What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

from the old testament

• The Bible reveals the one, true God who is eternal and does not change (Malachi 3:6). He communicates His desire for relationship with people (Jeremiah 31:3) and how that relationship may be kept right (Micah 6:8).
• While Buddhism teaches that temporal desires keep us in the cycle of suffering, death, and rebirth, the Bible teaches us that not all desire is wrong (Psalm 37:4).
• Christianity teaches that each person is created individually (Psalm 139:13) and has value and meaning (Genesis 1:26–27). There is no reincarnation.
• The book of Ecclesiastes notes that all the typical pleasures of life are “vanity” because they are fleeting; this coincides with Buddhism’s teaching that suffering comes from wanting that which is temporal. Unlike Buddhism, though, Christianity teaches that this suffering can be alleviated by focusing on the everlasting Lord who gives purpose and meaning to life: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

from the new testament

• As with many major worldviews, not everything in the Four Noble Truths is contrary to the Bible. Life does include suffering, and much of that is based on sinful desires (Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:17).
• Another similarity is that much of life is impermanent and shouldn't be invested in (Matthew 6:19–20).
• The Four Nobel Truths and the Bible both teach that our lives are brief and often changing (James 4:14).
• However, regarding eternity and how one is transformed, the Four Noble Truths drastically differ from biblical truth. The Bible teaches that God, Creator of all, made a way for us to enter into an eternal relationship with Him and ultimately live with Him in heaven forever (Matthew 25:21; John 4:14; 10:28). Those who do not follow His prescription, who reject it and the God who wrote it, will also live eternally, but separated from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
• Contrary to reincarnation, the Bible says that each person will die once, then face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
• While Buddhism and Christianity teach that suffering is an inherent part of life (John 16:33), theBible also teaches that life can be enjoyed (John 10:10) when we live for the glory of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 6:17; Colossians 3:17).
• Unlike Buddhism, Christianity teaches that the problem with humanity is not desire, but sin. And the only solution to that problem is salvation through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8–10).
• Both Christianity and Buddhism teach that people need to be transformed in their attitudes, desires, and behavior. Buddhism teaches that this can be done by eliminating self through willpower and discipline, while Christianity teaches this can be done only with the intervention of God Himself (1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 12:2).
• The self does not need to be eliminated but regenerated and sanctified through the work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:17–21). Humans are made for the glory of God and can delight in Him for eternity. Rather than annihilate the self by eliminating desire, we are to be transformed and restored by the God who created us.

implications for today

The reality of suffering, the impermanence of the world, the liberation that comes by eliminating desire, and the necessity of following the Noble Eightfold Path are the four cornerstones of nearly all forms of Buddhism. These are Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths. They are buttressed by a belief in reincarnation (samsara) and Nirvana, the elimination of all desire and suffering.

Experiencing these truths is more important than believing in them, Buddhism says.

The reality of suffering (dukkha) incorporates anxiety, frustration, and dissatisfaction. Buddhism teaches that suffering stems from wrong desires and expectations, specifically due to the temporary nature of all things. This is central to Buddhist belief and is Buddhists' explanation of what is wrong with humanity—suffering caused by desire for that which is temporary.

This impermanence (anicca or tanha) is applied to all things, including self. Nothing in the universe is unchanging or permanent according to Buddhist thought. It's easy to see why negative desires are harmful, but Buddhism also teaches that positive desires are also based on the temporary and therefore also contribute to the cycle of reincarnation and dukkha. This is the Second Noble Truth.

The cycle of suffering, death, and rebirth can only be broken by eliminating all desire for temporal things, the Third Noble Truth.

Fourthly, the Noble Eightfold Path is the way to remove desire from a person's experience. These include right views, right intent, right speech, right behavior, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness, and right meditation.

Buddhists teach that following the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path is the way to eliminate the cycle of reincarnation and reach Nirvana—a state of complete absence of desire. Here, one ceases to exist.

The Bible teaches that true freedom and fulfillment are found not in eliminating desire or ceasing to exist but in knowing and walking with the eternal God who created us for a purpose. Unlike Buddhism’s goal of Nirvana through self-effort, Scripture shows us that we cannot cleanse ourselves enough or rid ourselves of our sin on our own. Instead of escaping suffering by detaching from the world, we are called to live faithfully within it, trusting God, loving others, and growing in holiness. Our desires are not inherently wrong, but they are to be rightly ordered toward God and His kingdom rather than toward temporary things. Yes, desire led to sin, but our desires are God-given to pursue what is good. Yes, suffering is real, but it is not to be avoided. God uses it to refine our character and deepen dependence on Him, offering hope and eternal reward. While Buddhism seeks the end of self through annihilation, the Bible promises transformation into Christlikeness and eternal life with God. The Bible presents a path where life, love, and purpose endure forever, anchored in the unchanging God who loves us and created us for good and with purpose.