window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like the body of the exalted Christ. How does the Bible describe the glorified bodies we will possess in Heaven? The fact that a body is cremated does not make it impossible or difficult for God to resurrect that body. When we are united by faith with Jesus Christ, we are adopted into Gods family (Romans 8:1517). There is a compelling story that may ease your mind, which includes words spoken by Jesus in Luke 9:59-60. There are two main ways the Scriptures indicate this. While cremation was common among Romans and Greeks, Christians soon started to bury their dead, just like the Jews had always done. 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). When cremation was practiced, it showed contempt for the person (e.g., Achan, who disobeyed God and brought defeat to the Israelitessee Joshua 7:25). Cremated bodies become part of the air and ash and buried bodies become part of the ground and plant life. Asides from that, if the occasion warrants it be done, it can also be done anywhere and for anyone who chooses that way. Cremation was practiced in ancient times, but it was not practiced by those in the Old or New Testaments except on rare occasions (Leviticus 20:14; 1 Some feel that its disrespectful or that it deprives the family of the sense of closure that comes from viewing the body in the casket. It is only John 5:28-29 that says a persons body must be raised up in order to be judged by God. God is equally able to raise a persons remains that have been cremated as he is the remains of a person who was not cremated. But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went 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. Published: Jun. I know the graves will open up when the Lord comes back for his church. WebAt the resurrection it will not make any difference whether a persons body has been buried or cremated. Grand Rapids. Misconception: In Bible times, only people in Gods disfavor were burned after death. In summary, the Bible does not explicitly state whether a cremated body can rise or not. Read on to learn more. Grand Rapids. Health officials advised it because of the tendency to seep out various infections into the soil while the bodies decomposed, hence not halting the spread of the virus. It is only John 5:28-29 that says a persons body must be raised up in order to be judged by God. However if that is not the case and decisions need to made for her then I feel you must first ask yourself this, is this for them, or for me? (function() { Grand Rapids. God has plans for our post resurrected Souls whichthe will be with Him forever. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The breath of life made him a living soul. The intention of our actions is what counts, and only God tracks those. This is because the body is completely destroyed by fire, and it cannot be resurrected as it is not possible for God to create something out of nothing. In Matthew 27:52-53, Jesus is resurrected after being buried for three days and then coming out of his tomb. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that a cremated body cant rise during the second coming of Christ. God knows how to raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). There is no Biblical precedent for cremation. You cant very well accept Christ as your savior if you are dead. The Bible does not say that a cremated body cannot rise. The fact that a body is cremated does not make it impossible or difficult for God to resurrect that body. God is equally able to raise a persons remains that have been cremated as he is the remains of a person who was not cremated. Anyone saying otherwise is reading their preferences into the scriptures. So much so that some crematoria (where cremation of corpses takes place) were overwhelmed in Northern Italy, and were running beyond maximum capacity. The cost of these biodegradable urns is around $500. WebThe Christian Tradition of Cremation Why a Cremated Body Doesnt Rise in the Bible . Io n is have you ever accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Trees hold great symbolism and meaning across many different cultures. The fact that a body is cremated does not make it impossible or difficult for God to resurrect that body. The resurrection of the body will occur at the end of the age when Christ returns. Examples include firefighters, soldiers whose bodies are destroyed in the line of duty, people who are lost at sea, or bodies thatare burned due to contagious diseases. The Catholic Church treats I think it was St. Joan of Arc as a Saint. WebAt the resurrection it will not make any difference whether a persons body has been buried or cremated. My question(s) that have to do with their burial are: Its a seminary professor and pastor describing what the Bible says on the issue. WebThe Bible does not say that a cremated body will rise in Heaven. In 1997, it was determined that the funeral service could be performedafter the cremation of thebody. Cremated bodies become part of the air and ash and buried bodies become part of the ground and plant life. Hence the notion to live, die, and be buried like Christ, as nobody wants to be ruled out of resurrection when Christ comes to take up the saints, as said in the book of revelations. It doesnt give an avenue for the loved ones to correctly say their goodbyes, and the burning might prove a terrible sight for them. Genesis 3:19 - In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. In fact, the Bible says that Jesus rose from the dead after being dead for three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40). In addition to this, many also feel that cremation would hinder the resurrection power when Jesus would come for his beloved and the grave would open up for the dead to rise. A traditional funeral can often cost around $8,000 to $10,000 while the average cost of cremation is $1,500 to $2,500. Cremation, according to science, is an irreversible reaction. We might as well say it gives a visual representation of hell in their eyes, and hell is a place reserved for sinners, and it might represent that such a person is taking rewards of their evil deed on earth before journeying to the life beyond. In many ways, a trees life cycle mirrors the human experience. God is equally able to raise a persons remains that have been cremated as he is the remains of a person who was not cremated. Its true that burial was the common practice in the Bible, and cremation was rare. To honor GOD who created us! 3) another national military cemetary has been located closer to family and in our homestate. The Bible does not specifically address the issue of cremation, but it does state that the dead will be resurrected (John 5:28-29). But God is able to bring together whatever has been scattered: And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens (Mark 13:27). The Bible places emphasis on burial in caves, tombs, or under the earth as the most common method of disposition as in Genesis 23:19 35:4; 2, Chronicles 16:14, and Matthew 27:60-66. They all eventually integrate into other things, including, in June 1, 2004 My son passed and he was a young man. God knows how to raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). WebAt the resurrection, it will not make any difference whether a persons body has been cremated or buried. We become joint heirs with Christ; we inherit the promise of heaven and eternal life. I am not saying everyone should but it was healing for me. Bceefore the Second Coming, I plan on being cremated. on: function(evt, cb) { Thank You They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. However, some Christians believe that the dead rise from the dead. The National Funeral Directors Associationexpects the trend shifting from burial toward cremation to continue over the next 20 years, with the projected rate of cremation reaching 78.8% of deaths by 2035. It then reappeared again in the fifth and sixth centuries. Second, throughout the Bible, people treated the human body with great respect and often showed deep concern regarding a dead persons remains, as can be seen in Genesis 49:29-31. You can rest confidently knowing that you are safe in Christ and cremation wont change that. I know if cremation was the true issue, Jesus would have brought it up. The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like the body of the exalted Christ. WebWhen the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, Up, make us gods who shall go before us. The Church Handbook states, The family of the deceased person decides whether his or her body should be buried or cremated. Wow, what a painful process, some might think. This does not necessarily mean that cremation is not an acceptable method of burial. This is certainly true in the case of Gods family. In fact, the Bible says that Jesus rose from the dead after being dead for three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40). WebWhere does the Bible say a cremated body can't rise? WebTherefore, the fact that a body has been cremated would not prevent Him from resurrecting us. The question of burial or cremation is within the realm of Christian freedom. He maybe can't tell you where it is in the bible because it's not there to find! In another instance,Achan and his familywere stoned to death and then cremated when Achan deliberated committed the sin of taking the spoil of the battle of Jericho. Would that preclude them from resurrection? Does the Bible Say a Cremated Body Cant Rise? It is only John 5:28-29 that says a persons body must be raised up in order to be judged by God. 2023 BGEA The question of burial or cremation is within the realm of Christian freedom. There's no life in there at all, therefore cremation cannot result in someone going to hell!! For example, Abraham purchased a burial ground for himself and Sarah. To a certain extent, they can make a strong case for their contention. Achan was caught in possession of some of these accursed things. They all eventually integrate into other things, including, in This idea is not a part of the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead. Within a few hours, the body is reduced to bone fragments. Remember Romans 8:38-39 that gives you assurance that there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. To know what I know now. Visiting remains do no good to no one. Many of the heathen nations around the Israelites traditionally cremated their dead. Some may be kept in the family, mixed with paint, added into a coral structure, thrown into the sea, or even still interred. Is resurrection possible if cremated remains are scattered? These cremains are then placed in a plastic bag inside an urn and returned to the loved ones family. To a certain extent, they can make a strong case for their contention. FatherGod. Asides from cases of emergencies, cremation is still widely practiced in some countries of the world, most notably India, due to their practice of Hinduism and Buddhism. Ultimately, it depends on the personal wishes of the deceased or, if no wishes were left, the feelings and preferences of those making decisions for their final arrangements. Pray for peace in your familyand may each of you face the reality of death, and rejoice in the hope we have of eternal life because of Christs death and resurrection for us. December 28, 2021December 26, 2021 | Meredith. Many years ago, our pastor at that time gave his opinion on the question of being cremated. Its simply a way to honor the deceased. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. the body is a holy temple, and a persons soul will rise at the end of time if the body becomes cremains. The Catholic Church does not in any way forbid or recommend against cremation. Many years ago, our pastor at that time gave his opinion on the question of being cremated. Below are a few scriptures pertaining to the burning ofa body after death: As you may have noticed in the verses referenced here, someare auspicious, butothers seem unfavorable toward cremation. In North America, the first crematory was built in 1876. The Christian tradition of cremation is not a sin. Cremation in Judaism has many different people saying many different things, but it boils down to this: However, if you believe that the souls of the dead will come back to life, then that bone being destroyed in cremation does not influence spiritual reincarnation.. My husband is buried in Ky., in a military cemetary. Is cremation allowed in the Bible? Christians give a high priority to the disposal of a body and have a greatfear ofmaking the wrong choice. In Matthew 27:52-53, Jesus is resurrected after being buried for three days and then coming out of his tomb. Just last year, during the spate of the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals and morgues were filled with dead bodies, the people of Italy opted to cremate their corpses instead of burying them, out of the fear of catching the virus from the dead. What does God say about keeping ashes? Nowhere in the Bible does it say that a cremated body cant rise during the second coming of Christ. Historically speaking, the practice of cremation does have pagan roots. I am Retired USAF. The best Ive seen on the subject. Is cremation allowed in the Bible? Joni Eareckson Tada: When Is It Right to Die? Cremation might give off the feeling that no one wants to associate with the dead, or even perform the burial rites on them, as it was reserved for those who died under unpleasant circumstances. Romans 12: 1-2. I suspect these are some of the same people that would not let alcohol touch their lips or believe that you shouldnt tap you foot or you are improperly dancing. The Bibledoes not clearly define about cremationas a means to dispose of the dead. Some of these methods are particular to a tribe or region. Does that concern the things of the spirit? Dust, ashes. So, cremation will not separate you from Gods love and will not affect your eternal destiny. Believers of this philosophy know that God is all-powerful, so it stands to reason that he can raise a cremated body just as quickly as a decomposed and disintegrated body from the ground. How does the Bible describe the glorified bodies we will possess in Heaven? 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. I doubt that my parents considered my Mom moving back to our homestate for her final years. I am sure God can change ashes just as he will change whatever remains of our body in the grave. In early Roman Britain, cremation was diminished by thefourth century. Some feel that its disrespectful or that it deprives the family of the sense of closure that comes from viewing the body in the casket. Permissions Fact: The Bible says that those who die return to the dust, which is what naturally happens to a corpse when it decomposes. However, it was sometimes used by the authorities as punishment for heretics. Biblical Perspective on Cremation You may do well to investigate why your family doesn't approve of your cremation choice. He would not left us guessing. Feelings of comfort and peace. Even bodies buried traditionally eventually decompose. This was done, and there was no warning or rebuke from the Lord to the king for his action recorded in the bible; neither was it counted as a sin against him. If cremation were a part of salvation Jesus would have h it while on Earth the First Coming. Its just their mere body, the empty vessel. On the other hand, cremation was not a common practice by New Testament believers. WebBible verses related to Cremation from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. There is information and instruction in the Bible regarding cremation. The children of Israel convicted a man name Achan of a grievous sin against God. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 Should Christians be cremated? One thought that came to me I dont believe cremation will keep you out of heaven, and I also dont beleive it will keep you out of hell. Christians that died hundreds of years ago are certainly turned into dust by now. They respect the desires of the individual. But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went 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. Ultimately, it depends on the personal wishes of the deceased or, if no wishes were left, the feelings and preferences of those making decisions for their final arrangements. In 1917, the Code of Canon Law, which is a compilation of the Catholic churchs laws, allowed cremation only in times of disaster, plague, or other circumstances that necessitated a quick disposition of a body. Additionally, mass cremations were sometimes performed due to the fear of contagious diseases. There was no instance in the Bible where God frowned against the idea, for example, in the case of Saul and his sons. Both of these people were dead for several days before they were resurrected. Rightly so, because the above cases were all one form or the other, that was void of dignity and resulted from an act of shamelessness. However, there are also verses that seem to imply that a cremated body can rise from the dead. { So the spirit is not returned to the ground because it didnt come from the dust like the body. Published: Jun. Christians hold a belief, one which is very important in Christianity; the resurrection power. By the time you get to the funeral whether cremation or burial (which is usually days later) it is just a body. The bible does not outrightly approve or go against the idea of cremation; if anything, the idea further strengthens the notion that from dust, we have come, and to it, we shall return. But in our quest and furtherance to understand the word of God, we sometimes tend to overthink things and begin to question a thing or two about Him (Acts 36:8). Does the Bible describe the glorified bodies we will possess in Heaven your savior if you are in! Including, in June 1, 2004 my does the bible say a cremated body can't rise passed and he was a man! 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