Arguments Against Cremation
There are Christians who object to the practice of cremation. Their arguments are based on the biblical concept that one day the bodies of those who have 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 it to be resurrected later and reunited to the soul and spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 15:35-55
It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.
…Then, 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?" (Excerpt Verses 42-44; 54-55 NLT)
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." (NIV)
• Most of the key people in the Old Testament were buried. In fact, it was considered a dishonor to the people of Israel not to receive a proper burial.
• Most of the people who were burned to death in the Bible were receiving a punishment.
Arguments For Cremation
Just because a body has been destroyed by fire, doesn't mean God can't one day resurrect it in newness of life, to reunite it with the soul and spirit of the believer. If God could not do this, then all believers who have died in a fire are without hope of receiving their heavenly bodies.
All flesh and blood bodies eventually decay and become like dust in the earth. Cremation simply speeds the process along. God is certainly able to provide a resurrected body for those who have been cremated. The heavenly body is a new, spiritual body, and not the old body of flesh and blood.
More points in favor of cremation:
• Cremation is usually less expensive than burial. A simple wooden casket is used rather than an expensive burial casket. There is no headstone to purchase and no maintenance costs involved in caring for the grave site.
• Cremation allows more flexibility in planning the memorial service.
• The deceased or family members can choose to have the cremated remains placed or scattered in a significant location.
• The idea of allowing the body to decay in the ground is offense to some people. A quick, clean disposal by fire is sometimes preferred.
Resolution
Cremation vs. Burial - A Personal Decision
Oftentimes family members have strong feelings about the way they want to be laid to rest. Some Christians are firmly opposed to cremation, while others much prefer it to burial. The reasons are varied, but often private and very meaningful to them.How you want to be laid 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 funeral preparations a little easier for everyone involved.
