BGEA: Why don't Christians believe in reincarnation?

Why don't Christians believe in reincarnation? Personally, I think it's kind of exciting to think that death isn't the end, and we'll get to come back and experience another life on this earth (or perhaps on some other planet). — A.N.

One reason Christians don't believe in reincarnation—the belief that we come back to life over and over again—is because they believe in heaven.

After all, if heaven is real (as Christians believe), then there isn't any need for an endless cycle of dying and coming back to Earth. In fact, why would we want to return time and time again to the pain and insecurities of this life? Ahead of us is the glory of heaven! As the Bible says, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).

There is, however, another reason why Christians reject the idea of reincarnation. It is this: No matter how long we lived—or how many lives we had—we could never erase the stain of sin that keeps us from God. In other words, we could never reach perfection. But God loves us and has provided the way for all our sins to be forgiven. That way is Jesus Christ, who died as the one final sacrifice for our sins.

Don't be misled by false hopes or deceptive dreams that will only take you down the wrong path. Instead, face your own need of God and by faith commit yourself to Jesus Christ. In Him we have hope—hope for this life and hope for life with Him in heaven forever.

6 Comments

V says 5.8.2013, 12:48 a.m.

I'm a Christian, but I have heard and seen too much to push away the idea of reincarnation. Giving credence to reincarnation DOES NOT take away from the glory of God in Christ.

Samira says 1.30.2013, 11:26 p.m.

I believe in reincarnation because when I was about 2-3 years old I would have recurring dreams about me falling off from a cliff and the experience is so real as if my soul is trying to send me the message that I died and was already reincarnated.

Michellle says 1.23.2013, 3:50 p.m.

I don't think reincarnation is relevant for Christians as through Christ we have eternal life. But somehow, I would like to believe that a non-believer who dies, perhaps Gods mercy is big enough to give them another chance..sure would make sense.

Paul says 1.25.2012, 10:38 a.m.

I am a christian and also believe that reincarnation does have some merit. Jesus was asked if he was a reincarnation and he said he was not, but he didn't say that reincarnation was not true. He was only here to fulfill not change the Jewish belief.

Fee says 11.28.2010, 04:19 a.m.

There are too many galaxies in the universe for us to only have once chance. I am a christian and I believe in reincarnation. Nature tells us a lot about reincarnation and God. The question is; what is the purpose of billions or maybe even trillions of galaxies. We are not alone in space and there are different levels after this life that we go to.

Huh? says 9.3.2010, 5:36 p.m.

Wow, how wrong you are. God did provide a way, and that way is through reincarnation so we can perfect our lives to the degree that we can join the unity that is God. It may take a million and one lives to do so, but all will be "saved". what that means is we will all eventually work out our lives that are acceptable to God. We do work out our own salvation, what God has provided is the opportunities, over and over,(7 times 70...) to do so. You are right, unless a man is born again, he will not see God. That makes sense. You just have to think this through what it means. Is your Christian view of God so unjust that He would send people to everlasting torment for the crime of being born in the wrong country at the wrong time? Seriously, that's your view of good and just? Again, Wow! I didn't realize people thought so low of God as to accuse him of such evil as you do with your theology.