Auto-generated Transcript:
Hello and welcome to another Five Good Minutes, where I answer your theological questions in five minutes or less.
Today’s question is: Is cremation biblical—or is it forbidden in the Scriptures?
Cremation, of course, is one method that some families choose for the final disposition of their loved ones’ remains.
Whether you are cremated or buried, death serves as a powerful reminder of who we are and where we come from. We come from Adam, who was formed from the dust of the ground. And because of sin, our bodies—regardless of how they’re handled after death—will return to dust.
Cremation is simply the acceleration of decomposition. God told Adam in Genesis:
“For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Whether by natural decay in the grave or through cremation, our bodies will perish. But the question is: Does the Bible forbid cremation?
Is Cremation Forbidden in the Bible?
There is no verse in Scripture that forbids cremation.
That means we cannot impose a prohibition where God has not spoken. Cremation is ultimately a matter of personal preference or conviction.
Common Objections to Cremation
1. Disrespect to the Body
Some argue cremation is disrespectful. However, in 1 Samuel 31, the bodies of Saul and his sons were burned—not out of dishonor, but out of respect, to prevent further abuse. The bones were then properly buried.
2. The Resurrection of the Body
Others worry that cremation might hinder the bodily resurrection. But God, who created the universe in six days, is fully capable of resurrecting cremated remains and restoring them into glorified bodies.
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:
“The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable… the perishable must put on the imperishable.”
God will raise us up, whether our bodies were buried, cremated, lost at sea, or turned to dust.
Our True Hope: Glorified Bodies
Cremation doesn’t interfere with God’s promises. When Christ returns:
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The dead in Christ will rise first.
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Our mortal bodies will be transformed into glorified bodies.
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Death will be swallowed up in victory.
We don’t receive this glorified body at death—our soul goes to be with the Lord, but our body remains until the Second Coming.
So, whether we’re buried or cremated, we look forward to the day when Jesus raises our bodies incorruptible, free from sin, sickness, and death.
Final Thought
Cremation is not sinful, and it does not hinder God’s ability to resurrect. Our hope isn’t in the method of burial—but in the power of Christ to redeem, raise, and glorify our bodies at His return.