Part 4
The chief priests and elders of the people, armed with swords and clubs, arrive to arrest Jesus. As they grab Jesus, one of his disciples draws his sword, cutting off the ear of one of the high priest�s slaves. Jesus reacts immediately: "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." We all know that murderers do not necessarily die violently in the present life. Jesus is teaching his disciples that violent behavior in this life will eventually be met with violence, in this life or a future one. Common sense tells us that not all people who live "by the sword" will die by the sword. This statement can only be true if meant in the context of a future life. If in this life you "live by the sword", you will most certainly die, if not in the same life but a future life, "by the sword". In fact, this concept is the ancient doctrine of "karma" as it is known in the East where reincarnation is the foundation of reality. Here are some other Biblical references to this concept:
Violent actions create negative karma. However, all souls have the opportunity to transmute this violent karma�before it manifests�through loving service to others. Negative karma stored within our energy field is temporary and can be transformed by exercising forgiveness and loving service. Only positive karma is stored eternally. Positive karma becomes "the stars in our crown" celebrated in an old gospel hymn.
