Recent surveys indicate that one in every four Americans believes in reincarnation. This is no surprise, given the growing popularity of eastern religions in the United States. Numerous public figures like Shirley McClain, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson have stated their belief in reincarnation. What is disappointing is the number of professed Christians who believe in reincarnation.

The doctrine of reincarnation teaches that when a person dies, he comes back again as another form of life (human, animal, or vegetable). The physical state and even social status that a person has in this present life are dependent upon his behavior in the past life. This succession of "rebirths" continues until the person has atoned for his wrongs. Once he has reached a state of perfection, he is allowed to become one with the universe (called "Nirvana").

Bible believers should have some problems with this teaching. For one, it denies our need for a savior. Man can never atone for his sins with good works, even the good works of several lifetimes. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5). Our souls are purified by our faith and obedience to the gospel (Acts 15:9; 1 Peter 1:22), not by good works.

Also, the Bible plainly teaches that there is but one cycle of life and death for man. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Physical death is the end of our earthly existence: "...neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 9:6). The Bible does not teach that we will have an opportunity to come back and right the wrongs of a past life. The account of the rich man and Lazarus (found in Luke 16:19-31) shows that our eternal fate is sealed at our death. Our sins will either have been washed away in the blood of Jesus Christ or they will be punished for eternity. The idea of a second chance at life is fanciful and popular - but it is actually false and dangerous. We only have one shot at life. We need to make it count! When we die our souls will be ushered into eternity - destined for either Heaven or Hell. Where our souls spend eternity will depend on what we have done in this life.

Sometimes people, including Christians, will accept reincarnation as an answer for things that they cannot understand or explain. We need to guard against this. Remember, there are some secret things for which we do not have answers (Deuteronomy 29:29). The burden of proof does not lie with the Bible believer to explain various phenomena and supposed paranormal activity. When the explanations of man contradict the teachings of the Bible, they must be rejected as false. "Let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4). The doctrine of reincarnation is wholly incompatible with the teachings of the Bible concerning life after death. Christians who profess a belief in reincarnation are really professing their ignorance of the Bible.