Reincarnation: It's Misuse in Christianity and Elsewhere
Reincarnation in Matthew 11:14: Reincarnationists cite Jesus' statement in Matthew 11:14 that John the Baptist was Elijah. However, this is not the complete context of the scripture. Luke 1:17 tells us that John the Baptist would precede Christ "with the spirit and power of Elijah." In addition, John the Baptist himself denied that he was Elijah in John 1:21. We must also remember that Old Testament scripture teaches that Elijah never experienced physical death (2 Kings 2:11). This fact is again stressed in the New Testament when Elijah appears with Moses at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3). Reincarnation in John 3:3: Jesus tells Nicodemus that to see the Kingdom of God one must be "born again." Here, many reincarnationists declare that Jesus is supporting the idea that a series of rebirths is necessary to achieve life cycle "perfection." Of course, one must read the entire passage to understand the complete context. When Nicodemus expresses his bewilderment about a second physical birth, Jesus immediately sets Nicodemus straight. In John 3:4-5, Jesus specifically refutes the concept of physical rebirth, and is very clear in stating that this "rebirth" is a spiritual one. Reincarnation in John 9:1-3: This scripture tells of a man born blind and deals with the question of whose sin was the cause of his blindness. Reincarnationists say this biblical question is in line with the Law of Karma. However, the scripture does not end with this question. Rather, it ends with the reply of Jesus -- that the man's blindness was in no way related to sin. Therefore, we see no connection whatsoever with any Karma-like doctrine. Reincarnation in Hebrews 7:2-3: Reincarnationists maintain that this scripture portrays Jesus as Melchizedek in a previous incarnation. However, a very simple review of the scripture will show that Melchizedek was "made like unto the Son of God," not that he was the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The scripture merely says that there is no record of Melchizedek's birth or death, and that his unique priest-hood was not transferable to another. Melchizedek is only being compared to Jesus, not being declared a previous incarnation of Him.