What do Jainists believe? What is Jainism?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jainism is a religious system that originated in India around the sixth century BC. It teaches that all living beings possess eternal souls trapped in a cycle of rebirth and suffering. Liberation, known as moksha, is achieved through strict self-control, moral discipline, and especially non-violence toward all forms of life, extending even to insects and microscopic organisms. Jainism also teaches that truth is perceived differently by each person, so no single viewpoint can fully capture reality, a concept known as anekantavada. As a result, absolute truth is rejected.

The Bible contradicts these claims. It teaches that there is one true Creator God who exists apart from creation and defines reality and truth (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 45:5). Truth is revealed by God and not dependent on human perspective (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). God’s Word also rejects reincarnation, teaching that each person lives once and then faces judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Liberation from suffering does not come through moral discipline or non-violence, but through forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God, which human effort cannot achieve (Ephesians 2:8–9).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Scripture contradicts Jainism’s view of creation, opening with the declaration that God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). That act established Him as distinct from creation and sovereign over it. This means that God rules over all that exists, sustains it, and governs history according to His will (Isaiah 45:5–7).
• Jainism’s rejection of absolute truth also contradicts Scripture, which teaches that truth flows from God’s character and what He says. God speaks truthfully and authoritatively, and what He says stands firm because it is the absolute truth (Psalm 119:160).
• Jainism’s belief in reincarnation and karma is likewise rejected. Scripture teaches that humans are created by God and are thus held accountable to Him for how they have lived their lives. So, death is not a transition into another rebirth, but the end of one’s opportunity to repent (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Psalm 90:10).
• Jainism teaches liberation through self-mastery and moral effort, but the Old Testament teaches that humanity’s problem is rebellion against God. Because everyone is corrupted by sin, even the most disciplined life cannot live perfectly and thus cannot avoid guilt before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Forgiveness and restoration come only from God’s mercy, which He demonstrates by providing atonement for sin (Leviticus 17:11; Psalm 103:10–12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jainism denies the existence of a personal Creator who made and governs the world. In contrast, Scripture teaches that the world exists because God created it and rules over it, and that Jesus Himself is the divine agent of creation. Specifically, it says that “all things were created through him and for him. … and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16–17; cf. John 1:1–3). Human life is therefore accountable to God, not trapped in an impersonal system of karma.
• Jainism also rejects absolute truth, teaching that reality can only be known partially and differently by each person. But Jesus identified Himself as “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and said that God’s “word is truth” (John 17:17b). Therefore, Scripture teaches that there is an absolute truth, a truth defined by God.
• Jainism teaches that souls pass through repeated lives in order to work off guilt and suffering. The New Testament rejects the idea of reincarnation entirely. Instead, it says, “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Suffering in this life is not karma for sins from a previous life, but part of life in a fallen world under sin’s curse (Romans 8:20–22).
• Jainism teaches liberation from the cycle of rebirths through moral discipline and self-mastery. But the Bible teaches that humanity’s problem is sin (Romans 3:23). Sin is rebellion against one’s Creator and comes with the penalty of eternal death (i.e., Revelation 20:11–15). Salvation requires someone who has no sin (and thus no judgment) to die in the place of a sinner. This was the very reason that Jesus came and died. When a person repents of his or her sin and trusts in Jesus, God will count Jesus’ death on their behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21) and save them (Romans 10:9–10).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

There is no escape from this life, and there are no second chances to get things right after death. We were created to know God and to enjoy fellowship with Him. The reason we will die is because we are sinners; the judgment for sin is death (Romans 6:23a). But death doesn’t satisfy our rebellion against the infinite Creator. That is why, after an unbeliever dies, they will be separated from God forever in eternal torment and pain.

The good news is that God did not leave us to save ourselves, because we simply can’t do it. He sent His Son into the world to do what we could never do: live perfectly. Since Jesus did not sin, He did not need to die. But He willingly did so, so that He could die in place of sinners. When Jesus rose again, He proved that His death satisfied God’s wrath and that forgiveness and new life could be found only through Him. The one way you can be saved is by repenting of your sins and believing in Jesus as Scripture describes Him.

If you have never trusted in Jesus, we plead with you to do so now. You are not promised that you will be alive tomorrow and, once you die, your chance to repent will be lost forever (Hebrews 9:27).

UNDERSTAND

• Jainism teaches salvation through self-discipline, non-violence, and detachment, not through a personal God.
• Jainism believes in reincarnation and karma, with souls trapped in repeated cycles of rebirth.
• The Bible contrasts Jainism by teaching one Creator, absolute truth, no reincarnation, and salvation by God’s grace rather than human effort.

REFLECT

• Where are you tempted to rely on self-discipline or moral effort rather than trusting God’s grace to deal with sin and suffering?
• How does believing in one personal Creator who defines truth shape the way you understand meaning and accountability in your life?
• What difference does it make for you to know that this life is not a cycle of rebirths but a single opportunity to respond to God?

ENGAGE

• How does the idea of salvation by human effort compare with the Bible’s teaching that salvation is a gift of grace, and why does that difference matter for how we live?
• Why do people often find systems like karma or reincarnation appealing, and how can we respond?
• How should we speak about religions like Jainism in a way that is truthful, compassionate, and centered on Christ?