Cremation or Burial?

I have been asked if—as a Christian—it is okay to be cremated as opposed to a traditional burial.

This is another one of those questions that is not addressed—at least not in a direct manner—in the Bible. In my opinion (this is one person’s opinion) the issue is a personal matter and is not mandated one way or the other by scripture.

The main concern that typically arises when it comes to debated issues such as this one has to do with eternity. If a person is cremated can the person still go to heaven?

In a way, the answer to that question is actually pretty simple and straightforward. Whether or not a person goes to heaven depends on this: salvation in Jesus Christ.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10

These verses from Romans chapter 10 indicate that salvation has to do with faith and belief in Christ, not cremation or traditional burial.

The following passage from Titus 3:4-7, also addresses the issue of salvation in Jesus Christ:

“But—when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

The salvation we have in Christ, described in the Titus chapter 3 passage above, has to do with God’s love, grace and mercy. Forgiveness of sins is mentioned along with new birth and life in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is specifically identified as “our Savior.” We are made righteous (which is necessary in order for us to be with the Lord in heaven) because of the work of Jesus. Clearly, the manner in which a person’s body is dealt with (cremation or traditional burial) is not a factor. Our salvation is provided by Jesus. It is rooted in Jesus.

I believe, in some cases, the people who argue that a Christian should not be cremated but rather should be buried in the ground probably feel like this is a more reverent and respectful way of dealing with the body. I can understand how a person may feel that way and I appreciate such a view. However, it appears to me, based on the Bible, that cremation is not prohibited and we can be confident that cremation will not prevent a person from going to heaven.

Salvation is dependent on Jesus alone.