Will You Go to Heaven if You Are Cremated?

When pondering the question, “Will you go to heaven if you are cremated?” I’ve found solace in the belief that our eternal fate is not determined by how our physical bodies are laid to rest but by our faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross. The consensus among many Christians is that whether one chooses cremation or traditional burial, it does not impact one’s ability to go to heaven.

The method we choose to dispose of our bodies is a personal decision rather than a rigid directive that determines our eternal destiny.

Does Cremation Affect Our Ability to Go to Heaven?

Cremation has been a common practice throughout history, and many Christians choose cremation for various reasons, e.g., it’s seen as more environmentally friendly than a traditional burial involving a casket. The Bible never explicitly states that we should choose burial over cremation, and God is able to resurrect us regardless of how our bodies return to dust and ashes. We know this through many of the bible verses that tell us of cremation.. The essence is that God gives it a body as He has determined, and each kind of seed He gives its own body (1 Corinthians 15:38).

What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?

The Bible says that our physical bodies will return to the ground, for dust you are and to dust you will return (Genesis 3:19). The Old Testament does have instances where cremation was used, such as Saul and his sons’ bodies being burned by the valiant men of Jabesh (1 Samuel 31:12). However, these instances do not forbid cremation as a means to dispose of a body. 

1 Corinthians 15:35-38 says

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body.

Paul is drawing a picture with words here. Imagine you plant a corn kernel in the ground. What grows isn’t the kernel, but it comes from the kernel; it represents the kernel, but it’s not the same as the original kernel. So, what Paul is saying is, the body that gets up on resurrection day is different from the body that was buried.

What does Dr. David Jeremiah Say About Cremation?

Dr. David Jerimiah is a trusted Christian scholar and biblical authority who has written on the subject of creation here.

Can We Still Go to Heaven if Our Body is Cremated?

Absolutely. The resurrection of the dead is a fundamental belief in Christianity, and whether one’s body is cremated or buried does not hinder the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 tells us that our bodies are sown in perishability but raised in glory. The spiritual body that we are given new bodies in the resurrection is not bound by the earthly constraints of the physical body.

How Does Cremation Align with God’s Plan for Resurrection?

God’s plan for resurrection is not thwarted by the method in which our human bodies are treated after death. Whether we choose cremation or burial, God is able to resurrect us. Jesus’ promise in Mark 13:27 is that He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. This assures us that the state of our physical remains does not impact our participation in the resurrection to eternal life.

Is Choosing Cremation a Reflection of Our Faith?

Choosing cremation can be a deeply personal decision, often influenced by various factors such as personal beliefs, environmental considerations, and sometimes, financial constraints. It’s important to treat every decision, including end-of-life ones, with respect and consideration to our faith and values. However, the decision to get cremated is not indicative of one’s faith being lesser or greater. It’s our relationship with God, our faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, and our adherence to God’s word that are the true reflections of our faith.

Conclusion

In my years of contemplation and exploration of this topic, I’ve found that the method in which we choose to lay our physical bodies to rest does not determine our ability to go to heaven. The Bible provides guidance and assurance that whether we choose cremation or burial, our eternal fate is secured through our faith in Jesus and our adherence to God’s word. The love and mercy of God transcend the earthly concerns of how our bodies decompose, and the promise of resurrection and eternal life is unwavering, regardless of whether our bodies are buried or turned to ash.