Is cremation biblical?

In 1960, only 4% of Americans were cremated. As of 2023, that number is over 52%. Given the popularity of cremation, many Christians want to know if the Bible ever refers to it, and if there is any Biblical precedent for pursuing it. That will be the focus of today’s study.


Questions That We'll Address:

1) What does the Bible say about cremation? Does it accept the practice?

2) How were bodies dealt with in Biblical days, and is there a precedent for us?

3) Does any of this matter? Does the disposition of one's physical body really matter in eternity?

Today’s episode ends with a listener question on the topic of ‘tattoos.’



Radio 3:16 Website: www.r316.org

Is cremation biblical?
In 1960, only 4% of Americans were cremated. As of 2023, that number is over 52%. Given the popularity of cremation, many Christians want to know if the Bible ever refers to it, and if there is any Biblical precedent for pursuing it. That will be the focus of today’s study.
 Questions That We'll Address:
1) What does the Bible say about cremation? Does it accept the practice?
2) How were bodies dealt with in Biblical days, and is there a precedent for us?
3) Does any of this matter? Does the disposition of one's physical body really matter in eternity?
Today’s episode ends with a listener question on the topic of ‘tattoos.’
 
Radio 3:16 Website: <a href="http://www.r316.org">www.r316.org</a>

In each 25 minute broadcast, we explain the Bible and theology in a clear, accessible manner.

In each 25 minute broadcast, we explain the Bible and theology in a clear, accessible manner.

Radio 3:16

Cremation: What Does The Bible Say

Revelation is the last book in the Bible.

However, the entire Bible is a revelation from God - and so is every molecule in the created realm. Every ounce of creation tells us something about the Creator. In today's study, we'll talk about the benefits of God's revelation, and the consequences for ignoring what He has said.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why do people plug their ears to God's Word?

B) If a society ignores God, who will they turn to instead?

C) What about our universities - if they reject divine revelation, what's left?



Show Notes / Timestamps

00:02   Welcome (This Is Radio 3:16)

00:50   Chapter 1: Where Does Knowledge Come From

05:43   Chapter 2: Our Need For Something Better

13:54   Chapter 3: Garbage In, Garbage Out

20:59   Chapter 4: Divine Revelation

25:00   Broadcast End



Keywords: Epistemology, Special Revelation, Divine Revelation

Revelation is the last book in the Bible.
However, the entire Bible is a revelation from God - and so is every molecule in the created realm. Every ounce of creation tells us something about the Creator. In today's study, we'll talk about the benefits of God's revelation, and the consequences for ignoring what He has said.
Questions That We'll Answer:
A) Why do people plug their ears to God's Word?
B) If a society ignores God, who will they turn to instead?
C) What about our universities - if they reject divine revelation, what's left?
 
Show Notes / Timestamps
00:02   Welcome (This Is Radio 3:16)
00:50   Chapter 1: Where Does Knowledge Come From
05:43   Chapter 2: Our Need For Something Better
13:54   Chapter 3: Garbage In, Garbage Out
20:59   Chapter 4: Divine Revelation
25:00   Broadcast End
 
Keywords: Epistemology, Special Revelation, Divine Revelation

Revelation: When God Speaks

Are there levels of reward (or punishment) in eternity?

In Dante’s Inferno, the poet described Hell as having 'nine circles.' Each circle corresponded with a different sin and degree of punishment. But is this a Biblical understanding? Does the Bible teach that different sins merit different punishments in Hell? And what does it say about 'rewards' in Heaven?

Questions That We'll Address:

1) If our works don't save us, then what eternal affect can they have (if any)?

2) When Jesus referred to 'treasures in Heaven,' what was He talking about?

3) Why did Jesus say that the people of Capernaum would face a more tolerable judgment than the people of Sodom (who were poster-children for God's wrath)?



00:02   Welcome (This Is Radio 3:16)

01:03   Chapter 1: Introduction

06:00   Chapter 2: Different Sins, Different Punishment

13:07   Chapter 3: Earthly Deeds, Eternal Rewards

19:53   Chapter 4: Closing Thoughts

24:22   Closing / Outro

25:00   Broadcast End



Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Web: R316.org

Are there levels of reward (or punishment) in eternity?
In Dante’s Inferno, the poet described Hell as having 'nine circles.' Each circle corresponded with a different sin and degree of punishment. But is this a Biblical understanding? Does the Bible teach that different sins merit different punishments in Hell? And what does it say about 'rewards' in Heaven?
Questions That We'll Address:
1) If our works don't save us, then what eternal affect can they have (if any)?
2) When Jesus referred to 'treasures in Heaven,' what was He talking about?
3) Why did Jesus say that the people of Capernaum would face a more tolerable judgment than the people of Sodom (who were poster-children for God's wrath)?
 
00:02   Welcome (This Is Radio 3:16)
01:03   Chapter 1: Introduction
06:00   Chapter 2: Different Sins, Different Punishment
13:07   Chapter 3: Earthly Deeds, Eternal Rewards
19:53   Chapter 4: Closing Thoughts
24:22   Closing / Outro
25:00   Broadcast End
 
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt
Web: R316.org

Eternity: Levels Of Reward Or Punishment

Does God ‘change’ His mind?

It seems unlikely. Why would a perfect, all knowing God change His mind? On the other hand, there are several verses that suggest He does. In Jonah 3, the Bible said God ‘relented’ from destroying Nineveh. In 1 Samuel, God himself said He ‘regretted’ making Saul king. If God doesn’t change His mind, then why do these verses make it sound like He does? Is there an answer?


Questions That We'll Address:

1) Is God’s nature subject to change, growth, or development?

2) Can God ever ‘regret’ His own choices, or ‘repent’ from His prior actions?

3) What is ‘anthropomorphic’ language? How does that term apply to this topic?



Site: www.r316.org

Does God ‘change’ His mind?
It seems unlikely. Why would a perfect, all knowing God change His mind? On the other hand, there are several verses that suggest He does. In Jonah 3, the Bible said God ‘relented’ from destroying Nineveh. In 1 Samuel, God himself said He ‘regretted’ making Saul king. If God doesn’t change His mind, then why do these verses make it sound like He does? Is there an answer?
 Questions That We'll Address:
1) Is God’s nature subject to change, growth, or development?
2) Can God ever ‘regret’ His own choices, or ‘repent’ from His prior actions?
3) What is ‘anthropomorphic’ language? How does that term apply to this topic?
 
Site: <a href="http://www.r316.org">www.r316.org</a>

Cremation: What Does The Bible Say

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