Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Brenda Coleman on Luke 16:23 - 3 years ago
    Good Afternoon:

    Can you please clarify, if a Christian should be cremated or not? I have read different passages of scripture, regarding this. Just the same as tattoos on the body.

    Thank you,

    Brenda Coleman
  • Chris - In Reply on Luke 16:23 - 3 years ago
    The matter of cremation or burial in the ground, remains the choice of the deceased (in His Will) or a loved one. I don't believe there is any particular instruction in what is the best or acceptable way of disposal of the deceased. In regard to Jewish practice, it has always been emtombment, as cremation (burning of the body) was done by the heathen. In 1 Samuel chapter 31, we read that at the death of Saul & his sons, the people of Jabeshgilead took their bodies & burned them. Or if punishment was given to those crimes that warranted it, then burning was required (e.g. Leviticus 20:14). Otherwise, the deceased always required their entombment.

    For reasons of cost of burial or request or a person's preference, cremation may be undertaken. At the resurrection, the Lord is well able to re-constitute the remains, whether cremains, or from the sea, or scattered. But it's always my preference for a burial as an honourable & meaningful way of dealing with a loved one.

    Tattoos: again we can appeal to the Old Testament. Leviticus 19:28 speaks of cutting of the flesh or printing marks on the body. Leviticus 21:5 gives a similar warning. These were given to Israel that they do not imitate the heathen in these practises, whether for the sake of idol worship or for the dead. As a holy people, Israel would do wickedly by this & punishment was certain. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reminds Christians, that our body is not ours to do what we like with, but belongs to God, being the Temple (the residence) of His Holy Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 6:19,20). So just as we need to take good care of both the outside & inside of our body, we must also take much care how we display ourselves before people. Does both our behaviour & appearance match that of godliness & in God's family? Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform ourselves to the world (i.e. if our minds are renewed so it will show in our outward display of Christ-likeness). Tattoos & fashion trends just don't cut it for me.
  • Valerie - In Reply on Luke 16:23 - 3 years ago
    Chris: You are absolutely RIGHT! Romans 12:2 And be no conformed to this world. but be ye transformed by (through) the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. When reviewing the above scripture verse 22 of Luke 16 the angels carried him. I believe that GOD has angels to what he instructs. EZEKIEL 10:18-19. verse 23 of LUKE 16. " the rich man also died " I wonder if the the rich man blasphemed ( that is another scripture within the bible the WORD of GOD the GOD in the form of JESUS would send a person to hell for. Also within verse 24 we see , he cried and goes through family lineage he confesses and gives honor to GOD the Father and his torment continues. Also within that verse he reflect on the knowledge he learned and request for the person he disregard to give him water. The rich man recognizes where he will live for eternity. That provides the TRUTH of the LIVING WORD OF GOD that GOD ignited his cognitive remembrance so the rich man is tormented

    You bring up a valid prespective. To the WORD of GOD. I believe that and after researching the WORD OF GOD. It provides specific instructions within the old testament of the proper way of disposing of dead people and their remains. I have to find it the scripture. Now it is 2021 the cremation would logically be safer. Because of the world and the nature of it. Also I think cremation also sends a bible prespective and sight to the Abraham and Lazarus. The cremation of 2021 is very different I believe from bible times. The TRUTH of current world.The cultivation of land is to be preserved. I think. Abraham stood his post within the scripture when speaking the word of GOD and the use of the word son and the reflection of his meanness and what he did to the Lazarus. Hell is real. Also Chris there is an art depiction of GOD and the TRUTH and HELL at 1stDIB it is from Italy,circa 1890 called Mannequin. We can see the scripture. 7:03 AM
  • Chris - In Reply on Luke 16:23 - 3 years ago
    Thank you Valerie for sharing those worthy & valuable thoughts on these matters.



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