On numerous occasions I've been asked this question, 'Will My Pet Be With Me In Heaven?" Honestly, after recently losing Mario, it is not only my expectation but I truly believe it. How can I say that? Well, speaking from a Christian perspective if you refer to scriptures then combined a little bit of logic, it points to it. However, there are definitely varying opinions because the Bible has not specifically addressed this question. Some people say animals don't go to heaven because animals don't have souls. Others will tell you yes because God is a good God and will not deny us the pets we loved so well here on earth. And yet others are not sure but are open to the possibilities. So what is the answer?
Let's look at both sides then you determine what scripture speaks to your heart.
THOSE WHO SAY NO:
Their opinion is, for animals, there is no salvation from sin and therefore no eternal life in God’s presence—that is reserved for human beings, who are created in God’s image. People who support this position point to verses like Matthew 18:3, which says, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Because animals cannot be converted (and cannot repent of their sins or accept Christ as their Savior), some people say that they cannot go to Heaven. Ask yourself this logical question, when was the last time your dog, cat, horse, hampster, rabbit, etc. committed a sin? There is, therefore, no need to repent and be "converted." Jesus was addressing humans not the animal kingdom.
THOSE WHO SAY YES:
Their opinion seems to indicate that God will save not only people, but every living thing since His creation was perfect and pleased Him before the fall of man. God will restore ALL THINGS in the new earth.
“We know that in the Bible, ultimate redemption will extend to the whole of creation as stated in Romans 8:21 NIV version, "that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." Can you think of any reason why it would not extend to animals since animals are a part of His creation? Look at Luke 3:6, “and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ALL FLESH. Recall the words from the book of Revelation. Jesus, Himself said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” ALL THINGS. It only makes sense to me that God meant animals to be part of His world—now and in the age to come. But is there more proof that animals are a resident in heaven? Truthfully, the Bible does confirm that there are animals in Heaven! Isaiah 11:6 describes several types (predator and prey) living in peace with one another. It reads: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together." If God created animals for the Garden of Eden to give us a picture of His ideal place, He will surely include them in Heaven, God’s perfect new Eden! If these animals live in Heaven, there is hope that our pets could be there too don't you think. Restoration is God's goal. In Revelation 19:11, Jesus is said to be riding a white horse! So, if a horse is in Heaven—why not my dog Mario or any others I've loved and lost? I believe in the original Paradise, that there was complete harmony between man and animals; one day again that harmony will be restored and ALL CREATION will be made anew. New creations—man and animal—will live together in peace.
There is a new question that was asked of me. It seems to be not whether animals will be in Heaven at all, but whether they will be the animals we knew during our lives on Earth?
The argument over whether or not specific pets go to Heaven seems to hinge on the idea of a soul expressed by the naysayers. Many people argue that animals do not have souls and cannot be saved, which means they cannot enter Heaven or the new world to come. I would argue, certain Bible passages indicate that animals do have souls (the same word, nephesh in my concordance, which translates to “soul” is used in reference to both humans and animals) though not of the same kind that people have of course. 1 Corinthians 15:39 KJV, "All FLESH is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beast, another of fishes, another of birds." NOTE: Luke 3:6 KJV "and ALL FLESH shall see the salvation of God" (emphasis mine). We find companionship and joy in animals and pets because of the way God made animals (and us). He intends them to add joy and fulfillment to our lives. Adam's first task given to Him by God was to give a name to every animal! In fact, God created animals (on day 5) before He even formed man. For what purpose? For our pleasure. God is known for giving “good gifts” to His children—animals are one example of this! I really believe, and have told others who have grieved over a lost pet, it would be so simple for God to re-create a pet in Heaven if He wants to. He’s the giver of all good gifts, not the taker of them! If it would please us to have a pet restored to the New Earth, that may be sufficient reason. Consider parents who’ve acquired a pet because of their child’s request.” God is OUR FATHER and upon request, don't you think He would restore our personal pets?
Sadly, when humankind sinned in the Garden of Eden, that blessed relationship between man and God suffered along with everything else. I firmly believe the animal kingdom (including pets you cared for here on earth) will be restored to the glory they once enjoyed before the Fall of Man.
In a new Heaven and earth, all will be perfect. This will almost certainly include a perfect and wonderful animal realm. Will I see Mario again? Will you see Gracey, Maximus, Bono, Chiko, Annie, Brutus, Hazel Rose, Picasso, Lola, or Patches? Can you expect Drea to run to meet you in Heaven? Well, that all depends on how you interpret the Scripture. But there will be an opportunity to make new pets of all the animals that will be included. As for me, again, I believe that God will restore our beloved pets for us in Heaven, not because they have souls, but for our pleasure! If we believe God is their Creator as spoken of in Genesis, or that He loves us and them, that He intends to restore His creatures from the bondage they experienced because of our sin, then we have biblical grounds for not only wanting but expecting that we may be with them again on the New Earth.”
Still can't get yourself to believe?
Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes!” If you believe that, then get ready for one big ole animal reunion in Heaven.
-Pat-
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