This question was posed on a forum that I sometimes frequent thought it could be interesting to discuss. :)
My only real question based off of this one is, Is there any biblical evidence of ANY animals in heaven? Not necessarily dead pets.
Also is telling children they'll see Fido in heaven just a parents way to pacify a crying child? If so is it right to say?
Just thought I would keep us on our toes this morning ;)
Of course there is evidence there are animals in Heaven. : ) Does not the scripture state that Jesus will return with His saints and the armies of Heaven, riding all on white horses.Where do you think those horses are kept?
And does not the scripture state that the lion will someday lie down with the lamb? While that may not be referring to Heaven it at least allows for animals to continue in the NEW Earth. And I'm confident that God can resurrect our dead pets just as He can resurrect us, if we ask.
Furthermore, there are many "odd" creatures already in Heaven, the descriptions of which make me think of some kind of (celestial) animal.
I'm so glad you raised this question. I had many different pets as a child, and mourned their deaths greatly. I believe that any animal that can feel emotion has a soul (of a different type than humans). Animals such as dogs, horses, and elephants have been observed to demonstrate signs of grief and sadness. I do not believe that sharks or fish or snakes have souls however. Just my opinion.
Animals were not created in the image of God. They do not sow spiritual and eternal things. Therefore they don't reap eternal things. When an animal dies, it is no more.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [Isa 64:4]
I don't believe our pets are in Heaven, they return to the dust - but I do believe that when GOD re-creates earth - that He 'can' reunite us with our pets.
Why would he repopulate the world with a whole new bunch of animals when HE is Good and understands the love between a pet and a human being - as He used Nathan to speak an analogy of a "pet lamb" to David, regarding David's sin and what was David's reaction to just the stealing of a pet lamb?
I and so many others have had pets when I was sick or very alone, that GOD has used in miraculous ways. I believe the verse above can also mean that, we have no idea how Wonderful things will be, future tense as well, in the new earth after he destroys the present ...
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Personally, I'm sick of debating and don't give a hoot who doesn't like what I just posted because I feel that The LORD gave me this when I lost my "best friend".
:p
God is the Creator of all things is He not?
And just as He created the heavens and the earth, beast of the land, fish in the sea, birds of the air, and all manner of creepy crawlies-it does not specifically say in His word that they have a spirit or soul. WE (man) have dominion over them, and they were created for us and the earth to remain abundant and rich in natural resources.
Now I do not argue that a pet cannot have/show emotion;some are simply better then others, it is all dependent upon their I.Q and what circumstances they have experienced.
What explanation will I give when our much loved dog passes away...I am not going to pretend to know about the spiritual realm or pets, as I have not experienced it firsthand, nor have I had a Holy Spirit revelation.
My answer to a child would then be simply put...when you see God for yourself, ask Him where Princess has gone.
I'm sick of debating and don't give a hoot who doesn't like what I just posted because I feel that The LORD gave me this when I lost my "best friend".
I had to laugh at this Brother. After all the verses which you shared supporting a more compassionate view of the creature. It was funny. Bless You.
hi,when they were searching heaven for one that could open the book it was described that all the animals from above the asrth and below were there.
Thanks, Brother Andrew. A merry heart maketh good like a medicine and the joy of The LORD 'is' our strength.
I also figure that, when I See HIM, it won't matter, but for now - it's just a comforting or nice thought.
I read & hear a lot of News in a day and comforting or nice thoughts are Nice and so is a dose of His joy in the midst.
Bless you in return.
Your sis
yea when you see your pets in heaven they will be able to talk to you then.
Double post for no reason :-S
I agree with you all except Jimmy... lol
I believe that when God creates the New Heaven and the New Earth animals will be included, that it will be like in the days of the Garden of Eden, Man will have dominion over the animals.
Now if this is true my only real question after that is will there be mosquisto and flies to bother us on the New Earth LOL!
Now if this is true my only real question after that is will there be mosquisto and flies to bother us on the New Earth LOL!
___________
what really gets my mind spinning is were flies and mosquito created to bother humans or was that a result of the fall? For example did the mosquito bite before the fall or was that a result because of it??? :)
God bless
mj
I'm not 100% sure on the fall thing, I do know that our Ecosystem is very delicate in terms of the food chain. My guess is God made the mosquitos and flies to feed other animals like frogs. Flies also help in breaking down food and dead things :) Side effect being we as humans are bugged by them.
I actually had this pet discussion with a friend who had a family pet die and a youth pastor who insensitively said they would never see them again because animals aren't in heaven. Which I guess goes to my second question, what do we tell someone greiving the lose of a pet?
I believe the new earth will be populated with newly created animals, just as it will be populated with newly created trees. Unless, you want to argue that trees are going to be resurrected too?
Seriously, on Scriptural basis do you believe animals would be resurrected? If animals are to be resurrected, I think an argument could be better made that they would be damned for eternity than spend eternity in the kingdom of God. They, after all, are under the curse that brought about death into this world. Adam's fall effected them. Jesus Christ didn't die for animals, did he?
Of course, I would never argue animals are damned. I just believe tha when they die, they die, and that's it. They are no different spiritually than trees. Why would animals be resurrected? Does 1 Corinthians 15 not teach that the dead shall be raised to the newness of resurrection glory because they are reaping the Spirit's activities in their lives? My question is how does such work for dogs, who are devoid of the Holy Spirit? And if dogs, what about sharks? What about trees? What about insects?
Another trait that animals share with humans, is that they too can be deceived. My dog believes it/she is human .....
I believe we are on the same page Jimmy, I am only presenting the question for discussion sake. And because as a father I will evemtually have to have some kind of answer when Fido or fluffy bites the bullet.
I would still like to explore the idea of pets making it to heaven. Their entrance being based on ignorance perhaps? Also we see in genesis God commissions Adam charge over all things that have the Breath of Life in it. Where did this breath come from? Obviously God. The same breath Adam received in his nostrils the difference being Adam was in the Image of his Creator. I would also argue that Christ redeemed not only man but the whole world. John 3:16 For God so Loved the "World" He sent his Only Begotten Son. We are also Christ inheritance and with man comes the earth and everything we have charge over.
I really exploring this side of the argument but like you agree it's unlikely. Iron sharpens Iron though eh? lol
I am not a father. But I think you could be honest with them and tell them the bible doesn't say what happens to dogs when they die, but reassure the child that whatever has happened to the dog, the dog is in the arms of Jesus. I would see such as Biblically accurate and appropriate in comforting, and doing so without creating a false sense of hope, or saying something that would not be Biblically accurate.
Another way to look at this...
There is not a single scripture that in ANY way indicates that God can not or will not decide to breath life back into a pet and allow it into eternity with its owner. Indeed He very well may! There is nothing in scripture to indicate he can't or won't. If as God's child I would like to see my pet in the next world then there isn't a scrap of scripture that says God can't or won't do it.
According to your faith be it unto you.
Blessings!
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