13:09 What did God’s previous servants do back then, when their loved ones passed away?
16:24 What did Joseph instruct his brothers to do to him in the event of his death?
17:43 Was the instruction of Joseph fulfilled, that when Israel would go out of Egypt, his bones should be brought up from Egypt?
19:28 After the time of the patriarchs, did God’s people continue until the time of the prophets, the practice of burying the dead and not burning or promoting them?
20:47 We know that the prophets in the Law of Moses, were until the time of John the Baptist. Now, during that time, when John the Baptist was executed by Herod because of the request of the daughter Herodias, what did the disciples of John do to his body?
21:59 Did this practice of burying the dead continue until the time of our Lord Jesus Christ?
23:25 What about the Lord Jesus Christ, you know, he died, the Bible tells us the Lord Jesus Christ died. Well is the burial that we approved as the practice of the Jews for their dead loved ones, the same thing done to our Lord Jesus Christ when he died?
26:32 Are there any instances in the Bible where the burning of human bones or remains was done?
30:13 Aside from what Brother Donald just read there, what else was an instance recorded in the Bible that mentions the burning of human remains or skeletons?
31:20 What was an instance in the Bible that mentions the burning of dead bodies of the people who belong to God’s nation?
35:10 Whose custom is the burning of the dead or cremation? And what religious belief is it connected to?
41:36 What do we members of the Church of Christ hope for that will happen to us, even if we pass away and we will be buried?
[Show open]
[On-screen logo graphic]
INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Should the dead be cremated? Death is something that no one living in this world can avoid. No person can stop the coming of death because it is God who pointed it but once we are dead should we have our remains be cremated? Well that’s our topic today on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
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Today’s Topic: CREMATION
Brother Johnny Martin: Joining us this week, our Brother Donald Pinnock in Toronto, Canada,
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Donald Pinnock
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Bernard Daos in San Francisco, California.
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Bernard Daos
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: And Brother Glenn David in Sydney, Australia.
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Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Good day to you Brothers, and thank you for joining us in our discussion.
Brothers: Hello, Brother Johnny. Hello, Brother Johnny.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brothers and dear viewers, today our subject is cremation. Recently the Vatican has issued a statement that the Catholic Church does not prohibit cremation. Let’s check out this video:
[Video Starts]
[Source: youtube.com/aFPnewsagency]
The Church urges that the pious custom of burying the dead should be kept. All the same the Church does not prohibit cremation unless this choice has been made for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine.
If for legitimate reasons the choice of cremation of the body was made by Catholics, the ashes should be in a sacred place, for example in a cemetery, a church, or in a specifically provided area.
The conservation of ashes at home is not allowed except for exceptional reasons.
It is not possible to scatter the ashes in the air, on land, in water or in any other way.
Female narrator: The deceased are not only the exclusive property of their family, but rather of the whole church. The Vatican restated this saying that in the case of incineration, it is best to place the ashes in a cemetery and not in a particular house.
Card. Miller: The body of a deceased person is not the private property of his or her relatives. One who has died as a child of God is part of the body of Christ, the people of God. This is why we don’t have private rights to bury the dead but instead of public celebration.
Female narrator: With the increased number of cremations, the Vatican has decided to publish the document, it states that the church is not against incineration, but instead prefers burial because it adequately corresponds to the piety and respect owed to the bodies of the faithful departed. The document explains that some practices like scattering one’s ashes in this seat, are not in line with the teachings of the Church. This is because among other things, they marginalize the entire Christian community.
Card. Miller: We must overcome an excessively individualistic mindset which closes in on the family of each person. Our families are part of the huge family of God. We believe in the resurrection of the body, and that’s why the grave is the normal way for Christians for Catholics.
Female narrator: The document states the practice of burial is recommended to avoid every appearance of pantheism, naturalism or nihilism that do not correspond with the Catholic tradition by scattering ashes of the faithful departed on the land in the sea or in the air.
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Okay, Brothers and dear viewers, we just watched that video or those video clips, where we can see that the Roman Catholic Church, as was indicated in the videos, is not against incineration or cremation. Now before we begin our discussion and take a look at what the Bible says about disposing of the dead, let’s now watch this video on cremation.
[Video starts]
[Source: youtube.com/TIME]
In 1999 the rate of cremation in America was 25%
By 2017 it will be 50%
Male narrator: There was a little cartoon in the paper not all that long ago and grandpa was talking to his children and the children were trying to get grandpa to go ahead and make some funeral plans. So he said, Well, my first wife was buried on the West Coast and his new wife now was in the central part of the country and so the kid said, Well, you know, you could be cremated, you could have half your ashes out with your first wife, and you could have the other half of your ashes with your second. Grandpa got this smile on his face, because he said, ‘so for the first time in my life, I can be in two places at once.’
ASHES TO ASHES
Death in America is a $13.4 billion industry
Average cost of cremation: $2,250
Average cost of burial: $7,755
As demand for cremation rises,
The death industry struggles to reinvent itself.
Male narrator: When I started in this work, the cremation rate was one and a half percent. Those of us that will survive in the future are the ones that have been able to become adaptive. When a family comes to us and says, you know, we would like to have our horse out in front of your building, live horse, because our daughter son was a horseback rider, we’d like to have the Harley Davidson brought into the building, and we’d like the ashes to be placed inside the saddlebags. We don’t raise our eyebrows and look as though this is really unusual. We look at how we make this happen? So what you’re seeing is really an evolution.
Jason Bradshow: Well, this is our Red Hat Celebration of Life Center. This is our new concept of where we see the future of future funeral service going. Up until now there has really been only one type of cremation. And that’s the kind that most people are familiar with, which is flame based cremation. There was a new type of cremation that has been developed. Green cremation basically is a water based cremation where the first in Minnesota and the second in the nation offer it.
Funeral Director: Think for me being the operator of a crematory. It’s something that’s very personal. And living here in a small town. We ended up knowing a lot of the people who we serve. And you remember one case, especially where a father and his son had died in a car accident. And we didn’t have the viewing in this room, it actually took place on the other side, which was never the intention. And the father said can I come around and actually help you place my son inside. For him, that was there when my son was born. And I’m going to be there in the very end also. It’s really a big deal to be the last person that’s there and performing kind of the final act.
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Alright, dear Brothers and our dear viewers, we watched some videos. The first couple were about how the Roman Catholic Church is indicating that it is not against incineration, or cremation. And then we saw that final video where they talked about actual cremation being done to people who have already died. So Brothers if I could get your comments or observations please, regarding what we just watched if we could begin with Brother Glenn there in Australia first please.
Brother Glenn David: I think mainly based on the second video, what struck me was that for many people, it could be enticing to consider cremation mainly because when it comes to cremation, the costs are much more cheaper than that when it comes to burial. I think it’s something like two and a half 1000 versus seven half 1000 If one were to be buried, not only that there actually could be dispersed to different places at the one time as mentioned in that video. But as members of the Church Of Christ, we know we cannot afford to compromise the teachings of God written in the Holy Bible based on personal convenience, and we cannot do that.
Brother Bernard Daos: We saw the video as stating that there are increasing ways to practice for the remains of those loved ones who have passed away, which as the Catholic Church has now given their stand. But one thing I noticed as the different ways increase on how people or will treat or the custom of how they treat the remains of their loved ones, that when the Catholic Church gave their stand, there was no basis for what decision that they had made other than what the decision was.
Brother Donald Pinnock: If I could also refer to the first video Brother Johnny, it seems as if the Catholic Church was buckling under pressure from the members of its religion. Perhaps they were members who are trying to push for cremation. And because of this, there was a certain evolution or deviation from the standards that the Catholic Church used to uphold our practice. However, when it comes to abiding by the teachings of the Lord our God, of course, there should be no addition, there should be no subtraction.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, you know, Brothers, our viewers may be aware that there are no religious rituals performed for any member of the Church Of Christ, who passes away. There are no prayers for the dead, because according to the Bible, the dead will never again take part in anything that happens in this world, which we could read in Ecclesiastes 9:6. Nevertheless, the bereaved of the dead strive to give a proper or decent burial for their deceased loved ones.
Brother Donald Pinnock: Actually, there are people like Brother Johnny, who are asking if they could cremate their deceased loved ones. Well, by cremation, of course, it is referring to the burning or the incineration of the remains of the bones of that deceased loved ones. And when it comes to the ashes, just like he was mentioned in an earlier video, those ashes would then be dispersed over a body of water, or a certain region on land, somewhere that has a sentimental meaning or reason, either for the deceased loved one, or for the surviving family members.
[On screen graphic]
Today’s Topic: CREMATION
Brother Glenn David: And as members of the Church of Christ, we want the way in which the early servants of God dispose of their deceased loved ones is the same way we should also dispose of in the same manner, which is, of course, through burial.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Bernard as members of the Church Of Christ or Iglesia Ni Cristo, our faith is based on the words of God recorded in the Bible. So what did God’s previous servants do back then, when their loved ones passed away? Where did the early servants of God bring the remains of the dead? What does the Bible say?
Brother Bernard Daos: Brother Johnny, for that answer. If we may turn to the very first book of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, we will read chapter 23 Verse 1 to 4, verses 10 to 13. And also verses 17 to 19. This is what we can read:
Sarah lived to be 127 years old. She died in Hebron in the land of Canaan, and Abraham mourned her death. He left the place where his wife’s body was lying, went to the Hittites, and said, “I am a foreigner living here among you; sell me some land, so that I can bury my wife.” Ephron himself was sitting with the other Hittites at the meeting place at the city gate; he answered in the hearing of everyone there, “Listen, sir; I will give you the whole field and the cave that is in it. Here in the presence of my own people, I will give it to you, so that you can bury your wife.” But Abraham bowed before the Hittites and said to Ephron so that everyone could hear, “May I ask you, please, to listen. I will buy the whole field. Accept my payment, and I will bury my wife there.” That is how the property which had belonged to Ephron at Machpelah east of Mamre, became Abraham’s. It included the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees in the field up to the edge of the property. It was recognized as Abraham’s property by all the Hittites who were there at the meeting. Then Abraham buried his wife Sarah, in that cave in the land of Canaan.
[Genesis 23:1-4, 10-13, 17-19 Good News Bible]
Brother Bernard Daos: Brother Johnny, according to what we have read. Abraham, who was one of God’s servants during the time of the Patriarchs, when his wife Sarah had passed away, he sought for a piece of land or a place so that he could bury his wife Sarah. That’s why, according to the Bible, Abraham had approached the Hittites to purchase a piece of land with the intention that, according to what he said, I will bury my wife there. And as we continue to read in the verses, the property became Abraham’s. And Abraham buried his wife, Sarah, in that cave there in the land of Canaan.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Bernard Daos
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, dear viewers, time came when Jacob, son of Isaac was the son of Abraham, had 12 sons and a daughter. One of the 12 was Joseph, who was greatly envied, and ill-treated many times by his brothers. But Joseph himself became the savior of the household of Jacob. When famine struck the land. Joseph was able to help his family, because he helped them a high position in the palace of Egypt. Joseph reciprocated with good things, the wicked deeds that his older brothers had done to him. Now, through him, the household of Jacob enjoyed a good life in Egypt. Brother Donald, this is the question, what did Joseph instruct his brothers to do to him in the event of his death?
Brother Donald Pinnock: Allow me to answer that Brother Johnny, by reading here in Genesis 50 and the verses are 24 to 26:
At last Joseph said to his brothers, “I’m about to die. God will definitely take care of you and take you out to this land to the land he swore with an oath to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Joseph made Israel’s sons swear an oath. He said, “God will definitely take care of you. So be sure to carry my bones back with you.” Joseph died when he was 110 years old. His body was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
[Genesis 50:24-26 God’s Word Translation]
Brother Donald Pinnock: We should notice something very, very important about what we have just read, especially the statement of Joseph. When he came to Joseph, he made an instruction to his brothers on the point or the event of his death. In fact, they had them swear a solemn oath, that when the Lord Our God delivered them from Egypt, that they would bring his bones with them. Please note that Joseph did not instruct these brothers to cremate him or to burn his remains. So what eventually happened when Joseph died, as the Bible teaches, he was embalmed, and he was placed in a coffin.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Donald Pinnock
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Glenn, was the instruction of Joseph fulfilled, that when Israel would go out of Egypt, his bones should be brought up from Egypt?
Brother Glenn David: Well, we can read the answer Brother Johnny in Joshua 24:32. It says:
And Joseph’s bones, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in that tract of land and Jacob bought for a hundred pieces of silver, from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem. This became the inheritance of Joseph’s descents.
[Joshua 24:32 New International Version]
Brother Glenn David: So it is clear that the remains of Joseph were buried. They were not burned, and this was in accordance with his construction when he was still alive. So even during the time of the patriarchs, God’s early servants were buried, and they will not burn or be cremated.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, dear viewers, you know, the question is now, what about after the time of the patriarchs? Did God’s people continue until the time of the prophets, the practice of burying the dead and not burning or for cremating them? Well, that’s next on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Don’t go away.
[On screen graphic]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto www.iglesianicristo.net
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back, everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We’re talking about cremation. How the Catholic Church does not prohibit this manner of disposing of their dead, and how the servants of God dispose of the ones who have passed away.
[On screen graphic]
Today’s Topic: CREMATION
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Our question is this, after the time of the patriarchs, did God’s people continue until the time of the prophets, the practice of burying the dead and not burning or cremating them? Brother Bernard, during the time of the nation of Israel and in the Christian era, what has been done to God’s people when they die?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bernard Daos: For that answer will turn again to the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy 34, verses 5 to 6. This is what the Bible states:
So Moses, the LORD’s servant, died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said he would. The LORD buried him in a valley in Moab, opposite the town of Bethpeor, but to this day no one knows the exact place of his burial.
[Deuteronomy 34:5-6 Good News Bible]
Brother Bernard Daos: The question is, did the practice of seeking to have a proper burial continued during the nation, a time of the nation of Israel? And that answer is, yes. Moses, who was during the time of the nation of Israel, when he died, he was buried and not cremated, as stated by the Bible. And in fact, we should note it was the Lord God Himself, who buried Moses.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Bernard Daos
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Donald, we know that the prophets in the Law of Moses, were until the time of John the Baptist. Now, during that time, when John the Baptist was executed by Herod because of the request of the daughter of Herodias, what did the disciples of John do to his body?
Brother Donald Pinnock: Well, we can read the following Brother Johnny, in Matthew chapter 14, and the verse is 12:
John’s disciples came, carried away his body, and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.
[Matthew 14:12 Good News Bible]
Brother Donald Pinnock: So when John the Baptist was slain, due to the request of Herodias, or the daughter of Herodias, please note that the Bible records that the disciples of John came, they took the body and they buried it. So this is just another proof to beloved viewers that when it comes to the people of the Lord, our God, indeed, they were buried and they were not cremated.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Donald Pinnock
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Glenn did this practice of burying the dead continue until the time of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Brother Glenn David: Yes, it did Brother Johnny. And one of the highlights was written here in John 11:41 to 44. This is what our Lord Jesus Christ did during his time, his ministry:
They took the stone away. Jesus looked up and said, “I thank You, Father, that you listen to me. I know that you always listen to me. But I say this for the sake of the people here so that they will believe that you sent me after he had said this. He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” He came out, his hands and feet wrapped in grave clothes, and with a cloth around his face. “Untie him,” Jesus told them, “and let him go.”
[John 11:41-44 Good News Bible]
Brother Glenn David: So even through the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, the practice of burying the dead was being observed. During His ministry as mentioned here in the Holy Scriptures, He went to his friend Lazarus, who was dead and buried in a cave for four days, with a stone covering it. However, what miracle did the Lord Jesus Christ perform? He raised him from the dead or He raised him from the grave. So even during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, the practice of burying the dead was still being observed. There was no cremation.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel]
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Bernard, what about the Lord Jesus Christ, you know, he died, the Bible tells us the Lord Jesus Christ died. Well is the burial that we approved as the practice of the Jews for their dead loved ones, the same thing done to our Lord Jesus Christ when he died?
Brother Bernard Daos: Well, we can find that answer Brother Johnny, written here in the book of John chapter 19. We will read verses 40 all the way to verse 42:
The two men took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices according to the Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial. There was a garden in the place where Jesus had been put to death and in it there was a new tomb where no one had been buried. Since it was the day before the Sabbath and because the tomb was close by, they placed Jesus’ body there.
[John 19:40-42 Good News Bible]
Brother Bernard Daos: When our Lord Jesus Christ died, the Bible has a historical account that the two men took his body and they wrapped it in linen cloth and spices. Now why was this done, Brother Johnny? This was done in accordance with the Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial. So it’s important to note that the Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial was the same custom observed and practiced at the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we can clearly see that the burning of the body or the remains or cremation is not in accordance with the custom or commandments written in the Bible.
Brother Glenn David: So when the Vatican issued a statement to the members of the Catholic Church, that it does not prohibit its members from cremating or incinerating their dead loved ones, it just goes to show that the Catholic Church cannot be the true Church. That they do not uphold the teachings of God written in the Bible, that they have indeed turned away from the true faith because the true Church, the true Church Of Christ would never compromise the teachings. It would uphold firmly the teachings of God written in the Bible, and that is when it comes to disposing of the dead or our deceased loved ones, that it should be done by burial and cremation should never enter the minds of the true servants of God when one passes away.
Brother Johnny Martin: But, you know, dear Brothers and dear viewers, some may be wondering if there are any instances in the Bible where the burning of human bones or remains was done. If there are, does that justify the practice of cremating the dead? That’s up next as the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition continues. Stay with us.
[On screen graphic]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto www.iglesianicristo.net
[On-screen logo graphic]
INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. So far in this episode, we have presented the biblical proof, let’s show that the people of God in the past and even until the present time, do not subscribe to the practice of cremating their dead. What they do instead is bury their dead. But some may be wondering, well, are there any instances in the Bible where the burning of human bones or remains was done? And if there are, Brother Donald, does that justify the practice of cremating the dead?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Donald Pinnock: In order to answer that question, Brother Johnny, permit me to read at Second Kings 23 verses 14 to 16 and then 19 to 20:
Josiah smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles and covered the sites with human bones. Even the altar at Bethel, the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin-even that altar and high place he demolished. He burned the high place and ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole also. Then Josiah looked around, and when he saw the tombs that were there on the hillside, he had the bones removed from them and burned on the altar to defile it, in accordance with the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who foretold these things. Just as he had done at Bethel, Josiah removed and defiled all the shrines at the high places that the kings of Israel had built in the towns of Samaria that had provoked the Lord to anger. Josiah slaughtered all the priests of those high places on the altars and burned human bones on them. Then he went back to Jerusalem.
[II Kings 23:14-16, 19-20 New International Version]
Brother Donald Pinnock: So to your question, Brother Johnny, are there instances in the Bible when the burning of human bones or remains was done? Well, the answer is yes. However, do such instances justify the practice of burning human remains or cremating? The answer is no. But why was it done? It was due to specific circumstances. And what is an example of this? Well we read about Josiah. Josiah was a king of Judah. And in fact, the Bible teaches that there was no king like him before his time or after his time, when he came to his faithfulness unto the Lord our God. How is it that he showed his faithfulness unto the Lord our God?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Donald Pinnock
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Donald Pinnock: Well, he destroyed, he tore down all of the idols, all of the images, even the altars of the false gods that had been erected by the kings before his time. And not only that. The Bible teaches that he also discovered tombs. What did he have done when he came to those remains or bones? He had them removed and then they were burned on the altars of those false gods in order to defile it. We should also take note that when he came to the burning of the bones, it was not done to dispose of those or of those who just recently died. Rather according to what we read, these bones were removed from tombs. They were already dead, and then they were burned. We should also notice that it was done in order to defile the altar of those false gods, because the practice of the people of God tragically at that time they angered our Father in heaven.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Glenn, aside from what Brother Donald just read there, what else was an instance recorded in the Bible that mentions the burning of human remains or skeletons?
Brother Glenn David: We could read the answer Brother Johnny here in Amos chapter 2 verses 1 to 2.
The LORD says, “The people of Moab have sinned again and again, and for this I will certainly punish them. They dishonored the bones of the king of Edom by burning them to ashes. I will send fire upon the land of Moab and burn down the fortresses of Kerioth. The people of Moab will die in the noise of battle while soldiers are shouting and trumpets are sounding.
[Amos 2:1-2 Good News Bible]
Brother Glenn David: So from what we read, the Lord God mentioned the very grave sin committed by the people of Moab, as well as the punishment that was given to them by the Almighty God. Now what did they do? They burned to ashes, the bones of the king of Edom. And what was the punishment that was given unto them? God sent out a fire to destroy the fortresses as well as the people.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Bernard, what was an instance in the Bible that mentions the burning of dead bodies of the people who belong to God’s nation?
Brother Bernard Daos: Well, we can find that biblical account recorded in the Book of First Samuel chapter 31. We will read verse 1 to 2, and then also verses 6 to 13:
Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day. When the Israelites along the valley and those across the Jordan saw that the Israelite army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and they sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temple of their idols and among their people. They put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan. When the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their valiant men marched through the night to Beth Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Bath Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them. Then they took their bones and buried them under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.
[I Samuel 31: 1-2, 6-13 New International Version]
Brother Bernard Daos: Brother Johnny, was there a time recorded in the Bible, where the dead that belong to the nation of God, their bodies were burned? Yes, there was during the time of King Saul. What happened during the time of King Saul, King Saul, along with the Israelites, went to war against the Philistines. Now, after this war, King Saul and his three sons were killed in battle. So what happened when the Philistines found the body of King Saul? According to what we have read, they put his body to the wall.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Bernard Daos
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bernard Daos: And they sent messengers because they wanted to tell everyone in the land about it. Now what happened to save the honor of the fallen King Saul? The valiant men went out, and they recovered the body of King Saul. According to the account in the Bible, they burned this body, so that her king, the Fallen King, would no longer be disrespected or dishonored. But one thing Brother, God we need to notice from what was recorded is that even after they burned the body of King Saul, they still buried his bones. And therefore, if the Bible would mention dead bodies that were being burned, we should notice and understand this was a very unique or an uncommon situation. And therefore this cannot be used as a basis for claiming that the Bible teaches cremation as the proper way of disposing of the bodies of those who have passed away.
Brother Glenn David: And so far, at this juncture of our program, we can observe that for the for the servants of God, when it comes to disposing of the dead, that we practice what the early servants of God have done during the time of the patriarchs, the time of the prophets, even during the ministry of Our Lord Jesus Christ, or the Christian era, the dead were being buried and not cremated. And this is what is written in the Holy Bible. And that is why we members of the Church Of Christ in our time or these last days, we also observe burial inside the Church Of Christ for those who have passed away or died in this life.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Donald, you know, some might be wondering this way, whose custom is the burning of the dead or cremation? And what religious belief is it connected to?
Brother Donald Pinnock: Let me read from the 2006 Britannica Encyclopedia of world religion on page 268. It states the following:
[2006 Britannica Encyclopedia of World Religions, Pag 268]
“In HINDUISM In India, cremation is the preferred form of disposing of the dead. The placing of the body into the fire is regarded as a kind of final sacrificial offering, and the burning of the body is often understood to begin the process of REINCARNATION.”
Brother Donald Pinnock: So, according to this book, cremation is the preferred form of disposing of a dead body by those who uphold or practice Hinduism. How did they regard such a practice? Well, just as we read, they are regarded as a kind of a final sacrificial offering and the burning of the body is often understood to begin the process of reincarnation. Well, what is reincarnation? According to their beliefs, that is the rebirth of a soul in a new body, whether that body be of human form, or another living species or animal.
Brother Johnny Martin: And dear Brothers for the benefit of our viewers here is a video that depicts a Hindu funeral and cremation, let’s watch:
[On screen graphic]
Today’s Topic: CREMATION
[Video starts]
[Source: youtube.com/w3thertre]
Male Narrator: In India, nearly every Hindu funeral takes the form of a cremation. And in Edernaci on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, the funeral pyres have been burning continuously for over 2000 years.
A father has come here to mourn the loss of his 22 year old son. An entire family is left grieving.
According to custom, the body is taken to the river and given one last drink of the holy water.
But for Hindus, this young man’s journey is not over. Because central to the Hindu faith is the belief in reincarnation, that his soul will live again.
Once the body has been prepared, it is now the responsibility of the nearest male relative to light the funeral pyre. They must be clean shaven and wearing the traditional Indian funeral color, which is not black but white. On this occasion, the boy’s father must now light the fire that will engulf the body of his son. Wealthy families will add scented sandalwood and oil to the pyre. According to the Hindu faith, this young man’s next life will depend on how he has lived his previous one. If he’s led a good life, he will have good karma and his next life will be better. But if his soul is found to be wanting he will return to face tougher challenges
Once the body has been reduced to ashes it is taken to the sacred Ganges River to be scattered. For Hindus, the Ganges is not just a river. She is worshiped as a goddess, a mother and a giver of life. There is no more auspicious place to mark the ending of one life and the beginning of another.
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Brother Johnny Martin: All right, dear friends, we just watched that video depicting a Hindu funeral and cremation. Now Brothers, what are your observations and reactions after watching it?
Brother Glenn David: Cremation is also the method being used in two major religions in India, Jainism and Sikhism which also has a connection to reincarnation not only that, in Buddhism that is also being up serve cremation in many parts of the world, and many Buddhist sects are also doing that as well.
Brother Donald Pinnock: We members of the Church Of Christ, however, have no reason whatsoever to conform to such a practice that is unbiblical or unscriptural. Even if there are other so-called Christian religions, who will be because of or perhaps under pressure from their members, or the belief that they have to keep up with modern times, they’re going to deviate from what is written in the Holy Bible. This will never be seen, when it comes to the true Church Of Christ. We will stand by what is written in the Holy Bible. And the Bible clearly teaches about the history of God’s people. They practiced burial when he came to those who were diseased, and not cremation.
Brother Bernard Daos: And it’s important to note our viewers and our friends that we are members of the Church Of Christ. What we want is to preserve the method to observe the practice that was used by God’s servants as recorded in the Bible. Because we are members of the Church Of Christ, we believe that we are God’s people in these last days.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Glenn, what do we members of the Church of Christ hope for that will happen to us, even if we pass away and we will be buried?
Brother Glenn David: Well this is the great hope of the members of the Church Of Christ, as we could read here in Psalms, chapter 49, verse 15:
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me.
[Psalms 49:15 New King James Version]
Brother Glenn David: So what is the great hope for the members of the Church Of Christ, even if we pass away in this life? The Bible says here, that God will redeem us from the grave, and will take us to himself.
Brother Johnny Martin: But Brother Bernard, how is that going to happen? How will this hope of God’s chosen ones who were redeemed by the blood of Christ have fulfillment, if they’re already in the grave on the second coming of our Savior?
Brother Bernard Daos: Well, that hope is clearly outlined by the promise of the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. And this is what is recorded in John five chapter, verse 28, and 29:
Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who
are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
[John 5:28, 29 New King James Version]
Brother Bernard Daos: Therefore, Brother Johnny, the hope, that the those who are in our Lord Jesus Christ have, even if they have died, is that the hope on the appointed day of our Lord Jesus Christ on his return, then as according to our Lord, that those are in the graves will hear His voice, and they will come forward to the resurrection, or what was the hope of those who are in Christ according to what our Lord Jesus Christ said, those who have done good, will be resurrected to life, and those who have done evil will be resurrected to condemnation. So what is the good that we should strive to do, fulfill in our lives while we have this life and strength? Well, we know that the goal that we should fulfill is what is written in Romans 7:12. The law and the commandments of our Almighty God are just, holy, and good. This is why as we continue to uphold the teachings that are recorded in the Bible, we grow ever stronger in our hope, that we will receive the promise of salvation and eternal life.
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Bernard Daos
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: However, Brother Donald, why are we sure that the members of the Church Of Christ are the ones who can be sure that the power of death will not prevail against them, and that they will have eternal life?
Brother Donald Pinnock: Our Lord Jesus Christ himself makes the following proclamation as recorded in Matthew 16:18:
And they tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
[Matthew 16:18 Revised Standard Version]
Brother Donald Pinnock: So why are we so sure that the members of the Church Of Christ, they will not be overcome by the powers of death? Because of this promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He comes to the church that he built? What again, did our Lord Jesus Christ promise? He says, not even the powers of death shall prevail against it?
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Donald Pinnock
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Glenn, how do the apostles call the church that Christ built? He called it my church there in Matthew 16:18, that Brother Donald just read. Well, how did the apostles call that church?
Brother Glenn David: In First Corinthians chapter 12:12. The apostles called it this way, and this is what we could read in the Weymouth New Testament translation:
For just as the human body is one and yet has many parts, and all its parts, many as they are, constitute but one body, so it is with the Church of Christ.
[I Corinthians 12:12 Weymouth New Testament]
Brother Glenn David: So how did the apostles call the church built by Christ? They call it the Church Of Christ. So when many people become members of the Church Of Christ, or they become part of the body of Christ, they are also inheriting the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is that the power of death shall not prevent it. What is the equivalent of that, that even if they die as members of the Church Of Christ, they will be returned back to life, as also stated by the apostle Paul, in First Thessalonians chapter 4:16 to 17, that where the Lord Jesus Christ returns, He will come back with a voice of an archangel, and the dead in Christ will rise first, or they will be part of the first resurrection. And this is very inspiring for us, very hopeful for us members of the Church Of Christ. That is, that is why it is only right and fitting that we endure, we sacrifice, we do what it takes, we do our best to overcome the challenges and persecutions of this slide. So that we will remain as members of the Church Of Christ until the very end to receive that promise, eternal life. And that is why we are proud to be members of the Church Of Christ.
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Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, we’d like to thank Brother Donald Pinnock in Toronto, Canada, Brother Bernard Daos in San Francisco, California, and Brother Glenn David in Sydney, Australia for giving us Bible-based answers so that as the Apostle Peter said to the members of the Church, ‘you will be ready to speak up unto anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are,’ which we could read in First Peter 3:15.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, that does it for us here on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We hope you’ll join us again next time. I’m Johnny Martin, and thanks for watching. As we come to the end of the program, we invite you to join us for a short prayer.
Brother Glenn David: Our dear, kind, loving Father in heaven. We once again, thank you, oh Lord, so very much for the endless nature of your kindness, and the love that you continue to give your servants. We thank you, Dear Father, for being with us in our panel discussion. We pray that these truths and these messages, continue to strengthen the brethren under our care throughout the world. And above all, hold more people inside your Holy Church, to receive your promises of salvation. May you please continue to bless this program, Dear Father. May it continue to reach the objectives of your Church Administration, that the truths inside your Holy Church should be relayed to the people of this world, that they too may have the opportunity to become members, proud members of your Holy Church, and to be also recipients of your blessings. Not only in this life, but above all in life to come. The holy city you’re preparing for your people, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please continue to show mercy upon your disciples. Call more people inside your holy church. So the more we will honor you, Lord Jesus, we will continue to glorify our Father in heaven. Father, as we returned to you in prayer, may you please continue to bless the Church Administration, that they may continue to lead the entire Church Of Christ in these last days, until the day we reach our salvation. All these things we pray for now Dear Father, only in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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