Is burial the only option a Christian can consider?

Response

Throughout the centuries, many Christians have desired to be buried with a ceremony that affirms the belief in resurrection. This ceremony, which includes various rites and traditions, is commonly referred to as “Christian burial.” While burial has been the traditional choice, Christians now have other options to consider, such as cremation, which is gaining popularity.

The term “Christian burial” is not explicitly found in the Bible. The Scriptures do not provide specific instructions on the handling of a body after death. During biblical times, burying a body in a tomb, cave, or in the ground was the customary way of laying a person to rest (Genesis 23:19;Genesis 35:8,19;2 Chronicles 16:14;Matthew 27:60-66). In the Bible, it was common to place the deceased in above-ground tombs, especially for those who could afford it. Those who could not afford it were buried in the ground. In the New Testament, above-ground tombs were primarily used for wealthy individuals. Hence, Jesus, who possessed no earthly riches, was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).

Today, it is essential to comply with the laws governing the handling of corpses. These laws vary from one country to another and from state to state in the U.S. Christians are called to obey governmental authorities, including regulations concerning the disposal of bodies. The choice between Christian burial and cremation is not mandated by the Bible, as neither is explicitly forbidden. Some individuals opt for burial today due to the historical practice of burial by Jews and early Christians. Additionally, the Bible only mentions burning the dead on a few occasions.In the context of the wicked being punished for their offenses (Leviticus 20:14; Joshua 7:25), some individuals may choose to reject cremation. However, Christians today do not have a specific biblical command either for or against cremation. Ultimately, it is advisable to entrust that decision to the family of the deceased.

The method utilized to dispose of a body is not as crucial as the essence of Christian burial: acknowledging that the body no longer contains the departed individual. Paul refers to our bodies as “tents,” temporary dwellings. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Upon Jesus’ return, Christians will be resurrected, and our bodies will be transformed into glorified, eternal bodies. “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:42-43).