What does the Bible say, if anything, about cremation?

That was the question I received this week.  The truth is that the Bible has very little to say about cremation.  Burial was the common practice in both the Old and New Testament era, though nowhere is burial specifically commanded nor is cremation prohibited.

The method of burial has absolutely nothing to do with our eternities.  God can and will resurrect believers whether we are buried, cremated, interred at sea, or completely destroyed.  The Bible is clear that everlasting life is promised to all believers, and there is absolutely nothing required after death to receive that life.

So I believe that the choice is personal, and there is a great deal of Christian freedom in making that decision.  Burial is appropriate.  Cremation is appropriate.  Burial at sea is appropriate.  What happens to the body we have here on Earth is not that important.  The life that we live, the memories that we leave behind, and the eternity that we face in the future are the important things.

My personal decision is to be cremated. (I’m not planning on this anytime soon, though you never know.)  I made this decision ahead of time in order to save my family some stressful decisions when the time comes.  I also want to save money for my family and to take the focus off of me after I’m gone.  I’ve also decided not to have a viewing, an elaborate casket, or much else in the way of after-death fanciness.  I will be with Jesus rejoicing in heaven.  I want my family to be loved and helped, but they won’t need my body in order for that to happen.  A simple memorial service at church with a few songs, a few words, a gospel message, and then a fellowship (I’m thinking tamales, chips, and salsa) for family and friends is more than sufficient for me.

I hope you don’t think this post is morbid.  I’m enjoying the adventure of life and I will continue to do so for as long as I’m able.  I always say that life is an adventure, but after this life, I will be living the great adventure in heaven!