Do Animals Go to Heaven?
by Lorrie Davids(428)
If you have gone through the death of a pet, you know it is not an easy thing to endure. If you have kids, you inevitably will get the hard question "Is she in Heaven?". As an adult, I had the experience of our family dog dying and wondered the same thing...Do our pets go to Heaven? I needed the comfort of knowing I'd see our pup again someday, healthy and whole. Most Bible believing people I've come in contact with hold the belief that since dogs (pets) don't have souls, they can't go to Heaven. I question that belief. Here's why:
God created them. There is the white horse mentioned in Revelation 6. Strong's Concise Concordance of the Bible lists over 60 references to "asses" in the Old Testment alone and over 80 to "ass" throughout the whole Bible. Donkeys were pretty important to the people for transportation and work back then and I'm sure more than a few were the family pet. Compassion to animals is shown in Luke 13:15 when Jesus asks" Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?" (NIV) It is presumed that Mary rode into Bethlehem on a donkey and Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus was born in a place that housed animals. Read Genesis 1. God was very specific to include all animal life, land, sky and sea in the creation of this earth.
These are just a few examples of animals in the Bible. If he took the time to create them and made them such a part of everyday life, why would he not place them in Heaven also? What we know of Heaven is that it will be a beautiful place, a place of joy, peace and comfort. I believe that includes animals that are special to us on earth. That just makes sense. But, I needed a little more information to come to an educated deduction.
Seek and ye shall find, right?
Randy Alcorn, author of the book Heaven has spent many years researching what Heaven (New Earth) will be like. He quotes Revelation 21:5 - "Behold I am making all things new" (ESV) and interprets it as not making new things, rather making old things new. I like that. If God will make me new and improved someday, why not my pet? Were not all things made for God's glory? then it makes sense that same creation will bring God glory in Heaven.
Think about it.
In C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce one character is shown to be a lover of people and animals both on earth and in Heaven. In Heaven, her animals are with her. Joni Eareckson Tada and John Piper are others noted by Alcorn to expect animals, if not their very pets in Heaven.
Is there a Scripture passage in the Bible that says "Your pet will meet you in Heaven someday!"? No. Am I saying that you pet can be "saved"? Emphatically, No! Animals cannot chose salvation. According to James 1:17 every good gift is from God, who does not change. I have confidence that in Heaven, the perfect place in my future, my good gifts will include Cinder, RiCA and Sasha and any other creature in his creation with which he chooses to bless me.
I recommend Randy's book, Heaven, not just to answer questions about animals, but for any questions you have about Heaven.
Sources: The Quest Study Bible, NIV; Heaven, by Randy Alcorn.
Article submitted Wednesday, March 18, 2009 & read 660 times.
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» left by David Pekrul (1 year 173 days ago.)
I definitely believe that there will be animals in Heaven, for in Revelations 21:1 says, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared." The "new earth" being referred to here, is what we all think about as being Heaven, with the New Jerusalem as its capital city. The heavens mentioned here are galaxies and solar systems as we now have in this creation. God is saying that the old heaven and earth will be removed and a new one is to come. Revelation 21 then goes on to say, "And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven (again referring to the solar system) like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.If there are animals on this earth, why not on the new earth (Heaven) which Christ says He has gone away to prepare for us?Respond to this comment
» left by (1 year 173 days ago.)
Hey David! Glad to see you here on MPT! I think you spend as much time at your computer as I do at mine! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I agree with you 1000%. All the beauty of God's creation, but perfected! Yeah, I believe that includes animals, even our pets, as much as is does any other part of creation. For years I didn't question the traditional view of no pets in Heaven, but losing a dog after 18 years changed me. It was important to me to find out. Hope to see you here again!
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» left by Lorrie Davids(428)
Oops, sorry, David. That was me commenting. I must not have been logged in.
Lorrie
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» left by Gary W. Halsey Sr. (1 year 173 days ago.)
Lorrie, Of course there will be animals in heaven. Think about it, and by the way, I echo what David wrote as well, but think about it, they give "unconditional love" to us humans. The are innocent, and have committed any sins that I know of, and I truly believe a animal has a soul just as we do. Of course they do. What else would make them tick? Why would they look up to you with those big beautiful eyes, and you just know they know you are talking about them. Just because animals can't talk, doesn't mean they are dumb right? So, there you have it, You will see your dog again, maybe not in his old body, but you WILL know him/her.........Your fan, and friend in pen........Gary.
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» left by Lorrie Davids(428)
Hey Gary! What do you mean animals can't talk??? Mine talk to me all the time!
It makes sense to me now that our pets will be in heaven. In fact, I honestly believe my White Shepherd was an angel her first few years with me. Don't call the funny farm yet...who knows what form an angel may take. And according to the last verse in Hebrews chapter one an angel's job is to minister to those who would inherit salvation. But, all that is another Pet Tale for another time.
Thanks for finding MPT, reading and commenting! I greatly appreciate it.
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» left by Lori Killinger (1 year 172 days ago.)
I truly believe that our pets go to heaven. God's Word instructs us to care for our animals. They are very important to Him. I remember Cinder praying with your family. She was quite a dog, and I am sure you will see her again.Respond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(428)
Thanks, Lori. It is a comforting thing to know that I will see that "branch" of my family again. We taught RiCA to "praise God!" She gives us a high ten - her version of raising her hands. Now that she is older, it is hard for her to do that and "sit pretty" so we rarely ask that of her.
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» left by Marijo Phelps(18) (1 year 22 days ago.)
If the lion and the lamb will be there I sure hope my kitties who have died will be too.... appreciate your article - would love to see one on the personality traits of dogs - we haven't had one and are pondering a dog for our 16 paws (feline) MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(428)
Thanks for reading and commenting, Marijo. I truly believe Scripture supports our pets being in Heaven. For your possible doggy addition to the family: look for a breed that is not prey driven. We have a husky and most in the know for this breed will tell you they don't do well with cats. You have a good idea for an article. If you don't want to write it, someone around here will, I'm sure! It is good to have you here on MPT.
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