Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
C. BURIAL REFLECTS RESPECT FOR THE BODY...
1. “Unlike the Greeks, who regarded the body as a prison of the soul, both Hebrews and
Christians saw it as the integration of human personality.” - ISBE (revised)
2. “Furthermore, the Christian emphasis upon the body of the temple of the Holy Spirit
increased their disinclination toward cremation” - ibid.
a. Our bodies have served as a temple of the Spirit - 1 Co 6:19
b. We honor places where George Washington slept; why not more those bodies where
the Holy Spirit dwelt?
3. Indeed, our bodies do not belong to us, but to the Lord!
a. The body is for the Lord - 1 Co 6:13
b. The body is not our own, but bought at a price - 1 Co 6:19
c. With which we are to glorify God - 1 Co 6:20
-- Which practice, burial or cremation, shows a higher value for the body?
D. BURIAL REFLECTS OUR HOPE IN THE RESURRECTION...
1. We believe in the resurrection of the dead - Jn 5:28-29; Ac 24:15
2. We therefore eagerly await the redemption of our bodies - Ro 8:23-25
3. We believe that what is sown in corruption will be raised in incorruption - 1 Co 15:42-54
-- Which practice better pictures the hope that we have of the resurrection?
CONCLUSION
1. We return to our original question: Is cremation unscriptural...?
a. It certainly is without scriptural support
b. Burial is certainly a scriptural practice
2. But is cremation sinful...?
a. If one has any doubt as to its approval by God, then it is! - cf. Ro 14:23
b. How much better to have a clear conscience supported by the revelation of God’s Word
3. What of those who have been cremated...?
a. I am content to let the Lord be the Judge
b. We know that the Lord has the power to raise all the dead, no matter what has happened to
their bodies - Re 20:13
Yet the Biblical support is clearly on the side of burial as opposed to cremation. Burial certainly reflects
a higher regard for the body, which is also reflected in this prayer of Paul...
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole
spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” -
1 Th 5:23
Topical Sermons 89