“Daddy, will Tanner go to heaven?”
Jack asked me this when I threatened Tanner for eating the kitchen trash.
“I saw an Alpo commercial bragging that not a speck of cereal is in their dog food. I don’t know about you, but my dog drinks out of the toilet.” Dave Letterman
Our beagle, in spite of his appetite, mattered enormously to our happiness.
So there’s a lot at stake knowing if our pets go to heaven.
What kids think about heaven and pets
An elementary school teacher asked her students why animals should go to heaven.
- “Because they are good.” Mary
- “If not, who would take care of them”? Andy
- “So they can be with their human family.” Teresa
- “Because God wants them to live with him.” Matt
- “Because it’s boring if only people are in heaven.” Loretta
Good answers.
A startling glimpse into the future
The Apostle John depicts many heavenly scenes in his book, Revelation.
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” and “I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out with a loud voice” Selected verses in Revelation 5 and 8.
Creatures in heaven not only talk, but they worship!
I can only imagine singing “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” with Tanner.
A startling glimpse of the New Earth
“Behold I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5
Do all things include critters, creatures and pets?
Why wouldn’t they?
Dogs. Cats. Horses. Cattle. All at peace.
“The wolf will live with the lamb, 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. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9
God has always taken care of animals by . . .
- saving them from the epic flood (Genesis 6)
- guaranteeing their future (Hosea 2:18)
- promising to abolish their role as predator or prey (Isaiah 65:25)
Yes, animals suffer today like we do.
But, God loves them like he loves us and they will be redeemed in the New Earth.
“The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:21-23
As you see here, animals are included with redeemed humanity.
“Heaven must receive him (Jesus) until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.” Acts 3:21
Biblical authors proclaim a time when evil will be no more.
Not because politics, science or education eventually get it right.
They can’t overcome evil.
Only God can do that.
And He will do it beautifully His way and on His timetable.
This includes our animal friends.
“If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.” Will Rogers
Look no further Will.
What you see today on earth is a shadow of even greater beauty to come.
What do pets teach you about the beauty and wonder of heaven?
Otis and Rabbit really enjoyed this one!
I should have titled this post “Startling Secrets About Heaven Made Simple By Cats.” Otis and Rabbit’s opinion are important to this blog!
One of my favorite dog quotes is by Mark Twain: “Heaven is by favor; if it were by merit your dog would go in and you would stay out”
This is too convicting Hugh! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for a wonderful topic of those so many of us consider “family members.” Sadly, I was raised with the belief that heaven is a place reserved for those with souls and a conscience, which animals don’t have. I wish I had the belief then, as I do now, that creatures will join us in heaven. For me, heaven will feel very much like that moment when your dog instinctively knowing you are not feeling well; lays its head in your lap to comfort you.
I saw a church sign that said: “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” Imagine how the world would be if everyone followed this. Thanks Matt!