Is reincarnation biblical?

TL;DR:

Reincarnation—the belief in a soul’s repeated cycle of birth, life, and death in new bodies or forms—is common in many Eastern religions and New Age philosophies. Scripture teaches that human life is singular, followed by judgment, and that the soul’s eternal destiny is determined by faith in Jesus Christ. Reincarnation is not biblical.

what does the bible say?

The Bible wholly contradicts the idea of reincarnation, affirming that human life is singular and unique. Hebrews 9:27 declares, "It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." This verse establishes a definitive sequence for life, death, and eternity, leaving no room for the cyclical rebirths described in reincarnation. After death, the soul faces one of two eternal outcomes: eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him. Jesus states in Matthew 25:46, "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life," emphasizing the finality of judgment.

from the old testament

Genesis 2:7 recounts how God breathed life into Adam, affirming His direct involvement in creating individual lives.
The Bible describes the creation of each human soul as a unique act of God. Psalm 139:13 proclaims, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb." This personal, intentional creation rejects the notion of pre-existing souls repeatedly inhabiting new bodies.
Psalm 139:16: "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me." God created each person and has a predetermined plan for each human life, not a cycle of rebirth.
Ecclesiastes 12:7: "The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." Death is a one-time occurrence.

from the new testament

In Jesus’s account of Lazarus and the rich man, Abraham declares that "a great chasm has been fixed" between the afterlife’s two eternal destinations, ruling out any possibility of returning to earthly life (Luke 16:26).
When some speculated that Jesus is the reincarnation of John the Baptist or Elijah, He rejected these notions and affirmed Peter’s declaration that He is "the Christ" (Mark 8:27–29).
In Revelation 21:1, John describes the new heavens and new earth as the final eternal dwelling for believers, emphasizing the singularity of life and God’s ultimate restoration. The promise of the new heavens, the new earth, and eternal life with God surpasses any cycle of rebirth. As Revelation 21:4 declares, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

implications for today

The belief in reincarnation exposes humanity’s deep yearning for renewal and continuity. While these desires are understandable, reincarnation offers a false hope. The Bible teaches that renewal is not found in endless cycles of life and death, but in the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection. Through faith in Jesus, believers are promised eternal life, free from sin and suffering (John 3:16). Reincarnation undermines core biblical truths about God’s sovereignty, the uniqueness of human life, and the finality of judgment. Christians must gently but confidently point those who believe in reincarnation to the hope of eternal life through Christ, which surpasses the uncertainty and repetition implied by reincarnation. This causes us to take seriously how we live today. The Bible teaches that there is no second chance after death; how we live now matters for both this life and eternity. Hebrews 9:27 emphasizes that "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment," reinforcing the finality of our earthly lives and the importance of our decisions today. Through faith in Christ, we are offered the certainty of eternal life, but this opportunity is not indefinite—it must be embraced in this lifetime. Christians must point others to the urgency of this truth, reminding them that the way we live now shapes our eternal future and that God’s grace is offered to us in this life, not through endless rebirths.

understand

The Bible teaches life is singular, with no reincarnation after death.
God uniquely creates each soul, and death is a one-time event.
Jesus offers eternal life, not a cycle of rebirth.

reflect

How does the Bible’s teaching on the finality of life influence how you view your decisions and their eternal impact?
How can we live in light of God’s sovereignty and His purposes for our lives?
How can embracing the certainty of eternal life through Christ help you focus on spiritual growth, rather than worldly cycles of life and death?

engage

How does the belief in reincarnation challenge or reinforce ideas about God and His purposes for humanity?
How does the Bible’s teaching on judgment after death impact how we approach evangelism and conversations with others about salvation?
How can we share the message of eternal life through Christ in a way that meets the needs of those who believe in reincarnation?