Human beings consist of three aspects which combine to create what we know as a human being: body, soul, and spirit. In this aspect, we once again are made in the image of God who Himself is a triune being, the Trinity, consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Paul’s epistle to the Church at Thessalonica, he addresses all three separate components of a person: “May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
So, at death, the body returns to the dust ("and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." Eccl 12:7). Under normal circumstances, a human body will completely decompose and leave no trace within 20-30 years. So, in most cases, whether a body of a Christian has been buried, cremated, or buried at sea; after 30 years there is nothing left of the earthly body except for minerals (dust).
Many are concerned that if the body is cremated, there will somehow not be anything for the Lord to resurrect. But, if you truly believe that the Lord is the one true God of the universe, and created all things from nothing (ex-nihilio), then it would be an easy task for Him to recreate your body. But taking into account there is nothing left of most believer’s bodies after 30 years, it really doesn’t matter in what manner they died, how their bodies were handled after death, or for that matter how much of their body is left intact. All are reduced to dust from where they came.
For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5:1-4
At the rapture, all believers in Christ will be immediately transformed. Our souls will be reunited with our body, and our bodies will be changed. The Bible calls it “putting on the imperishable” or being “glorified.” We will become like Jesus, the first-fruits of those raised from the dead and will be like He was after His resurrection and is now.
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. I Cor. 15:51-53
The rest of mankind will be resurrected after the 1000 year Millennial Reign of Christ. Those who are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire where Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and his demons are. This is known as the “second death.” So, all humans will be bodily resurrected and joined again with their soul at some point in time. The condition of the body does not affect the process of resurrection at all. What does matter, above all else, is the condition of your soul now.
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2
Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29
