The Heaven Answer Book

Does God forbid cremation?

S cripture teaches that we are to honor the body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). In Bible times, burial was the common practice because it was seen as a sign of respect. When cremation was practiced, it showed contempt for the person (Joshua 7:25). Today, cremation is often practiced in cultures that have no respect for the human body as God’s creation, which usually leads Christians in those societies to reject cremation. God gave us our bodies, and when He saw all He had made, “it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). While cremation is becoming more accepted among Christians today, burial (laying a body to rest in the earth) has been the preferred method as an act of respect for God’s creation. It also reflects the great care that was given to the Lord’s body after His death. Jesus said, “This is My body which is broken for you” (1 Corinthians 11:24 nkjv ). Our hearts are touched when we read in

85

What Happens When We Die?