When someone does something to them that they don't like, clinging to "karma" is an automatic reaction for some people. They say (or think) "they'll get what they deserve" or "what goes around comes around" or "karma will catch up with them." However, there is more to karma than the skin-deep idea of initial consequence for one's actions.
First, the "book" definition of karma is the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
Where does karma originate? It is a theological concept found in the Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Basically, it is the idea that your actions from this life will determine the quality of your life after reincarnation. So in other words, whether you live selfishly or unselfishly, your next state or life will purely be determined by your actions in this current state of living. Does the Bible support the theological concepts of karma or reincarnation? Put simply, the Bible rejects reincarnation; therefore, karma is not supported either.
What is supported by the Bible? The fact that we are born once and die once. Hebrews 9:27: "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment..." This verse spurns the theory of karma. Humans do not participate in an endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. More importantly, after our one death, we face God's judgment. This means that there is no turning back or second chance, no opportunity to instill faith in the karma of past good acts to save you from Judgment Day. This life is all the time we have to decide our eternal destinies.
Secondly, Job 4:8 says, "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble, reap it." Our sins do not go unnoticed or unpunished by God. Galatians 6:7: "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap." Imagine parents not punishing their child at all and giving the child whatever he or she wants. How would the child behave? Sometimes we act like spoiled and selfish children, but God knows what is best for us and what we deserve. Additionally, He continues to love us through the good and bad. If He did not punish us, He would not be a just God, which He is.
Lastly, Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no once can boast." Salvation through Jesus Christ is not about age, race, actions, good works, or even being good enough. It is obtainable by all and taken by many. It is truly the greatest gift.
Bottom line: The theory of karma gives you what you deserve. In contrast, for eternity, God does not. We, as sinful and wretched humans, would never be "good enough" to deserve to spend eternity with God. We could not earn it either. It is a free gift called salvation that we can take if we choose to, and we are so, so undeserving of His grace.
~M
