Contrasting Comparisons

Recently the topic of reincarnation and resurection came up in another blog that I like to visit some times. In addition I had recently watched a horror flick which included the spiritual system of reincarnation. Also, I remember having had it come up in conversations prior to these events. So anyway, I though about things and here is what I came up with concerning the question/statement...for now.

"Aren't reincarnation supported in scripture? They both deal with rebirth. Aren't they the same? Can't they be used to link the two ancient "religions"?"

Their are only two types of instances in scripture where reincarnation might have been applicable. The first being in reference to being reborn of the Holy Spirit. The second being instances of resurections such as Lazarus, Jesus, or the kid that fell asleep and then fell out of the window, I can't remember which story that was. Possibly even certain verses in Revelations in regards to resurection could be used to attempt a match between the two concepts.

In John 3:3-6 it says, "In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born from above." "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."

To be "reborn" in a scripture sense is to be reborn of the spirit not of the body. Specifically the Holy Spirit which is God comes to live with and within us. Our old "dirty" spirits are then essentially owned (and over time cleaned up and operated by) the Holy Spirit. Giving us a new life and one that is closer to God. The initial rebirth (including salvation) is instantainous while the change itself can be rather slow. The requirement stated is that one must be reborn of the Spirit not of his/her own spirit and not of flesh in any sense.

Now, as for the issue of the resurrection the difference would be, essentially, that reincarnation dictates that you will basically be recycled according to your life and then set back in place in a new form/body while resurection states that you will not come back as another person or thing on earth. That you are, upon death, to be passed to the next state of life which is for all intent and purpose the last one. In this instance the definition of the two concepts alone should be enough to seperate the them so I haven't provided scripture. If I have missed something or have not been thorough enough please say so. I just didn't want to get another uber long post like the one a few days ago.

(I'd like to be more versed in larger spiritual ideas like karma verses salvation and though I could just take a crack at it I don't feel ready to do so with any accuracy. Some other time.)