Contrary to some beliefs, the Bible describes time as linear. You see, some people view time as cyclical—series of events that eventually are reborn and repeat. This is where ideas like reincarnation occur. Reincarnation literally means to “incarnate again.” That is, reincarnation is a “rebirth” into a new body of flesh and blood. In most contexts, this refers to the post death cycle of a soul returning in a new body. In some circles, memories of a person's past life also can return.
In some views, reincarnation isn't limited to just human souls or experiences. Meaning, animal souls can reincarnate as well. For example, some believe that a dog's soul can reincarnate into another dog. Some even will go as far to say that a human's soul can reincarnate into an animal.
These beliefs presuppose that time is an endless continuum They view life like a wheel of endless revolutions or turns. For example, Buddhists believe in "The Bhavachakra"—the continuous cycle of birth, life, and death. This makes for some really interesting movies and TV shows, but is this really how time works?
The Bible actually describes time very differently. It likens time to a race that is ran linearly. There is a beginning and a middle portion, but even more-so, there is an end goal. There is a culmination of time as we know it. At the end, there will be a transition from time in history into time in eternity where we will receive new, immortal bodies.
1 Corinthians 15:24 says, "Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power." This points to an ending of time. But let's get even more specific.
Luke 23 describes Jesus' crucifixion, and the specific fact that He was crucified between two thieves. One thief was mocking Christ, but the other thief repented. In verse 43, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus didn't say, "Truly I tell you, you will be reborn and have another chance at a better life on earth."
The fact is, time is moving linearly to an end point. At the end of time, there will be a transition from time in history to time in eternity. Time does not repeat. It perpetually advances. It constantly marches forward.
Time is Moving. The question is, are you?