In our previous lessons, we looked at the biblical arguments for burial. It is appropriate that we look at the flipside.
To not be buried can be a sign of contempt and judgment. One dramatic example is Queen Jezebel. Following her death, only the skull, feet, and palms of her hands were found. In fulfillment of prophecy, she was not buried. In the Old Testament, burning is a sign of God's judgment against sinners. Notable examples include Sodom and Gomorrah, Nadab and Abihu, and Achan. Finally, there is the ultimate example of the Lord's use of fire as judgment: hell. As John Piper wrote, "As a Christian who believes in the judgment of God after death, the last symbol we want to use, in connection with death, is fire!"
Having looked at biblical history, it is also worthwhile to note that the Christian church has practiced burial for nearly all of its history. It is only with the rise of secularism and humanism (with the exaltation of man and the doctrine that the body belongs solely to the person) that the culture and the church have embraced the practice of cremation.
Considering these things—the biblical arguments and church history—you have to ask: who is the one who needs to prove their position? Those who use a coffin or those who opt for the urn? Proponents of cremation have no biblical proof for burning the body. After thousands of years of Christians burying their dead, it is the supporters of cremation who must justify their practice. |
