Is Karma Real?

Hello, welcome to A&Q. If you haven't joined us before, every one of these videos we tackle the questions that come up as we explore a relationship with Jesus and take steps in growing in our faith. The question we get to talk about today is all about karma. Is karma real and is it different from grace? Now, before we get too far, it's probably best to get some definitions and some context. If you've ever heard the phrase, what goes around comes around, it's in reference to the concept of karma. Many people will take the concept of karma and relate it to justice or fairness in the world. Some believe karma to simply be the belief that actions have consequences, which itself is a true statement. All that we do affects the world around us. However, the idea of karma comes mainly from religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. In its original language, the word karma means action or deed. Karma is believed to be a universal law of cause and effect. Every action, good or bad, creates a result that eventually will come around to you either in this life or the next. If you have more questions about what happens after death, you should check out the video linked below for a deeper look. See, these religions and worldviews that believe karma to be centric to their faith believe that you and I are held responsible for fixing the bad karma we have accumulated in our life, and every good deed we do is only done to outweigh the bad that we have done. Karma is all about us getting what we deserve based on what we do. Karma gives us the impossible task of saving ourselves, and this is where karma differs from what the truth of the Bible says. See, as a follower of Jesus, I will continue to look towards God's word as the truth that guides me. In the book of Ephesians, it says, God saved us by his grace, and we can't take any credit

whatsoever. That salvation is not a reward for the good things that we have done, so none of us can boast about it. In fact, we have another entire video that talks all about what grace is, and I would also highly encourage you to watch that as well. See, here's where karma and grace agree. You and I have done wrong in this world. Injustice and fairness requires that a penalty has to be paid for the debt that we have. But here's where grace differs from karma. Under karma, there is no escape from the debt that you've built up. Your past determines your future, but under grace, Jesus cancels the debt entirely and pays our penalty and gives us freedom through his death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb. See, karma's hope is in our performance. Grace gives us hope in a forgiving, loving, and just God who seeks a relationship with you and I. Now maybe this conversation has sparked all kinds of questions. If you are looking for more answers about faith and Jesus, check out another one of our videos. Maybe you're wondering about reincarnation still, or for that matter, any other topics. Check out our channel because there are a whole bunch of videos dedicated to answering your questions. See, I hope this time was helpful and that you continue to ask questions and dig deeper. We'll see you next time.