Cremation has become more common due to cost, space, and environmental concerns, but for many Christians it still raises spiritual questions. Believers often ask whether cremation is sinful or conflicts with biblical teaching and long-held traditions about honoring the body after death.

The Bible does not directly forbid cremation. There is no verse that commands believers to avoid it, and scripture offers no explicit rule on how a body must be handled after death. Instead, burial became the norm largely because of cultural and historical practice, not direct instruction.

In the Bible, burial was common. Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were all buried, and this practice came to symbolize peace, dignity, and hope in resurrection. Because of this, burial was seen as a natural expression of faith rather than a moral requirement.

Some Christians worry that cremation dishonors the body, which scripture calls the “temple of the Holy Spirit.” Others argue that faith centers on the soul, not physical remains, and that God’s power is not limited by ashes or dust. Historically, cremation was linked to pagan rituals, which contributed to discomfort, even though modern cremation is usually chosen for practical reasons.

Today, many pastors and theologians agree that cremation does not affect salvation or resurrection. As many emphasize, “God’s power to renew life is not limited by the form in which the body returns to the earth.” For most Christians, the decision is personal, with faith focused on eternal life rather than the body’s final resting place.