Animals in Heaven?

Articles/Bulletins

Kevin Harrington
12/09/12 - Sunday Bulletin

Many people have pets. We all have different types of animals in our homes. Some have cats and dogs, some have mice and hamsters, while others have lizards and snakes. All are considered pets and all are loved by their owners. We spoil them, feed them, and consider them part of our family. The question almost everybody asks is, “Will my pets be with me in heaven?” A movie was even made called “All Dogs Go To Heaven.” Let’s consider a few things:

Man was made in the image of God and given dominion over all the animals. We are taught in science class that we are part of the animal kingdom. However, in the Bible we read that man was placed higher than animals. Genesis 1:26 says “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness…” That is something that wasn’t done for the animals.
Animals are more than just pets. After the flood God said, “Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you” (Gen 9:3). The only restriction, found both in the O.T. and the N.T. is eating blood. Again, God makes a distinction between animals and man.
Animals were to be killed and given as sacrifices, something that wasn’t allowed to be done to humans. God held man’s life in higher regard than animals.
Animals lack a conscience and free will. Animals live in instinct and how they have been trained. People live by the choices they make and they are responsible for their actions. An animal may not be able to help themselves for what they did. People are responsible and God will hold us accountable.
Heaven is for those who have walked with Jesus. Jesus died so we can be cleansed by His blood. Jesus died so we can have forgiveness of sins. Animals are incapable of this. Animals cannot sin. If your pet uses your carpet as it’s toilet, do you call your pet a sinner? If it chews up your shoe, is it a sinner? How could Christ have died for our pets if they cannot sin?

People will say, “Heaven is going to be full of things that make me happy and my pet makes me happy, so my pet will be there.” If we use that logic then heaven will be filled with all sorts of odd and different things because we all have different things that make us happy.

I had three dogs growing up. I loved them all. I have a cat right now. I love her too. She is part of our family. But she won’t be with me in heaven. The Bible tells us that Heaven will be filled with God and His saints. When we get to heaven, the only thing that will matter will be that we are in the presence of God. God gave us something that He gave no other living being: a soul. Guard it and protect it. God wants you with Him in Heaven.

~ Kevin