I find no specific instruction in the bible on how to dispose of a dead body. However, a dead body is clearly something that was to be quickly dealt with. Even touching it made the Jew unclean, obviously for sanitary reasons. Jewish rabbis and Christian theologians have argued about cremation for centuries. But if one would just use common sense we may reach the conclusion that cremation is OK with God.
Early in Genesis, the dying process was pronounced upon humanity, God said…
“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." (Genesis 3:19)
What is a quick way to get a dead body back to dust (ashes)? Yep, cremation.
Early in Genesis, the dying process was pronounced upon humanity, God said…
“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." (Genesis 3:19)
What is a quick way to get a dead body back to dust (ashes)? Yep, cremation.
The eternally significant thing is that after the body is returned to dust, Jesus will return and give it a new body like His.
"...our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21
The Lord Jesus will...
"...bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)
That being said, if cremation bothers you or any of your family members, don't do it. Burial the old fashion way is OK too.