CLAIM: Paul writes, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7). New Age teachers claim that this passage supports the concept of karmic law. Is this the case?

RESPONSE: The context disagrees with karmic law. First of all, Paul writes, “the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (v.8). Reincarnationists claim that the soul transmigrates from human to human (New Age thought) or from insect, animal, to human (Hindu thought). However, Paul teaches that we will gain “eternal life” or “corruption.” This doesn’t fit with the concept of reincarnation.

Second, the context of this passage is verse 6, which refers to financial giving to Christian teachers (“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him”). Thus, we hold that we will reap “eternal life” for others—not ourselves. Verses 9 and 10 explain that we can reap a harvest by doing good; the context clearly being financial giving (v.6). By giving financially to the cause of Christ, we will impact others eternally (Lk. 16:9; 1 Thess. 2:19-20).