LORD’S DAY, JUNE 18
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 15:35-50

"…ye are bought with a price…"

BURIAL OR CREMATION? (II)

The act of burial is a wonderful testimony of the future bodily resurrection of Christians in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:35-50, Paul likened burial to the imagery of a seed being planted in the ground. After some time, the seed will spring forth from the ground as a plant. Similarly, at the appointed season, God will raise the bodies of believers from the earth. Just as Christ rose up bodily from the dead, so Christians will also be resurrected bodily from the grave. What appears as "dead" to the eyes of the world is but "sleep" for the believers!

Burial upholds the doctrine of the body. The Bible tells us that the body of the Christian is not unimportant. It is the temple of God (1 Cor 6:19). When Christians are resurrected, they will be given a glorified body suited for eternity. God not only saves our souls, He also saves our bodies.

On the other hand, the various instances of cremation in the Bible are that of condemnation and judgment. Joshua 7 records how Achan was punished for taking the accursed thing from Jericho. Achan and his family were stoned and burnt (Josh 7:25). A further example is the burning of Saul’s bones in 1 Samuel 31:12. It was an expression of judgment for Saul’s sins, including his sin of visiting the witch of Endor (cf. 1 Sam 28; Deut 21:23). Consider also how the unbelievers will be punished eternally in the lake of fire. Surely, the act of cremation evokes the picture of judgment and punishment more than the picture of hope and peace!

What about believers who were cremated? All true believers, regardless of whether they were buried or cremated, will certainly be resurrected bodily. The issue is not about salvation but testimony.

THOUGHT: The doctrine of the body must not be neglected.
PRAYER: Lord, I await the consummation of my salvation.