Dear Pastors Wife:
What is Gods word about cremation?
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Dear Cremation Questioner,
While there are no specific commandments in God’s Word concerning cremation, the prevailing preference of Christians to be “buried” stems from Christ’s words about judgment and hell being like “fire” (Matthew 5:22) and His reference to letting “the dead bury the dead” in Luke 9:60. It has been pointed out that maybe Christians should only wear sandals then, since Christ spoke of only that kind of footwear, inferring that the preference for burial was merely a cultural issue at that time. Your same question was posed to me by another e-mailer just a few days ago and I went into detail about the meanings people have put into how they care for their dead. Simply click on the “archive” section that has the subject of “cremation” in the description. The bottom line is that you need to do what is most loving and respectful to the wishes of the deceased AND to the desires of those left behind. What would bring them closer to a loving relationship with Jesus? Whether scattered ashes or fully dressed waiting for the resurrection, we needn’t worry because God is more than able to create for each one a resurrected body. God looks at your heart and if you are professing your faith and trust in Him, either through your stated preference or through your loving submission to another’s preference, He will be pleased. Bodies are just shells…”jars of clay.” They are not worth a family argument over. However, be gracious as emotions run high and may not be very rational when dealing with a loved one’s death. Once again, check out the previous question/answer on the same subject.
I am praying right now for peace as you make your decision, cremation questioner.
The Pastor's Wife
