What does the Bible say about cremation?

With the cost of funeral expenses rising today, many people choose cremation instead of burial. However, it is not unusual for Christians to have concerns about cremation. Believers want to be sure that the practice is biblical. This study offers a Christian perspective, presenting arguments for and against cremation.

The Bible and cremation
Interestingly, there is no specific teaching on cremation in the Bible. Although accounts of cremations can be found in the Bible, the practice was not common or accepted at all among ancient Jews. Burial was the acceptable method of disposing of corpses among the Israelites.

Ancient Jews most likely rejected cremation because of its close resemblance to the prohibited practice of human sacrifice. Furthermore, since the pagan nations surrounding Israel practiced cremation, it was closely linked to paganism, giving Isreal another reason to reject it.

The Old Testament records numerous cases of cremation of Jewish bodies, but always in unusual circumstances. In the Hebrew Scriptures cremation is usually presented in a negative light. Fire was associated with judgment, so it would be difficult for the Israelites to relate cremation to positive meaning.

Most of the key people in the Old Testament were buried. Those who were burned to death were receiving punishment. It was considered a disgrace to the people of Israel not to receive proper burial.

The custom of the early church was to bury a corpse immediately after death, followed by a memorial service three days later. The believers chose the third day as an affirmation of faith in the resurrection of Christ and in the future resurrection of all believers. Nowhere in the New Testament is there a cremation record for a believer.

Today, traditional Jews are forbidden by law to practice cremation. Eastern Orthodox confessions and some Christian fundamentals do not allow cremation.

The Islamic faith also prohibits cremation.

What happens during cremation?
The word cremation derives from the Latin word "crematus" or "cremate" which means "to burn". During the cremation process, human remains are placed in a wooden box and then in a crematorium or furnace. They are heated to temperatures between 870-980 ° C or 1600-2000 ° F until the remains are reduced to bone fragments and ashes. The bone fragments are then processed in a machine until they resemble coarse, light gray sand.

Arguments against cremation
Some Christians object to the cremation practice. Their arguments are based on the biblical concept that one day the bodies of those who died in Christ will be resurrected and reunited with their souls and spirits. This teaching assumes that if a body has been destroyed by fire, it is impossible for him to rise again later and rejoin the soul and spirit:

It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but will be elevated to live forever. Our bodies are buried in the fracture, but will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but will be increased in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but will be raised as spiritual bodies. Just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.

... So when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? " (1 Corinthians 15: 35-55, excerpt from verses 42-44; 54-55, NLT)
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a strong command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet called by God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:16, NIV)
Practical points against cremation
Unless the cremated remains are buried in a perpetual care graveyard, there will be no permanent marker or place to honor and commemorate the life and death of the deceased for generations to come.
If inurned, the cremated remains can be lost or stolen. It is important to consider where and by whom they will be kept, as well as what will happen to them in the future.
Arguments for cremation
Just because a body was destroyed by fire does not mean that one day God cannot resurrect it in the newness of life, to reunite it with the soul and spirit of the believer. If God could not do it, then all believers who died in a fire are hopeless of receiving their heavenly bodies.

All bodies of flesh and blood eventually decay and become like dust in the earth. Cremation simply speeds up the process. God is certainly capable of providing a resurrected body to those who have been cremated. The celestial body is a new spiritual body and not the old body of flesh and blood.

Practical points in favor of cremation
Cremation can be less expensive than burial.
In certain circumstances, when family members wish to delay the memorial service, cremation allows for greater flexibility in scheduling a later date.
The idea of ​​allowing the body to decay into the ground is offensive to some people. Sometimes quick and clean fire disposal is preferred.
The deceased or family members may wish the cremated remains to be placed or scattered in a significant position. While sometimes this is an important reason for choosing cremation, further considerations should be made first: will there also be a permanent place to honor and commemorate the life of the deceased? For some, it is crucial to have a physical indicator, a place that will mark the life and death of your loved one for generations to come. If the cremated remains are to be inert, it is important to consider where and by whom they will be stored, as well as what will happen to them in the future. For this reason, it may be preferable to have the cremated remains buried in a perpetual care cemetery.
Cremation vs. Burial: a personal decision
Family members often have strong feelings about how they want to be put to rest. Some Christians are firmly against cremation, while others much prefer burial. The reasons are varied, but generally private and very significant.

How you want to be put to rest is a personal decision. It is important to discuss your wishes with your family and also know the preferences of your family members. This will make preparations for the funeral a little easier for everyone involved.