BGEA: When a Christian dies is it all right to cremate the body?

When a Christian dies is it all right to cremate the body?

The Bible does not give specific directions for the disposal of the body following death. Bible-era practices are described in Unger's Bible Dictionary as follows: "Interment in Bible times followed soon after death, as is evident in the narratives of the burial of Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20), Rachel (Genesis 35:19-20), and Rebekah's nurse (Genesis 35:8). The Hebrews did not normally cremate, except in most unusual cases of emergency, as in the case of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:11-13).

Later Babylonians burned their dead and deposited their ashes in ornate funerary urns, as did Greeks and Romans. Hebrews in later time, indicated by the numerous ossuaries found in New Testament Palestine, also practiced cremation."

Christians will want to show respect for the body. Even though the essential person or spirit has moved on to an eternal destiny, the body is the tangible reminder of all that person meant to us. In addition, the body is destined for resurrection, transformation, and reunion with the spirit at Christ's return.

Whether burial or cremation best expresses that appropriate respect is a very personal decision. The wishes of other close family members and friends should also be considered in any decision, because they are the ones who will live with the decision and with the memories.

At the resurrection it will not make any difference whether a person's body has been buried or cremated. God knows how to raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like the body of the exalted Christ. It will be an eternal, spiritual body never again to experience weakness, disease, suffering, or death (1 Corinthians 15:35-54 and Philippians 3:20-21).

5 Comments

Ed says 2.5.2012, 10:08 a.m.

A god as powerful as Our God can surely put the ashes back together, even if they are scattered to the 4 winds.

Karen says 1.19.2012, 12:36 a.m.

Cremation is no different then if someone was burned to death in an accident. The same thing if someone was eaten by a shark. What about all the bodies that were burned in the terrorist attack of 911. Absent from the body present with the Lord.

Gina says 12.12.2011, 4:40 p.m.

I believe since the bible in fact does not give specific directions, that is stated above that it is a personal decision. Since GOD can do ALL...he will have no problem finding our ashes. For NOTHING is impossible with GOD!

Janet says 5.1.2011, 1:04 p.m.

I am concerned about cremation for a different reason. I truly don't want to be embalmed and I feel the money spent on funerals is added stress to an already stressful time. I am concerned about the Bible's teaching about burial. But I wonder about Christians who have died in a fire, or an explosion. Their body is destroyed. I believe that God will raise them even though their body was destroyed during their earthly life. If that is the case, then it seems cremation shouldn't be a problem. I am struggling with this as Barbara is, for a different reason. I, too, would appreciate any thoughts on this matter. Thank you and God Bless you.

barbara says 4.23.2011, 8:42 p.m.

I am truly concerned about cremation. Jesus seemed to say that burial of the actual body is the way. How will HE find ashes? HE says the dead in Christ will rise and join Him in the air - how can I find the actual answer to the care of the dead body?? I am really concerned. I would prefer a service in the church with my body there in a casket and then a graveside service with my loved ones there to say goodbye. Isn't this the God way ??? Please answer me. Thank you.