reincarnation in the bible?

Question

Is it mentioned directly, or just from interpretation?

Answer 1

Only in one indirect way when Jesus said that John the Baptist was Elijah (See Gospels of Matthew and Luke), but since Elijah didn't die, but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, it might not count as reincarnation either way.

Answer 2

Most beliefs hint at reincarnation. When read from the bible it can be interpreted as reincarnation when Jesus is raised from the dead although in the body of a different man. This closely resembles the old Celtic belief of reincarnation of 're-skinning', that is the same person, but in a new body.

Answer 3

There are many problems with the salvation-by works doctrine of reincarnation. First, there are many practical problems. For example:
1. We must ask, why does one get punished for something he or she cannot remember having done in a previous life?
2. If the purpose of karma is to rid humanity of its selfish desires, then why hasn't there been a noticeable improvement in human nature after all the millennia of reincarnations?
3. If reincarnation and the law of karma are so beneficial on a practical level, then how do advocates of this doctrine explain the immense and ever-worsening social and economic problems - including widespread poverty, starvation, disease, and horrible suffering - in India, where reincarnation has been systematically taught through out its history?
There are also many biblical problems with believing in reincarnation. For example, in 2 Corinthians 5:8 the apostle Paul states, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." At death, the, the Christian immediately goes into the presence of the Lord, not into another body. In keeping with this. Luke 16:19-31 tells us that unbelievers at death go to a place of suffering, not into another body.
Further, Hebrews 9:27 assures us that "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Each human being LIVES ONCE as a mortal on earth, DIES ONCE, and then FACES JUDGMENT. He does not have a second chance by reincarnating into another body.

Answer 4

Some people twist the Scriptures and say that Jesus Himself taught reincarnation or "cyclical rebirth." In Matthew 11:14, for example, Jesus said, "And if you are willing to accept it, [John the Baptist] is the Elijah who was to come." Likewise, in John 3:3 Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

But these passages, rightly interpreted, do not support reincarnation. Matthew 11:14 does not really teach that John the Baptist was a reincarnation of Elijah. Luke 1:17, an important cross reference, tells us that the ministry of John the Baptist was carried out "in the spirit and power of Elijah." Moreover, reincarnationists conveniently forget that John the Baptist, when asked if he was Elijah, flatly answered, "No!" (John 1:21).

Regarding Jesus' words about being "born again" in John 3:3, the context clearly shows that Jesus was referring to a spiritual rebirth or regeneration. In fact, the phrase born again carries the idea of "born from above," and can even be translated that way. Jesus clarified His meaning by affirming that "flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit" (v. 6).

There are other Scriptures that clearly debunk the notion of reincarnation. Hebrews 9:27 tells us that "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment...." Each human being lives once as a mortal on earth, dies once, and then faces judgment. He does not have a second chance by reincarnating into another body. Second Corinthians 5:8 indicates that at death the Christian immediately goes into the presence of the Lord, not into another body. Luke 16:19-31 indicates that unbelievers at death go to a place of suffering, not into another body.

We must also remember that Jesus taught that people decide their eternal destiny in a single lifetime (Matthew 25:46). This is precisely why the apostle Paul emphasized that "now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Further, Jesus taught the concept of resurrection, not reincarnation. In fact, He predicted His own resurrection early in His public ministry (John 2:19). And after Jesus resurrected from the dead, He appeared to some disciples and said, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have" (Luke 24:39). Jesus resurrected in the same body that went into the tomb. His body even retained the scars and wounds in His hands, feet, and side from the crucifixion (John 20:28).

Answer 5

I am not sure it is directly mentioned in the Bible, but I just wanted to point out that Judaism teaches that reincarnation happens for those who need another chance to get things right. If I'm not mistaken, one gets up to 3 reincarnations according to Judaism. I'm not entirely sure what Scripture they would point to to support this belief. But it's not just Eastern Religions that teach it.

Answer 6

Reincarnation doesnt mention in the bible

Answer 7

Jesus literally raised Lazarus from the dead. That would be a quite direct mention of reincarnation, but I can think of no other references from the Bible.

Answer 8

It is mentioned, but not directly.

There's the one passage where a man who was born blind was brought to Jesus, and the crowd asked him, "Was it this man who has sinned or his father"?

How could that man have sinned besides in another lifetime, to have been punished with blindness at birth?

Of course, a gentle soul like Christ steers the people away from placing such blame on anyone, and calls it "God's own work being done."

When in fact it is obvious that both the blind man and his father were likely guilty of a serious sin to have such a burden placed on them.

Answer 9

NO. Not in the way you think. As for us coming back to earth as a new person or animal. No. In fact we are vehemently reminded of the fact that no one returns from death, save those who are raised by Christ and the gifts of the holy spirit as a show of miracles in the new testament. And that We all face a judgement from God and from there it is heaven or hell for all. Not even in interpretation.

Answer 10

Implied, but incorrect. Reincarnation is not taught as a doctrine. Each person gets one life to live.

Example - John the Baptist was suggested to be Elijah, returned - by the people, he was not Elijah.