Karma is a concept deeply ingrained in Eastern philosophies and religions. It revolves around the idea that our actions in this life determine the quality of our future experiences. While the Bible does not use the term “karma,” it does present a similar concept rooted in the principle of cause and effect. In this article, we will explore the biblical perspective of karma and how it offers a unique understanding of our actions and their consequences.

The Principle of Cause and Effect

The Bible teaches the principle of cause and effect, emphasizing that our actions have consequences. It is summed up in the words of Jesus at Matthew 7:1, which states, “…with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” This verse implies that we are accountable for our choices and actions, and they will eventually yield corresponding outcomes.

Divine Justice and Judgment

While the concept of karma in Eastern religions is tied to the understanding of life as a cycle of birth and rebirth, the Bible presents no such understanding of life. The Bible simply says in Hebrews 9:27, “each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” Therein the Bible emphasizes that God’s justice is perfect and that every individual will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

The Nature of Sin and Redemption

In the Bible, the concept of sin plays a crucial role in understanding cause and effect. Sin is viewed as a violation of God’s divine standards and a departure from His intended design for humanity, summed up as a separation from God. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse highlights the consequences of sin, which is death, ultimately followed by judgement of eternal damnation with hell fire. According to the Bible, all will die except those who will be raptured, but after death, those who refuse to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will receive the judgement of eternal damnation, while those who accept Jesus will receive eternal life.

Grace and Mercy

While karma is believed to be based upon human efforts only, the Bible introduces the concept of grace wherein God intercedes in the person’s life, breaking the recurring cycle of “reaping what you sow,” through death and rebirth, enabling the recipient of God’s grace to have the slate wiped clean, to start anew. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “…if any man be in Christ we become a new creature, old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” It does not mean that the person will not make any more mistakes; it does not mean the person will no longer sin. It means the person’s life is no longer intentionally motivated toward sin. Thus, Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This verse emphasizes that salvation, the deliverance from the hell bound rain prior to God’s interception, is a gift from God, not earned through our own efforts. God’s grace allows for God thereafter to forgive us, even when we continue to sow sinful seeds.

Personal Responsibility and Free Will

The Bible upholds the importance of personal responsibility and free will in the context of cause and effect: the bible teaches that the so-called external circumstances and influences that impact each of our lives are created by each of us, thus, we are responsible for our choices and actions: our world is what we make it. It can be stated that with respect to karma, the Bible teaches that karma in the life of the person who has accepted Jesus, is no longer driven by the person who accepted Jesus, it is driven by Jesus who is the captain of that ship. And Jesus having been given both the authority and power in heaven and earth can and will override the ultimate rule of karma in the lives of those who belong to Him. Though Joshua lived long before Jesus, Joshua believed that God’s salvation was coming. This is why Joshua can be heard saying in Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” God has given us the ability to choose to follow His ways or to deviate from them, but once one has accepted Jesus, it is no longer that person’s life, it is Christ’s. Our decisions and actions do shape our lives and influence the lives of those around us because our respective worlds are what we make them.

Although the Bible does not explicitly use the term “karma,” it presents a similar concept in the words of Jesus, “…with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” The Bible does teach our actions have consequences and emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. However, unlike the deterministic nature of karma, the Bible teaches us about God’s grace and redemption through Jesus Christ. Understanding the biblical perspective of the substitutionary death of Christ overriding cause and effect encourages us to make wise choices, seek forgiveness, and embrace the hope of a transformed life through the grace of God.