The importance of belief to reincarnation and resurrection are examined today; and there is more on unwelcome gifts. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Amanda” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since September 17, 2012) posted the following:
Do you have to believe in reincarnation for it to happen?
In many religions, the belief in its philosophies is required for the “stuff” to happen. (i.e. going to heaven and such). What about reincarnation? If I don’t believe in reincarnation, will it still happen? I’m not asking for proof of reincarnation, just whether or not belief in required for it to happen. Any websites that support your answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
THE BATTLE AXE: Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012)—The scenario where a young man sees a young woman, wants to date her, sends her a note inviting her to coffee, begins to send flowers, tickets, small bits of jewelry, and bends the knee proposing does not always have a happy ending. She may turn down his invitations and inducements, and refuse to accept the offer of his ring. Does he “punish” her by pursuing the three other girls who like him? Does he behave as one “unloving” because he chooses a bride who will be faithful to him, and drops her completely from his radar? Many will agree that GOD may choose whom he will for eternal life. Yet, they insist GOD may not destroy those that oppose the beauty and purity he demands. What should GOD do with those who were cold, unfriendly, unresponsive, ungodly? Should he keep their names in his “little black book” of life? Or should he, in mercy, release them from ever having to see his face again?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2: 14-19)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); Girdle 15: Not Of The World (11/30/2011); Girdle 5: Of Trust (11/20/2011)
May I share some thoughts in response to your question? Many mature Christians now think of “reincarnation” as an explanation of human reality that describes life and death as a repeating, mechanical process. Reincarnation, spoken of as “the wheel of life,” is very different from “resurrection,” the restoration of life to the dead that results in judgment, and the final end of all mortal existence. Escaping the wheel is by choosing “Jacob’s ladder.” (Incorruptibility and immortality are bestowed upon those believing in Christ.) Questions about how the “machine” was created, or how the “cycle” first begun are not clearly addressed. There are no explanations of who might have begun the process, who may be continuing and maintaining the process, or whom we could ask to complete and shut down the process. Mankind and other living things are held to be subject to the process of reincarnation in spite of their beliefs, consciousness, desire or will.
For Christians, resurrection absolutely will happen for both the righteous and the wicked dead: every person that has ever lived will appear before GOD in judgment to make answer for himself, or herself. Separation of those who are believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ from those who are not has already begun through a process of “self-selection” by those who have heard the Gospel presented. Their responses and life choices set them apart as a chosen people of GOD alive in the earth.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Christian belief centers upon relationships for created beings and living creatures, among themselves and with GOD their Creator. Many sacred processes come into view, however, few of them are “mechanical” and just go forward independent of GOD, and on their own. Included are death, eternal life, forgiveness, judgment, love, rebirth, repentance, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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