Hebrews 9: The Problem with Reincarnation

^“27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ²⁸ so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” -Hebrews 9:27-28

Reincarnation has become increasingly cool in Western culture. Hindus dig it. Buddhists embrace it. Wiccans promote it. Even some Christians agree that coming back to try again sounds like fun. There’s only one problem with it–reincarnation is inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible.

For the Christian, there is a clear worldview presented that is shaped in large part by Hebrews 9. Verse 27 makes a direct statement that a person dies once, then there will be a judgment. Further, the opening chapters of Genesis make the point that humans are made in God’s image. Our lives are not revolving doors that intermingle with plants and animals in an interconnected loop.

God’s view in the Bible is one where a person is created with great value, love, and dignity. We have one life to live that determines where we spend the afterlife. Even that decision requires God’s perfect grace to draw us near to him. We begin with God, continue with God, and those who believe spend forever with God.

Yes, I realize that this is only one of many worldviews regarding the afterlife–but it is the worldview presented in the Bible, including Hebrews 9. Those who claim to live by its teachings are called to embrace it, live it, and communicate it.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.