What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Death is one of the few certainties in life, and when it happens, families must decide what to do with their loved one’s remains.

For centuries, burial was the traditional choice in many cultures, but in recent years, cremation has become more common.

This change has led many Christians to ask an important question:

What does the Bible say about cremation?

Is it a practice that aligns with biblical teachings, or does Scripture point believers toward burial instead?

While the Bible does not give a direct command about cremation, it does provide principles that can guide us in making this decision.

Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about cremation and how believers can approach it with wisdom and faith.

Does the Bible Mention Cremation?

The Bible does not have a specific command that forbids or encourages cremation.

However, there are examples in Scripture of both burial and the burning of bodies.

Most of the time, burial was the common practice.

For example, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in a cave (Genesis 23:19), and Joseph’s body was placed in a tomb in Egypt (Genesis 50:26).

Even Jesus was buried in a tomb after His crucifixion (Matthew 27:59-60).

In contrast, cremation is rarely mentioned in a positive light.

One example of burning bodies occurs in 1 Samuel 31:12, when the bodies of King Saul and his sons were burned after they were killed in battle.

This was not a traditional practice, but it was done to prevent their bodies from being dishonored by their enemies.

Because burial was the most common method of dealing with the dead, some people believe that cremation goes against biblical tradition.

However, it is important to remember that just because something was common in biblical times does not mean that it is commanded for all believers today.

The Body Is Made from Dust and Returns to Dust

One of the main arguments against cremation is that it destroys the body.

Some Christians believe that since God created the human body, it should be treated with special care after death.

However, the Bible teaches that all human bodies eventually return to dust, whether they are buried or cremated.

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Genesis 3:19 says,

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Ecclesiastes 12:7 also states,

“The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

These verses remind us that our bodies are temporary, and in the end, they break down naturally.

Cremation speeds up this process, but it does not prevent God from resurrecting believers in the future.

Will Cremation Affect the Resurrection?

One concern that some Christians have about cremation is whether it affects the resurrection of the body.

The Bible teaches that believers will be resurrected when Jesus returns.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 says,

“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; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”

God is all-powerful, and He does not need a full, intact body in order to resurrect someone.

Many Christians throughout history have died in ways that left their bodies destroyed—whether by fire, drowning, war, or natural decay.

If God can raise someone from the dead, He can certainly do so regardless of whether their body was buried or cremated.

The resurrection is based on God’s power, not the condition of our earthly bodies.

Honoring the Body After Death

The Bible teaches that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), which means they should be treated with respect.

This belief has led many people to choose burial, as it is seen as a way to honor the body.

However, honoring the body is not just about how it is buried—it is also about how a person lived their life.

Romans 12:1 says,

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“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

What truly matters is not what happens to the body after death, but how we use it to glorify God while we are alive.

Whether someone chooses burial or cremation, the most important thing is that the decision is made with faith and a desire to honor God.

Personal and Cultural Considerations

In many cultures, burial is considered more traditional and respectful.

For example, Jewish customs typically prefer burial, and for centuries, Christian tradition has followed the same practice.

However, in some cultures, cremation is the preferred method of handling the dead.

For believers, cultural expectations can sometimes influence their decision.

It is important to ask:

Is my decision based on what honors God, or am I simply following a cultural norm?

Romans 14:12 reminds us,

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

This means that each person should prayerfully consider what they believe is the best choice for their situation.

The Cost of Burial vs. Cremation

One practical issue that many families face is the cost of burial.

A traditional burial can be very expensive, including the cost of a casket, grave plot, headstone, and funeral service.

Cremation is often a more affordable option, which allows families to use their resources in other ways.

Some Christians believe that since God provides money as a resource, it should be used wisely.

Proverbs 3:9 says,

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”

If cremation allows a family to be good stewards of their financial resources while still honoring their loved one, then it can be a reasonable choice.

However, others may feel that burial is the best way to honor their family member.

Ultimately, this is a personal decision that should be made with wisdom and prayer.

God Looks at the Heart

When considering whether cremation is right or wrong, it is important to remember that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances.

1 Samuel 16:7 says,

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at.

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People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

What matters most is not whether someone is cremated or buried, but the heart behind the decision.

Did the person live a life that honored God?

Did they trust in Jesus for salvation?

These are the things that truly matter in eternity.

Making a Decision Based on Faith

For those struggling with the decision of cremation, it is important to seek God’s wisdom.

James 1:5 encourages believers,

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Through prayer and careful thought, each person can come to a decision that brings them peace.

Whether a believer chooses burial or cremation, they can rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign over life and death.

Nothing can separate us from His love—not even what happens to our bodies after we die (Romans 8:38-39).

Final Thoughts

The Bible does not specifically command for or against cremation, leaving the decision up to personal conviction.

Scripture does emphasize that our bodies return to dust, that God has the power to resurrect us, and that the most important thing is living a life that honors Him.

Burial has been the traditional choice for many, but cremation is also an acceptable option when done with faith and respect.

Each person should prayerfully consider their decision, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance.

In the end, what happens to our earthly bodies is not nearly as important as where we spend eternity.

As believers, our hope is not in burial or cremation, but in the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ.