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Karma is an increasingly com-mon, and even popular, term today. It involves philosophical and religious concepts, regarding choices and consequences, which are common to both Buddhism and Hinduism; and it bears significant resemblance to some basic principles found in both science and the Holy Bible.
Isaac Newton’s Third Law, sometimes called “The Third Law of Motion” is considered scientifically fundamental. It states that “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
And God’s Word, the Bible, confirms, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.
The statements in the preceding paragraphs reflect the basic premise of Karma—that good acts produce good effects and that bad acts produce bad effects. Karma is closely linked with the idea of reincarnation: and, together, both have long been, a very heavy burden to many—even to many who may sincerely think that Karma is good—who may even think it is good for them or to them.
Intrinsic in Karma is the idea that what a person does in the present (this present life) will directly and inevitably affect what will happen to him (or her) in the future (in this life, or in the next life, via reincarnation). Consequently, those who believe in Karma often feel burdened or fearful about the future—burdened to be better in order to better their future, or fearful of their future, because of consciousness of failure and guilt. Though it may not seem so, every man and every woman has a conscience.
Consider our friend Ram, for example: One day, Ram does something which appears to be good, with an apparently good motive (love, or a simple desire to do what is honest or right). But few good actions can really guarantee a good result in the long term, and there is always the possibility that Ram is not quite as altruistic (pure in motive) as he believes himself to be: so that day’s apparently good Karma may be, for now at least, questionable.
Another day, Ram does something which he thinks is good, but he does it with a bad motive (for a selfish reason). Obviously, that is bad Karma.
Another day, Ram does something which he knows to be bad, or which is commonly known to be bad, ostensibly for a good reason (such as punishment or revenge). Again, that is obviously bad Karma.
And, another day, Ram does something which he knows or which we know to be bad, with a bad motive. Again, that is obviously bad Karma.
Three of Ram’s four possible cases clearly demonstrate bad karma, and even Ram’s first case is not guaranteed good. So, Ram’s Karma account doesn’t look very hopeful or promising, does it? Now suppose that Ram determines to concentrate on the first case’s type of actions. Why? Whom is he seeking to benefit? Himself? Of course! But, at the bottom, that is simply selfish. So, after all, Ram’s first case actions are bad Karma as well!
Ram is representative of every human being. And if every human being is conscious of his or her own secret (as well as public) failures, then we may expect that all of us really should feel as miserable as we really are. It is no wonder that so many people, facing the reality of what they have done, what they really are, and what they may expect, are looking for an escape from Karma—an escape from reality, as they know it, and an escape from the future as they fear it.
But if Karma is a real law—an inevitable principle, what can we do—what hope do we have—what real escape is there? Is it possible to escape from Karma—from the consequences of our misdeeds—our many dreadful sins?
The wonderful answer is YES! There is more to reality than Karma. There is more to reality than we know—more than we can know—more than we imagine—much more than we can imagine—because God, who created this universe (supposedly ruled by Karma), is far greater than Karma, and He truly deeply cares about you and me; and He now, today, offers you and me free forgiveness of sins and true freedom from guilt—without violating any of the operating principles of His universe. Who is He, and how can He do it?
Many people think that there are many gods; but there is only One God who, because of who He is and what He has done alone deserves to be recognized as the God of the universe, absolute and supreme over all. If you are thinking that you would like to judge Him before He judges you, consider what He says—said even before Christ came into this world:
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: Who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside Me. Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteous-ness, and shall not return, That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Isaiah 45:20-23.
Then the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world and announced this good news, predicting His own death:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Jesus rose from the grave in the power of that everlasting life—to prove both Karma and reincarnation wrong.
“Christ died for our sins … He was buried … He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:22-23
“And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Now, what will you do with what you know? Karma is about choices and consequences. We make choices; and God makes consequences—not Karma:
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crim-son, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30