Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. He who accepts Him receives life (1 John 5:11, 12) and is assured of a future resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). If you can explain how God created man out of dust in the first place, then I will explain how He will resurrect us out of it. (Alternate Resurrection Theory #1), 14 Evidences for the Resurrection of Jesus Christand 14 References. Because God can resurrect a cremated body. If you are looking for information on funeral services, you have come to the right place. Most Americans today die as a result of cremation, not burial. I do not want to be filled with preservative but hesitate at cremation. As a result, regardless of whether cremation has any impact on resurrection, personal interpretation is all that matters. We will be entirely recognisable as ourselves, but we will be perfect. In the following sections, well look at a few Bible verses on cremation. Theres no need to be concerned if God can create life from dust and if he can restore life after death from ashes. Heres a video from Bible munch which talks about cremation and the Bible. God is equally able to raise a person's remains that have been cremated as he is the remains of a person who was not cremated. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. This question is not about the topic creamation.,but do the bible speak about people with mental health?,or is it just demons attacks? The bodies of Christians who died a thousand years ago have, by now, completely turned into dust. The entire Christian worldview hinges on whether or not Christ was physically dead and then appeared alive in the physical body that was previously deceased. Isaiah 61:3 Beauty from Ashes is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Whether any God exists is, of course, another matter. 1 Thes. Does this mean that Christs tomb did not need to be empty for his resurrection to occur? I would think that our resurrected bodies are the same if by this you mean that they are 1) physical (made out of the dust of the ground) and have essentially the same uniqueness. Some wealthy people also choose cremation as a personal preference. But I bestow all my possessions on the poor, and I burn my body, but I do not love it, he says. Following a traditional funeral service or before a memorial service, a cremation and burial can be arranged. As long as the body is buried, it remains intact. A radical procedure that involves replacing a patient's blood with cold salt water could retrieve people from the brink of death, says David Robson. Because God can resurrect a cremated body. John taught that God loved the world so much that he created the only Son. The Bible does not say that a cremated body cannot rise. Can you share some Bible promises to claim victory over fear? These are just some of the questions that come up when we ask what the Bible says about cremation. Most, or all, of the atoms in our bodies will have been replaced over that time. In the Old Testament, God gave specific instructions for preparing a body for burial (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Against that is a large body of Jewish literature that deals extensively with burial of the dead. Since God is big enough to produce a world-wide resurrection, He certainly can make a spiritual body from only a speck of dust -- or less. According to the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord is quoted as saying, Cremate his bones and scatter his ashes over the river Euphrates, after he had healed the sick. Ethics and Religion Talk. He can do whatever He pleases and certainly, He can resurrect bodies that have been burned. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. If you decide to scatter ashes, you are not prohibited by the Bible from doing so. Is Resurrected meaning? and he shall say, No. You have the option of making a decision. I answer a couple of ways: Whatever the case, todays scientific understanding of the body should cause us to be more confident that God can resurrect our bodies, even when cremated, eaten by cannibals or other animals, or integrated into an apple tree. In addition, alternative cremation options, such as direct cremation with a cremation urn, offer a full range of services. They will be whole and perfect. Gospel Q&A: How Can I Find and Foster Celestial Love? More research and thought required. The Bibles second chapter, Chapter 5:1-5 ESV, was rated 43 out of 45 stars. Indeed, even as we live now, the atoms of which we are made are continually changing and being replaced. You would not need burial plots anymore. According to the Bible practice, the bodies of the deceased were not cremated but buried in the ground or in caves (Genesis 23:19; 35:19; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Matthew 27:60-66). It may serve as a funeral or post-funeral ceremony and as an alternative to burial. He spoke everything into existence in the first place in Genesis chapters one and two when He tackled the far larger job of creating the entire universe. Some have asked me if God uses the very same physical remains and even whether He has to retrieve all the atoms of carbon and hydrogen and so on that were in our bodies when we were alive. (Although, I could be wrong. If So, Should We Pray Out Loud? All rights reserved (About Us). 2023 Funeral Direct. For example, God buried Moses himself (Deuteronomy 34:5-8; Jude 1:9). it helps to pay the bills and keeps this website running. Friends and family are gathered in a religious funeral to honor a loved one who has passed away. Found topic very interesting. 5:6-8) and their dead bodies are left behind. The body was never meant to be the stable principle of identity, that is the job of the soul. What on earth is going on? Not because I think the God who made heaven and earth and raised Jesus from the dead can't somehow restore a cremated person to full resurrected life in the new creation. July 24, 2022. However, it was sometimes used by the authorities as punishment for heretics. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, God formed us from dust and blew life into His creation, we the living beings. All organic matter return to its basic elements, the real difference . Therefore, not only is cremation forbidden, but also things such as cutting the body, tattoos and . An ash can only be buried in a cemetery or another sacred location. Your email address will not be published. The practice of cremation without ceremony (also known as direct cremation). The Orthodox religion does not directly link cremation to the general resurrection dogma, but cremation is considered a violent treatment of the body after death, and it is regarded as such extremely harshly. Can God resurrect a cremated body? The Romans and Greeks believed in an afterlife, so they began cremating their dead around 800 BCE. March 7, 2022 4L15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. In the Old Testament, cremation was used symbolically to burn away or purify unrighteousness in sinful people. If a buried body becomes dust, and a cremated body is dust, what difference can there really be in their resurrections? The ultimate responsibility for making the right decisions regarding death and cremation rest with each individual. In response to your question, cremation is not considered a sin. 17 Unbelievable Bible Secrets No One Has Ever Told You, 12 Unspoken Reasons Why You Should Not Use the New International Version (NIV) Bible, 5 Powerful and Vital Lessons from the Life of Samson, 20 Most Surprising Lessons from Psalm 91 You Probably Never Heard Of, 12 Awesome Lessons We Learn from the Healing of the Man Blind from Birth (John 9:1-41), What Does it Mean to Put your Hand on the Plow and Look Back? Furthermore, cremation is a more streamlined procedure that can help save space on the ground. As to how? We must also remember that when God will resurrect us if we are going to be part of His Kingdom, we will be resurrected as spirit beings, who will not need a physical body anymore. The topic is largely ignored by the vast majority of Christians because there are no detailed instructions for living and dying in the Old and New Testaments. Is it wrong for Christians to cremate their dead? 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. In ministry, I have often been asked about such things, including what happens to ones remains at resurrection day. The answer is yes, God can resurrect a cremated body. There are some spiritual concerns that may arise, but cremation is not viewed as a sin by the vast majority of religious denominations. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). " True devotion, the kind that is pure and faultless before God the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their difficulties .". The Church Handbook states, The family of the deceased person decides whether his or her body should be buried or cremated. In some instances, burning bodies isnt actually a burial rite, but rather a capital punishment. About UsContact UsPrayer RequestsPrivacy Policy, Latest AnswersBible LessonsBibleAsk LIVEOnline Bible. James 1:27 (CEB) Revive Israel Community is reaching out to Messianic single mothers and their young children, the widows and orphans of today. The document reaffirms a . It is not inherently pagan or disrespectful to bury someone in that manner. 13 Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. 1 Cor. Moreover, you can bring with you the ashes anywhere you go. Funerals are secular in nature because they commemorate the deceaseds life, provide comfort and support, and acknowledge their loss. Can God resurrect a cremated body? Jesus our great redeemer ate and was in the physical body prior to his departure post-resurrection. 26:19Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. What does God feel about certain situations? How Can I Overcome My Fear With Faith? Heres a quick look at some of the most common reasons why cremation is preferred by some people: [Also read: 10 Best Lessons We Learn from the Coronavirus Pandemic]. Crematory is not a sin, according to the Bible. These are the three things the Bible says about cremation. If your god can resurrect someone, they yes, he can do it. It is also less expensive because funerals and burials are not required. We are not judged for our methods of burial, nor are we condemned as a result of them. In the New Testament, cremation is not prohibited. When a person is cremated, their body is reduced to ashes through intense heat. Bodies decay in the soil or water, so even if someone is buried, it is quite possible that when the grave is dug up some centuries later, there might be little or nothing left. According to Wilsons Funeral Advice, You may have the misconception that an embalmed body within a coffin will take hundreds of years to break down and return to the earth, but this is not always so., While King Tutankhamun has remained remarkably preserved, he also had the very best of circumstances regarding his embalmment and entombment in a solid gold coffin. Are UFOs real? Although the Bible does not clearly state that this is acceptable, most religious leaders today agree that it is. God can do anything. Because God can resurrect a cremated body. When a long-life coffin, a deep burial, and an embalming procedure are used, the deceased remains preserved for a very long time. The argument is simple: bodies decompose and become part of other elements. The problem surrounds the fact that Christians are to be raised from the dead (actually, all people will be eventually) and the description of this event speaks in terms of graves being opened and giving up their dead or people raising from their current physical placement. Have You Discovered the Love of The Everyday Christ? When Josiah reached the top of Bethel, he scorched it and threw the dust away. All that happens is a hastening of the natural processes and the body is returned to the dust from whence it came. If therefore, we are body, soul and spirit, as I personally believe, when we leave this life our spirit goes to be with the Lord. Usually, the process includes using a cremation chamber or retort, which is a specially designed furnace for burning dead bodies. When Christ returns, Paul declares in Colossians 3:1-3, every body shall be raised incorruptible with glory. It means that even after death, the body will not suffer from corruption and will be restored to its original state. No. I dont believe any of my answers are comprehensive. Introduction to How to become a Christian, Distinction between Hell and Lake of Fire. Can I still go to heaven if I am cremated? The process of cremation creates 46 different types of pollution in your body. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live (John 11:25). Or profit anything. People can go to Heaven whether they prefer cremation or not. The 1 Samuel 31:12 ESV / 101 helpful votes have been recorded. In addition to representing death and repentance, the ashes represent life. People who are members of the congregation are present to guide you through the ceremony and any religious rituals that may take place. Are they angels? Can God resurrect a cremated body? A prime example (though extreme) would be a certain cannibal who kills and eats a Christian missionary and then becomes a Christian. Some were fed to the lions while others were sawn in two. However, when the spell does work, it repairs physical damage to the body and returns the dead creature's soul to the now-healthy body. I engage and disagree with the common belief that there will not be sex in heaven. Gods can do whatever their mythology says they can do. Will God resurrect the cremated people? First, many verses teach that our resurrected bodies will be the same bodies that we have now, except transformed into an immortal state.Since God does not create new bodies for us from scratch, but rather resurrects the body that dies, it is clear that we do . God made our bodies from dust, and designed our bodies to be returned to dust (Genesis 3:19). Although burning the remains of the dead is mentioned a few times in the Bible, the modern practice of cremation is not specifically addressed. Dan. Ultimately, whether a person's body was buried at sea, destroyed in combat or an accident, intentionally cremated or buried in a grave, the person will be resurrected ." He did not need to replicate it. God has already spoken it into existence. ). 5:21-1 ESV / 5 helpful votes, Christ the Savior. Most certainly. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing (I Corinthians 13:3). The decision is ultimately determined by a deceaseds personal wishes, as well as the feelings and preferences of those who make the final arrangements for him or her. So, in the final analysis, theres really no difference between burial and cremation in terms of what would become of the corpse. Being Both a Disciple & a Daughter: Balancing Formality in Prayer. We must also remember how some saints were burned at the stake. Which places a guiding and big picture context around the issue of cremation or burying a body. To answer this question easily and quickly, let me give you three points. Any faults, defects or imperfections will be gone. As a result, Joshua and His men were defeated by the soldiers of Ai. And He is certainly able to resurrect the righteous, who has been cremated, and grant him eternal life (John 1:12). Yes, cremation is a hastening of the natural processes. They all eventually integrate into other things, including, in some cases, other people. The Bible does not refer to cremation directly. Also, Abraham purchased the first family cemetery recorded in the Bible, and many of his family members were buried there (Genesis 15:15; 23:1-20; 25:9-10; 35:8,19,29; 47:29-31; 49:28-33; 50:1-14). He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger. We must also remember how some saints were burned at the stake. Thank you for your patience and continued support! On average, it takes about 1-2 hours for an adult body to be fully disintegrated. Perhaps, the biggest concern among people who ask what the Bible says about cremation is the question, Is cremation sin? This is a valid question that needs to be answered. No matter how completely destroyed, or how long ago the person lived, God is capable of giving every believer a . 1:1), God will be able to reconstruct all of our parts so that we can meet him in the air. In this post, let us answer the question, What does the Bible say about cremation?. Even if the body is completely buried, it continues to decay. Cremation is the process of disposing of a dead body through heat, fire, and evaporation. In some cases, cremation is needed or imposed by the government. 11 Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. So, cremation will not separate you from God's love and will not affect your eternal destiny. This means that a person who has been cremated will not be able to stand before God and be judged. When a person dies, he or she no longer has control over their bodies, and other people are ultimately responsible for what happens to them. As a result of the Christian belief in the physical resurrection of the body, cremation fell out of favor among Christians. According to legend, the essence of the deceased was said to have been sent to the afterlife through the smoke of their bodies. | 2 March 2023. You should attend a funeral if you knew the person who died and the funeral was open to the public. Gospel Q&A: My Children Have Left the Church & I Worry for Their Souls. Your email address will not be published. God is equally able to raise a person's remains that have been cremated as he is the remains of a person who was not cremated. Its interesting what we Christians will get wrapped around the axel about. . Funerals differ from one religion to the next. Blessings. As a result, Gods people, beginning with the people of Israel, have buried their dead and not cremated them. Others believe that cremation may hinder resurrection, as the body must be whole in order for the soul to be reunited with it. Rev. Lastly, I get commissions for purchases made through my Amazon affiliate links in this website. He can do whatever He pleases and certainly, He can resurrect bodies that have been burned. Although cremation is the final disposition of the body, some people believe that it is possible for God to resurrect a cremated body. Some Christians are upset that tattooing is prohibited in the Hebrew Bible. Gathered in a religious funeral to honor a loved one who has passed away and! Isnt actually a burial rite, but cremation is not viewed as a result regardless... 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