person’s life (Luke 13:1-5).
People do not suffer because they are worse sinners than others. Bad things, as well as good things, happen to both good people and bad people. Many believers these days even apply karma to their daily lives, knowingly and unknowingly. It is not right for a Christian to believe in the idea of sending good vibes to the universe so the universe pays you back in the same measure.
Life as a believer is more than good actions bringing about good results and bad actions bringing about bad results. We should not mix such a concept with the truths clearly stated in the word of God.
I have had many opportunities to be around people of other faiths. Buddhists helped me understand that the idea of karma is unforgiving. They believe that their next existence will be difficult because of the mistakes they made when they were young.
This is a dark concept, and the younger generation is blindly embracing it so fast. They are constantly exposed to these odd ideas from friends and the media. To them, karma can sound pretty cool or even harmless.
Therefore, guiding them at a tender age to look out for such ideas and similar belief systems would be helpful. We need to help them focus on Christian phrases, languages, or ideas that agree with our Christian faith.
These Bible verses show a clear biblical principle of sowing and reaping. This is not karma, but it shows a holy God of heaven and earth who rewards righteous acts and judges wrongdoing.
1. Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)
Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
2. Proverbs 11:18-19 (NIV)
A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
3. James 3:18 (KJV)
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
4. Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
5. Psalm 126:5 (ESV)
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6. Psalm 126:6 (ESV)
He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
7. Proverbs 11:27 (ESV)
Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
8. Matthew 7:2 (NIV)
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
9. Proverbs 26:27 (NIV)
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
10. Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NIV)
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
11. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
12. Matthew 25:46 (NIV)
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
13. John 3:36 (NIV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
14. Psalm 28:3 (ESV)
Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts
15. Matthew 26:52 (NIV)
Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
16. Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
17. Psalm 7:16 (ESV)
His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.
18. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)
Just as human beings are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.
19. Revelation 18:4 (ESV)
Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.
Final Thoughts
God’s word does not teach or support the concept of karma. As believers, you need to be careful how you use phrases from other faiths that you do not understand. How cool it might sound is never enough to embrace it.
It is in human nature to sin, and we cannot always see ourselves doing good all the time. We need to wake up to the fact that the amazing Grace of God is true hope and freedom. Remember, it is not getting what you deserve but what you do not deserve. And this includes free love, mercy, and forgiveness you can never possibly earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nishkãm Karma?
Nishkām Karma means acting without desire for personal gain or reward. It refers to doing the right thing simply because it is right, not because of what you hope to get from it. Nishkām Karma is the opposite of Sakāma Karma, which means acting with personal desires.
Are Christians allowed to say karma?
Saying the word “karma” is not the same as accepting its meaning. Of course, using a common word has no negative effects. However, saying “karma” while believing in it is wrong. Its roots are not in the Bible but rather in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Kennie Oguntoyinbo is a freelance content writer, editor and proofreader with over 4 years of experience. She is highly skilled in creating captivating and informative content across the Christian, relationship, and parenting niches. With a deep love for Christian-related articles, she writes content that inspires the readers, combining biblical lessons with practical knowledge. Whether writing devotional blogs, relationship advice, or family-focused articles, she aims to glorify God while connecting with readers through relatable, encouraging, faith-driven articles.
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