Reincarnation - Epilogue: The Mysteries Remain

I have gone through several Rounds in this series of study. Not to drag on and prolong the discussion, I shall close with this Epilogue.

Just as there are many denominations of christianity today, there were many Hebrew sects during the time of Christ. There were the Orthodox, the Pharisees, the Sadducees. Then, there sprout different christian sects too, such as Ebionites, Elkasaites, Nazarites, Essenes. In such diverse backgrounds, there were confusion and differences in their beliefs.

The writers of the Bible scriptures were influenced by the beliefs prevalent at that time. For example, the books of 1 Peter, 2 Peter and Jude were heavy on gnostic ideas and concepts (with imageries of angels, 'prisons', hell, etc). At times, the concept of reincarnation was subtly interwoven into the scripture texts. For example:

1 Pet 3:19-21, 2 Pet 2:4-9: Jesus made proclamation to those in 'prison'.
Psalms 107:10-22: What happens in the other world.
Amos 9:2: Bringing the sinners up and down.
James 3:6: 'Wheel of nature'.
Gen 28:12: Angels travelling up and down Heaven.
Matt 5:25-26: How to get out of 'prison'.

So far in this series of study, I have not cited examples of any 'Near-Death Experiences' of christians who claimed that they witnessed 'bright lights, tunnels, and spiritual beings as guides' while travelling out of this world, to support or refute the concept of reincarnation. I have not brought in ideologies from the eastern religions which strongly support the concept of reincarnation. I will leave such investigations and considerations to you, the readers.

In closing, I see no harm in accepting the concept of christian reincarnation.
With reincarnation, our souls could dwell on earth through one or more incarnations, that is, physical rebirths.
With resurrection, in time to come, our souls will 'born again or spiritual rebirth' through Christ, and dwell with the Father.

One day in Heaven, we will know the truth. But while we are on earth, we must hold steadfast to Christ and worship Him. If we draw close to Him, He will surely draw close to us -- even though mysteries remain.

Reincarnation Round 4: Is Reincarnation against Biblical Teaching?

Some christians feel that the concept of Reincarnation conflicts with the doctrine on Resurrection. Following is one such argument:

"If reincarnation is (or was) a central part of the original Christian gospel, then historic, orthodox Christianity has veered significantly from its original course. Historic Christian orthodoxy has vigorously denied reincarnation for two principal reasons. First, Christianity has taught a doctrine of resurrection: the human soul does not return to earth after death, but is resurrected as an individual personality to face judgment. Second, it has taught that God forgives and extends mercy in the face of human sin and shortcomings. There is no forgiveness and little, if any, mercy connected with the idea of reincarnation. Each soul pays the inevitable price for its own failings and misdeeds, in hundreds or thousands of existences. "

Somehow I am baffled by this view. To me, Reincarnation and Resurrection can co-exist perfectly, without conflict. Christ had promised me that he is my personal saviour, and through Him, I will be resurrected and have everlasting life with the Father. However, if I would like to be reincarnated and live another period on earth, there is nothing wrong with that. It does not go against the fact that, ultimately, I will still be with God the Father.

In Heb 9:27, it says "...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement." Some christians quote this verse to refute reincarnation, which implies more than one lifetime, and hence dying not once, but as many times as the number of lifetimes.

I do not have a good interpretation for this verse. I am puzzled because there are people, notably Enoch and Elijah, who did not die at all. Also Paul died twice. (He went to paradise and returned. See 2 Cor 12:1-4). Perhaps this verse suggests that man, in each lifetime, die once. Upon reincarnation, he is another man, and subject to death again.

So in Round 4 of this study, I could not conclude whether or not reincarnation is advocated in the scriptures. But I honestly do not see a conflict between reincarnation, which is the soul taking on another physical body; and resurrection, which is the soul dwelling in God's kingdom forever ultimately.

Miracles Against Nature (14/05/07)

I was always perplexed by Matt 27:50-53. “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split, and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised…"

It sounded like a fairy tale. It is unnature. At the moment of His death, unnatural things happened. a) the veil of the temple was torn b) the earth shook c) the rocks split d) and most perplexing, the tombs opened and bodies ‘floated’ up to the sky..

Shall I take these passages of the Book of Mathew literally?

Miracles continued to happen today, 2000 years after the death of Christ. But the miracles today are nothing against nature. These are miracles relating to people and persons. For example someone ‘suddenly’ was healed of the tumor in his body; someone blind could 'suddenly' open his eyes and see. There are no miracles such as those performed by Jesus against nature 2000 years ago, such as feeding 5000 with 2 fishes and 5 loaves, such as walking several kilometers on water.

If I believe that Jesus can feed 5000 with just 2 fishes and 5 loaves, then I must believe Matt 27:50-53 literally.

Do you believe that the rotten bodies of the deceased saints had been resurrected and 'floated up the sky' during the first exercise of resurrection the moment Jesus died on the cross?

Give me your comments.