Our guide in Myanmar explained that Myanmar (formerly Burma) is the most religious Buddhist country in the world. This is in terms of the proportion of monks in the population and the proportion of income spent on religion.
A Buddhist’s ultimate spiritual goal is nirvana. The various schools of Buddhism understand nirvana in different ways, but they generally agree that nirvana is not a place. It is a state of existence.
We learned that Buddhists seek to be reincarnated over and over again, until they reach nirvana—a state of peace, joy, contentment, freedom from suffering and freedom from the power of lust and evil in our lives.
Can a Christian experience nirvana? This is the way I see it: When a person surrenders his life to Jesus Christ he/she becomes saved for all eternity, and at that time receives the Holy Spirit. Along with the Holy Spirit comes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Eternal life in Christ occurs the moment of our surrender. The potential for nirvana is then available to every Christian.
When Christians experience physical death and pass from this life, they then enter into the presence of Almighty God and fully experience heaven–a state of existence even better than nirvana.
Can a person be reincarnated into an animal or insect? We were told that Buddhists from Myanmar believe a human can only be reincarnated into another human being, never an animal. Apparently, Buddhists and Hindus in some countries believe humans can be reincarnated into animals or insects. Our guide explained that in some countries people don’t wear shoes for fear of stepping on an insect that might be someone’s relative.
- Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28
- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
- Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:16-17
- ONLY ONE LIFE – Lyrics by C.T. Studd, circa 1900; Lyrics updated and arranged by Kathleen; Music by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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