Part 2 – En-Joy Ministries
by Pastor Barron Greenwalt

Hinduism, with an estimated one billion adherents, stands as one of the world’s oldest and most diverse spiritual traditions. It encompasses a vast array of beliefs and practices, ranging from devotion to multiple deities to philosophical reflections on ultimate reality, with no single unified creed binding all followers. At its core, however, are shared concepts like karma—a cause-and-effect principle where the consequences of a person’s thoughts, words, and actions shape their future experiences, often summed up as “you reap what you sow” in the natural order of the universe.

Hindus also hold to samsara, the recurring cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This endless process continues until the soul attains moksha, or liberation, through righteous living, acquiring wisdom, and breaking free from the accumulated effects of past wrongdoings. Achieving this freedom is profoundly challenging, often spanning multiple lifetimes, as even revered figures like Mahatma Gandhi acknowledged the difficulty of fully overcoming karma’s grip.

These themes—birth, death, rebirth, the soul’s quest for freedom, righteous living, gaining wisdom, breaking free from past burdens, and the impact of thoughts, words, and actions—offer rich parallels with Christian teachings. They provide natural bridges for sharing the gospel, inviting Hindus to see how Jesus Christ fulfills these deep longings in a transformative way.

Consider the practical wisdom in the Book of James, which echoes Hindu emphases on controlling one’s speech and actions. James describes the mature believer as one who tames the tongue: “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check” (James 3:2, NIV). Similarly, the apostle Paul urges believers to put off the old self and put on the new, renewing the mind: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2, NIV).

At the heart of the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which made salvation possible—we were bought with the price of His precious blood (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 1 Peter 1:18–19). Through faith in Him, we experience a spiritual rebirth: “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again'” (John 3:3, NIV). This rebirth frees us from the bondage of sin and grants eternal presence with the Lord: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). Our souls are made alive in Christ, as Ephesians 2:4–5 declares: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

For those seeking freedom from karma’s cycle, the Bible proclaims: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36, NIV). Righteous living flows from this freedom: “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22, NIV). Wisdom is readily available: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5, NIV). Overcoming sin and the old self is assured: “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin” (Romans 6:6–7, NIV).

Actions matter deeply in both traditions, as James reminds us: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17, NIV). Adoption into God’s family brings true sonship: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father'” (Romans 8:15, NIV). Supernatural discernment overcomes ignorance: “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things” (1 Corinthians 2:14–15, NIV).

These scriptural truths highlight the transformative power of Christ and can bridge conversations, opening doors for Hindus to encounter the gospel’s hope of immediate liberation through Jesus, rather than endless cycles.

Finally, we must confront the harsh reality of caste discrimination, which persists in many Hindu-influenced societies and divides people based on birth. The Bible cuts through such barriers with a radical call to equality: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NIV). This verse proclaims universal love and justice; in Christ, distinctions of race, rank, or status neither hinder fellowship nor grant privileges. It is a powerful antidote to injustice and a summons to unity, which is impossible where discrimination thrives based on culture, social standing, or other differences.

Scripture affirms there is only one race of humanity—we all descend from Adam, sharing one blood: “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26, NKJV). We are all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), bearing inherent dignity and worth. Jesus Christ Himself was fully man, yet His conception came not from human sperm but through the Holy Spirit, ensuring His blood was uncorrupted by sin: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35, NKJV). This divine incarnation ties creation, the cross, and redemption together—Adam’s fall corrupted humanity’s bloodline, but Christ’s virgin birth and sinless blood reversed the curse, offering salvation to all (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Jesus’ Unique Virgin Birth: A Fulfillment Beyond Avatars

In Hinduism, an avatar (meaning “descent”) is the deliberate incarnation of a deity—most often Vishnu—taking physical form on earth to restore righteousness (dharma), defeat evil, and protect the good. The most well-known are the ten primary avatars (Dashavatara), including Rama, Krishna, and the future Kalki. These divine descents are seen as compassionate interventions in human history, yet they occur repeatedly within the cycle of ages and do not provide final atonement for sin.

Hinduism features stories of divine incarnations (avatars) of gods like Vishnu, often with miraculous elements in their births. For instance, Krishna’s conception involved divine intervention, where Vishnu placed his essence in Devaki’s womb to protect him from evil, leading to a birth under extraordinary circumstances. Similarly, Rama’s birth in the Ramayana is seen as divinely ordained, with his mother Kausalya conceiving through a sacred ritual. These narratives emphasize the gods descending to earth to restore dharma (cosmic order), appearing in human form while retaining divine nature.

However, these Hindu avatars differ profoundly from the Christian virgin birth of Jesus. In Hinduism, avatars are cyclical manifestations of the divine within the illusion of maya, often involving human parents and serving temporary purposes like defeating evil in a particular age. They do not atone for humanity’s sin but exemplify moral living amid karma’s cycles.

In contrast, Jesus’ virgin birth is a singular, historical miracle foretold in prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) and fulfilled through the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary (Luke 1:35). This ensured Jesus was fully God and fully man, with sinless blood uncorrupted by Adam’s fall—essential for His role as the eternal substitute for all humanity. As Hebrews 10:5 states, God prepared a body for Him, free from inherited sin, to reverse the curse: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22, NKJV). Unlike avatars who reincarnate repeatedly, Jesus’ incarnation ties creation, the cross, and redemption: Adam’s sin corrupted the bloodline (Romans 5:12), but Christ’s virgin-born, precious blood (1 Peter 1:18–19) offers immediate, eternal liberation—not through works or cycles, but by grace. This virgin birth parallel invites respectful dialogue: Affirm the wonder of divine appearances in Hinduism, then share how Jesus’ unique birth provides assurance of forgiveness and sonship with God (Romans 8:15), breaking free from endless rebirth into eternal life.

Jesus calls us to care for all people, as in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (NIV). Serving the marginalized is equivalent to serving Jesus; neglecting them is neglecting Him. This demands we reject caste divisions and embrace all as image-bearers of God.

Additional passages reinforce this: Jesus commands, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35, NIV). James warns against favoritism: “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism… If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1–4, NIV). And the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates crossing cultural and social divides to show mercy, challenging us to love our neighbors without prejudice.

Key Theological Differences We Cannot Compromise

1. The Identity of God
   Christianity teaches one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Hinduism varies widely, from polytheism with millions of deities to monism where ultimate reality (Brahman) is impersonal and all else illusion. We affirm the personal, triune God who created and redeems.
2. The Nature of Man and Sin
   Hinduism views humanity trapped in illusion (maya), with sin as ignorance leading to karma and reincarnation. The Bible teaches we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) but fallen through Adam’s sin, inheriting a sinful nature (Romans 5:12–14; Psalm 51:5), requiring redemption, not endless cycles.
3. The Way of Salvation
   Hinduism seeks moksha through paths like karma, jnana (knowledge), or bhakti (devotion), often over lifetimes. Christianity proclaims salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 8:16–17), offering immediate assurance and eternal life. Moksha (or Mukti) is a key concept in Indian religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, meaning liberation, release, or salvation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) and the bondage of karma, leading to eternal bliss, freedom, or union with the divine. It’s the ultimate spiritual goal, achieved by overcoming ignorance, desires, and material attachments, resulting in a state beyond suffering and finite existence. 
4. The Person and Work of Jesus
   Hinduism may respect Jesus as an avatar or guru, but not as the unique Son of God. The Bible declares Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14), who died for sins, rose again, and is the only way to the Father (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Creation, incarnation, and the cross are interconnected: Adam’s fall corrupted the bloodline, but Christ’s virgin birth provided sinless blood for atonement (Hebrews 10:5; 1 Peter 1:18–19).

Practical, Respectful Ways to Share the Gospel

Even with these irreconcilable differences, the Lord still opens doors of witness:

• Begin with genuine relationship and respect
  Hindus deeply value family and hospitality. Share meals, ask sincere questions, and listen well.
• Use shared values like righteousness and wisdom
  Affirm the pursuit of dharma (right living) and point to Christ as its fulfillment: “I admire your commitment to righteous actions. May I share how Jesus frees us from sin’s cycle through His grace?”
• Highlight the assurance of salvation
  Gently ask, “How certain are you of achieving moksha?” Contrast reincarnation’s uncertainty with the Holy Spirit’s assurance (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13).
• Address caste with biblical equality
  “I respect your cultural heritage, but in Christ, all are one—made in God’s image with equal dignity. Let’s read Galatians 3:28 together.”
• Offer to explore Scriptures together
  Many Hindus revere sacred texts; suggest reading the Gospel of John, noting parallels like the Word (John 1:1) and Brahman. (the ultimate, impersonal divine reality in Hindu philosophy—eternal, infinite, and the source of all existence).

• Pray with confidence
  Intercede that the Spirit reveals Christ’s liberating power (John 6:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

Closing Charge

We do not have to pretend the differences are small—they are eternal in consequence. Yet we are called to proclaim the exclusive, saving truth of Jesus Christ with clarity and compassion. The same Paul who boldly declared “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12) is the same Paul who became “all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

In 1 Corinthians 9:19–22, Paul explains this missionary heart: Though personally free from doubt or hesitation about what is morally right, he willingly limited his own freedoms and adapted to the customs and perspectives of others—not to compromise truth, but to remove unnecessary barriers so that more might hear and receive the gospel. Without ever violating biblical standards, he entered their world as fully as possible, all for the sake of winning souls to Christ.

May the Lord give us wisdom to speak the truth without arrogance, love without compromise, and boldness without fear—for the glory of Christ and the salvation of many precious Hindu souls.

In His joy and service,
Pastor Barron Greenwalt
En-Joy Ministries