The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. Isaiah 65:25
Do you think this is symbolic language or literal? Though there is reasonable debate, I believe there will be animals in heaven. They are prevalent in God’s creation and reveal His beauty, His intricacy of design, and His power. He creates for His glory and enjoyment and it appears He enjoys animals. It seems consistent to me that they would be included in the New Heaven and Earth to come.
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Rev 21:1
But what about our pets, do all dogs (or hamsters or cats or cockatoos) go to heaven? The Bible is silent on this so please indulge me in a “what if” or a “maybe” journey.
If, as I suggested, there will be animals in heaven, could it be possible that they are specific ones, animals that have already lived on this earth? Or did God create all new ones? We don’t know.
That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. Romans 8:21
I don’t see any evidence for “resurrection” of animals as that term is only applied to man, who is made in God’s image. Animals don’t have a soul or spirit as we do and so that seems to argue against. But we are also told that ALL creation will be renewed. Are animals included in the restoration from death and decay?
… until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets. Act 3:21
A common response by clergy to the pets in heaven question is that they will be there if our happiness depends on it. I agree with – but I am also guarded - in that. Is our pursuit, our focus, on Jesus? Or is it shadowed by the longing to be reunited with our beloved pets? Yes, that would be a marvelous reunion, but it can’t compare to being brought face to face with Jesus. I must be cautioned not to long for (dare I say idolize) anything here more than my longing for God.
This post is self-interested having lost a beloved companion but I want to avoid wishful thinking in my understanding of His glory. I don’t want to engage in sentimental theology. I believe there will be animals in heaven – will they be specific ones? I don’t know. But I do know that regardless, our joy will be so full in His Presence we will have no lack.
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play upon the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6-9
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