Throughout history, there have been various individuals who have claimed to be Jesus Christ reincarnated. In recent years, several people around the world have made this claim. How should Christians respond when faced with someone declaring they are the reincarnation of Jesus?
First, it is important for Christians to evaluate such claims carefully in light of what the Bible teaches. The Bible makes it clear that Jesus died, was buried, and bodily rose again – once and for all (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). The book of Hebrews says “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” and “he will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28). This indicates that Jesus lived, died, and rose again once, and will return again in the future – there is no mention of Him reincarnating.
In addition, passages like 1 Timothy 2:5 state there is only “one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” Jesus serves as the one and only Savior and mediator, not multiple Christs through reincarnation. Based on Scripture, the idea of Jesus being reborn into different physical bodies repeatedly contradicts biblical teaching.
When confronted with someone claiming to be the reincarnation of Jesus, Christians should test their teachings and actions against what Scripture says about the real Jesus. For instance, Colossians 1:15-20 describes Christ as completely divine, existing before anything was created and sustaining all of creation by His power. Any alleged reincarnation of Jesus that does not line up with the divine nature of Christ described in the Bible cannot be accurate.
Christians should also look at the lifestyle and character of the person making this claim. The real Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15), humble (Philippians 2:5-8), and deeply committed to serving others (Matthew 20:28). If someone assertively boasts of being Jesus reincarnated but lives in contradiction to the biblical portrayal of Christ’s character, it is safe to conclude their claims are false.
Additionally, Christians can look at the doctrine and beliefs being spread by those claiming to be Jesus reincarnated. Do their teachings align with the truths of Scripture, or do they promote false doctrines? The real Jesus affirmed the truth of the Old Testament Scriptures (John 5:39) and His teachings always aligned with biblical revelation. He would never contradict His own Word. So if a “reincarnated Jesus” is spreading false teachings or denying sound biblical truth, it is clear they are not the real Jesus.
When interacting with someone claiming to be Jesus reborn, Christians should approach them with kindness, yet firmness. This begins by clarifying from Scripture why the idea of Jesus’ reincarnation is unbiblical. Point them to passages showing Jesus died once-and-for-all and rose again bodily, not to be reincarnated. Yet even when speaking truth, God calls believers to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and correct opponents with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:25). Harshness or ridicule have no place in Christian witness.
Christians can also point to biblical criteria for true prophets that any alleged modern day “Jesus” fails to meet. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 presents the Bible test for exposing false prophets – if any prophecy or teaching fails to come true or align with God’s Word, they are false. Those claiming to be Jesus reborn inevitably promote views contradicting the Bible, failing the test of a true prophet.
Additionally, Christians can challenge those who say they are Jesus reincarnated to live in the power of the real Jesus. Rather than empty boasts, true Christ-like character produces good works (Matthew 7:15-20). And miraculous signs accompanied Jesus’ ministry, such as healings and authority over demonic spirits (Matthew 4:23-24). If no accompanying works of the Holy Spirit authenticate their claims, it reveals they do not possess Christ’s true power.
In some cases, people claiming to be Jesus may suffer from mental illness and make these assertions out of psychological disturbance rather than deception. If this appears to be the case, they need professional help, prayerful support, and gentle direction to proper treatment. Their deluded claims still have no validity – but Christians should respond with compassion, not condemnation, while guiding them to get appropriate care.
Above all, when someone claims to be Jesus reincarnated, point them to the Jesus revealed in Scripture who offers salvation, redemption, and eternal life (John 3:16). The real Jesus can transform hearts in a way no imitator can. Calmly share the gospel truth that eternal life comes through trusting in Christ alone. The light of the real Jesus dispels false ones.
In summary, Christians encountering claims of Jesus’ reincarnation should evaluate them against the teaching of the Bible, test the lifestyle and doctrine of claimants, and respond with both compassion and firm correction. The one true Jesus, revealed in Scripture, has made a once-for-all sacrifice for sin and offers eternal life – something no reincarnated Jesus could ever do.