As a Christian you might be wondering, what does the bible say about cremation? Or more than that, how God feels about it?
Although there’s no definitive answer in the bible, most religious leaders today will agree that it is ok.
If you’re looking for guidance, we will examine some of the most important scriptures & verses.
We’ll also look at the Christian and Catholic perspectives, and mention key perspectives from prominent figures such as Billy Graham.
History of Cremation
Cremation has gone through periods of preference throughout history.
Archaeologists believe it has been practiced for thousands of years, far back as the stone ages.
The Romans and Greeks believed there was no afterlife and began cremating their dead at around 600 – 800 BCE.
Christians rejected cremation during that time partially due to their belief that the Greeks and Romans were Pagan societies.
They were also influenced by biblical scripture, which instills a great respect for the human body.
Consequently, their practice was to bury the dead.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
In parts of Europe during the middle ages, cremation was forbidden and punishable by death, especially if combined with Heathen rites.
However, it was sometimes used by the authorities as punishment for heretics.
Additionally, mass cremations were sometimes performed due to the fear of contagious diseases.
In early Roman Britain, cremation was diminished by the fourth century. It then reappeared again in the fifth and sixth centuries.
In North America, the first crematory was built in 1876. By 1900 there were 20, 425 crematoriums by 1975, and by 2009 around 37% of people opted for cremation.
What does the Bible say? Common questions about being cremated
Is being cremated a sin?
There is no place in Scripture, which signifies that cremation is inappropriate.
If God did consider it to be a sin, he would have denounced it as He did with other imprudent religious customs.
Does cremation interfere with the resurrection?
There is a great deal of situations where the human body is destroyed every day.
Examples include firefighters, soldiers whose bodies are destroyed in the line of duty, people who are lost at sea, or bodies that are burned due to contagious diseases.
A compelling response to that question is: even when the body is buried whole, it still decays eventually.
Christians believe that all things are possible with God. Therefore, the fact that a body has been cremated would not prevent Him from resurrecting us.
Christians that died hundreds of years ago are certainly turned into dust by now. Would that preclude them from resurrection?
Ecclesiastes 12:7 (NIV), the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Will you go to heaven if cremated?
Some people are concerned that if there is not a whole body, then the resurrection will not be possible.
That would be improbable, no matter what method you choose for death.
Wouldn’t your belief in God and the way you live your life determine if you go the heaven?
Where in the Bible is cremation mentioned?
The Bible does not make reference directly to cremation.
However, there are several scriptures throughout the Bible that speak of burning the body, such as the two below.
You can find others under the “Cremation Bible verses: King James Version (KJV)” section.
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 Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. (1 Samuel 31:12)
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime. (Amos 2:1)
Cremation & The Catholic Church
It’s understandable that many people are confused about the Catholic Church’s views on cremation.
Anyone familiar with the religion knows it has changed it’s policies on a number of principles over the years, including cremation.
As mentioned, the church did not believe in the cremation procedure because they associated it to the Romans and Greeks who they considered to be Pagans.
These two cultures did not believe in the afterlife and used cremation when disposing of their dead.
Code of Canon Law
In 1917, the Code of Canon Law, which is a compilation of the Catholic church’s laws, allowed cremation only in times of disaster, plague, or other circumstances that necessitated a quick disposition of a body.
Change in 1963
Then again in 1963, the law was changed to allow cremation due to overcrowded cemeteries, sanitation hazards, and economical purposes. There was however a stipulation that the funeral service had to be performed before the cremation.
The Funeral Service
In 1997, it was determined that the funeral service could be performed after the cremation of the body. Yet, the Church was and still is adamant that a traditional funeral with a burial of the whole body is the preferred method.
It’s important to know that at no time has it been proclaimed that if a person is cremated, they will not go to heaven.
Scattering Ashes
In 2016, the Vatican issued definitive guidelines concerning cremation. It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way.
Rather, the ashes must be interred.
Additionally, exhibiting the ashes in the home, making them into jewelry, diamonds, cremation art, or any other form of display is not allowed.
Ashes can only be buried in a cemetery or other sacred place.
Christian Views on Cremation
Christians give a high priority to the disposal of a body and have a great fear of making the wrong choice. Unfortunately, there is no precise instruction as to the right or wrong decision.
However, although Jesus did not give definitive answers, He did make reference to the disposal of the body. There is a compelling story that may ease your mind, which includes words spoken by Jesus in Luke 9:59-60
He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.
This may seem to be a cold and harsh response, but Jesus was saying that his followers should give their full attention to Him and the disposal of the dead should not be a high priority.
Many Christians believe that it is not our physical bodies that will dwell in the house of the Lord.
Billy Graham’s perspective on cremation
The well-known religious leader Billy Graham agrees that there is no mention in the Bible that prohibits cremation. However, the Bible does teach that God has the ability to bring together whatever has been scattered according to scripture,
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)
This is another excellent argument against the assumption that a cremated body cannot be resurrected.
Cremation Bible verses: King James Version (KJV)
Below are a few scriptures pertaining to the burning of a body after death:
- 1 Corinthians 13:3 – 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.
- 2 Kings 23:20 – All the priests of the high places who were there, he slaughtered on the altars, and burned human bones on them; then he returned to Jerusalem.
- Joshua 7:25 – And Joshua said, “Why hast thou troubled us? the Lord shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.
Cremation Verses & References
As you may have noticed in the verses referenced here, some are auspicious, but others seem unfavorable toward cremation.
Scriptures of the Old Testament, such as 2 Kings 23: 16-20 spoke of the desecration of an altar after human bones were burned there; however, nowhere in the Old Testament does it command against the burning of a human body.
On the other hand, cremation was not a common practice by New Testament believers. 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. But again, it does not command that burial should be the only method.
The best conclusion for Christians when searching for answers is to ask God for guidance. James 5:16…”The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Most Christians believe that God lives within us all. It’s possible that He did not give us specific instruction on this matter for a reason and trusts us to search within ourselves for the answers to our own individual choices.
This final bible verse below is a powerful message to read and contemplate:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 1-2
My Mom and Dad lived there later years in Florida.
My Dad predeceased my Mom and his cremated remains were buried in Florida Military National cemetary.
My Mother is now in our original home state and my oldest brother recalls that when my parents were together, visiting them, living in Florida, they wanted to be buried there.
My question(s) that have to do with their burial are:
1) would it be fine to disinture and bring my Dad to where my Mom is once she passes, which is our homestate and closer to family for visiting/memorialization purposes?
2) Is it acceptable and even commonly practiced to favor a closer proximity to family even though my parents are recalled as expressing an interest in being buried in Florida where they lived at the time?
3) another national military cemetary has been located closer to family and in our homestate.
4) can you think of any reason why the homestate can not be considered. I doubt that my parents considered my Mom moving back to our homestate for her final years.
If your Mother has the ability to answer this question I would first ask her. 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”? If it is mostly for you and there desire was to be buried not only together but in Florida, then Florida would be Honoring your Mother and Fathers wish, you have heard that before I am sure Honor your Mother and Father all your days. As a Family pray together over this and if you are family that follows Christ then you know the Holy Spirit will help guide your decision.
There is nothing but remains. Dust, ashes. Once you die your spirit will be with our Lord. Visiting remains do no good to no one. I Don’t visit my loved ones remains but I remember them daily, and keep their memory deep within.
My son passed and he was a young man. I went to visit his grave very often in the beginning. It was the place I saw his body laid, for me it helped me. I am not saying everyone should but it was healing for me. I still go to visit on special days. It helps me.
I agree, it helps me to be near what remains of my mother.
Feelings of comfort and peace.
My husband is buried in Ky., in a military cemetary. It comforts me to visit, bring flowers, .
I am really torn about Cremation or Burial.
Financially Cremation is best. I have prayed with no result in answer. Pastors won’t give you a straight answer. Scripture isn’t clear. Help
Remember our body is just a temple but what’s important that our soul that will return to our heavenly Father and he will bless you with a beautiful body with no pain no wrinkles it would be divine and with God all things is possible
There is a great sermon on Sermon Audio called “Cremation or Burial”. It’s a seminary professor and pastor describing what the Bible says on the issue. The best I’ve seen on the subject. Bottom line: As C.S. Lewis said: “God loves bodies.” Bury the body.
I believe the lord will find your soul no matter where you rest, if bural is your choice you will become dust, if you are creamated, you will be ashes, it says ashes to ashes dust into dust if you’re buried or cremated.
I think if God didn’t us to be cremated, then he would have firmly expressed it in scriptures, or even in the commandments . Instead, he clearly says that he and his angels will retrieve all that is scattered.. People die in house fires etc. everyday, planned parenthood literally throws bodies in dumpsters, those would have to be cremated as well and all together at that. Also in the old days they always ended prayer at funerals saying, Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust… Ashes are from fire and dust from decaying..I’m going to be cremated simply because I want my ashes buried so that no foreigner can ever destroy my burial site, just because they hate my religion. They can’t destroy what they can’t see. and that’s what this country has come to..
It disturbs me that my Catholic upbringing insinuates that the families scattering their loved ones ashes in the sea or other desired location they request, is something God is/was concerned about. I do not find it disrespectful at all because the spirit is what lives on eternally and of which we came into being in this physical body. This should be a non issue and conversation. The intention of our actions is what counts, and only God tracks those. When we get to heaven, I believe our loving God will be solely focused on welcoming us home, not about our final burial choices.
I believe we come in whole we should go out whole. If you are accidently are burned or blown up still can just bury them with out creamating them put what you have in a casket no matter if just parts it still is you. God says when he returns he will raise our old bodies to know bodies in heaven. That is my belief.
Hello. I just wanted to clear up some wrong I formation in your website. There is information and instruction in the Bible regarding cremation. The book of Amos chapter 2 tells us that God punished Moab for burning the bones of the King of Edom. Throughout the Bible we see a consistent theme that only the wicked burned their dead. God’s covenant people, the Jews always buried their dead and even saved the bones safely in osuaries so that tombs could be used perpetually by other family members. The Jews believed it was a desecration to burn the bones because the Bible tells us that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and is holy unto God. The Jews believe in the eventual resurrection of the dead as promised in the Bible, so that was another reason they believed it was required by God to preserve the body if at all possible.
Amen to that. Our body is our temple. And I do believe we are to honor it. To honor GOD who created us!
Well i will say that it mentions in the bible that when we die that the body goes back to the ground and the spirit returns to God. So the spirit is not returned to the ground because it didn’t come from the dust like the body. When God formed Adam from the dust it was just a created body that didn’t move and was not alive until God blew the breath of life into Adam’s nostrils and he became a living soul. So i believe that no matter how we die that God will remember all of us and bring us back to a life of eternity. God created the earth and everything in it. He created the universe and the most powerful thing that the eye can see which is the sun. So if he created all these wonderful things i am sure that he will remember us when that great day comes.
I believe God and Jesus and the holy sprit guide us if we ask,Ask and you shall recieve,at the time of the writings there were many more places than available now we have no caves or tombs here , but my parents are buried in the ground but my son wannted to be cremated as his newborn daughter was and his wife will be they want to stay together as a Family, I see no ignoring of God
The atoms in your bodies are continuously replaced. Your physical body is not the same atoms they were just a few years ago. Your new body will be that, new. Whether you drown I the deepest ocean or you fall into lava God will resurrect you if you are a believer. In a few short years after burial you will be ashes. This is completely a preference IMO. Anyone saying otherwise is reading their preferences into the scriptures. I suspect these are some of the same people that would not let alcohol touch their lips or believe that you shouldn’t tap you foot or you are improperly dancing. Read John 3:1-18. That is what you need to know.
it says in the bible that when God comes for us he will give us new bodies that has no wrinkles , pain and beautiful in his eyes if you believe in God then just believe what the bible says after all it is God and he can do anything so why couldn’t he make a new body. Just saying
Greatly appreciate this debate as I’m trying to help my aunt build her case that she wants to be buried NOT cremated and she is afraid her son is intent on cremation. After a dear friend was cremated, I felt badly for his children as his ashes were spread in the church rose garden and I felt it was like he had never lived. The children had no place to “visit”. These are my feelings and probably don’t agree with anyone else. I even buried my pets in a pet cemetery because they were special to me. Thanks for all the info and discussions.
I trust Jesus Christ who is God. If cremation was an important issue to God it would have been addressed in detail. God is very specific about how a person becomes a are
Christian. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” “Behold I stand at the door and knock. He who let’s Me in, I shall dine with him and him with Me”. You can’t very well accept Christ as your savior if you are dead. You have to make that choice while you
Are alive. That is why God sent His only Begotten Son. If cremation were a part of salvation Jesus would have h it while on Earth the First Coming. He would not left us guessing. FatherGod. The Catholic Church treats I think it was St. Joan of Arc as a Saint. Wasn’t she burned at the stake? Christians from all walks of life have died in d andiesd my God, my Lord and Savior has received their souls. God has plans for our post resurrected Souls whichthe will be with Him forever. I trust the Holy Spirit, GodAbsent the Father and my Lord Jesus Christ. I am going to Heaven when I die unless the Rapture comes first in which case I will still go to Heaven and if my body
fa dies
Bceefore the Second Coming, I plan on being cremated.
T ue stop me from being present with my Lord. “It is appointed once for man to die, and then the Judgement.” “Absen His apostlest from the body, face to face with the Lord.” The issue is not are you going to be cremated. Io n is have you ever accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That is what Jesus Christ and His Apostles and Disciples talked and wrote about. I know if cremation was the true issue, Jesus would have brought it up. The question is are you ready to receive Him as your Savior. Because if you haven’t received Jesus Christ as your Savior you should be more concerned about your soul. If you are not saved cremation is a moot point.
cremation or burial, to me it doesn’t matter much ,for God can make all things possible. when we get to heaven , He is not going to ask what did we do with our bodies .,but rather I believed ,H e would be asking us, ”what have you done to my Son?” In John 1: 12 the scripture says ”But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, to those who believe in His name.” NKJV and that my name is written in the Book of Life ,for I believed Jesus work of redemption was done and I am waiting for His return as promised,in John 14: 1-3 to take us all with Him ,and will be with Him forever and ever. what an assurance and great comfort this is.
Thank You
I have considered cremation! Not a financial decision my decision. I am Retired USAF. Reading the above articles and will read again. It were very refreshing. To God be the Glory! My Soul leaves my body goes Heaven. Great deal of detail information were very important to me. To know what I know now. Thank gor sharing
Be blessed
I was never new of any bible teaching that a cremated body could not rise to heaven. Now I very confused and concern that I done wrong by having my husband cremated. I only heard today and I’m 69 yr. old, someone say that. What have I’ve done?
God has the power to bring you up from the ground any way he wants,ashes or a rotten body , we should not cause strife over words , God is in charge and will do as he wishes, if he can create me from the dirt so he can from my ashes.
I’ve been kinda wondering about this subject myself. Thanks for the article and I enjoyed reading the different responses. One thought that came to me…… I don’t believe cremation will keep you out of heaven, and I also don’t beleive it will keep you out of hell. I know the graves will open up when the Lord comes back for his church.
The bible says the dead in Christ shall rise first, so something must be coming up out of the grave. It will be changed in a moment..to that new body. I am sure God can change ashes just as he will change whatever remains of our body in the grave. I just don’t want to do anything that would displease the Lord.