HEAVEN SERIES #12
Will there be animals and pets in heaven?
In my opinion, the quick answer is yes, and yes. The scripture tells us in the book of Genesis, that it was God’s idea in the first place to design and create the animals and birds and fish.. and after he had done so, He beheld what He had created and said, “It is good”. So we know initially, God was indeed pleased that He had created them.
Secondly, if you’ll remember, God included the animals in the covenant he made with Noah and his family in the great flood. He made special emphasis on the animals in His promise…
“I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you AND WITH EVERY LIVING CREATURE that was with you – THE BIRDS, THE LIVESTOCK AND ALL THE WILD ANIMALS, all those that came out of the ark with you, EVERY LIVING CREATURE on earth…” No less than six times, God mentions that His covenant includes the animals.
Thirdly, one of the reasons God created animals was that it was a beautiful way for Him to reveal Himself to us. Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…”
Fourthly, Romans chapter 8 clearly shows that all creation is included in the redemption plan for mankind… and that the animals, birds, mountains, trees, rivers and truly all of creation “groans” awaiting the time when they will also be restored to the place that they were originally intended to be.
The scriptures again reveal in Isaiah 11, that in a future era, “the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox…”
And in the book of Revelation, chapter 11, we see Jesus Himself returning to earth from heaven, riding a “WHITE HORSE”. Yes, heaven and the new Earth will be filled with a myriad of animals and wildlife for the eternal enjoyment of God’s children!
Regarding our “pets”, when we consider the deep affection and relationships that a person can have with their pets, it would easily make sense that our loving Father would accommodate our love for our own animals.
For many, particularly the elderly, a pet dog or cat can fill an emptiness or a void almost like a person would. And when that pet dies, the feelings of loss can be almost identical to the loss of a loved one.
Although the Scriptures do not address this directly, I think sometimes we need to give our Creator room to bless us and even surprise us with the rewards of having loved Him and served Him well.
Blessings, Mike
Would you like the assurance of eternal life for yourself?
Watch this compelling 6 minute video.
