Genesis 1:24–26 “And God said, Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.’ And it was so.”
At first, our dog’s name was Taffy. But, we felt awkward calling her name throughout the neighborhood the first time she ran away. So, we changed her name to Daisy. We soon grew callous to calling that name throughout the neighborhoods. Yes, she brought her share of frustrations. However, we loved her. We bought her when I was three, and she died when I was in college. What a hole she left in our family. Okay, I’m going to creep out onto a theological limb that might break underneath me. Many people ask if their beloved pets will be in Heaven one day. And they want an answer. However, I cannot give them one. None of us have been there yet, so we cannot say from experience. The Bible is silent on the subject. I cannot fill in what has not been revealed. However, we do know several things. First, God created everything. God created humanity as different from animals and set us over creation to care for it. Second, we sinned and decided that our truth was better than God’s, sending all creation into a death spiral. What was designed as peaceful coexistence became mutually assured destruction. Third, God loved us and sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Fourth, this redemption was not just for humanity but all of creation. Paul, in Romans 8, relates that all creation is groaning for the return of Jesus Christ when he will usher in eternity. Fifth, through our faith in Jesus Christ, eternity will not be in Heaven but on a remade earth. What God started in the Garden of Eden, He will finish forever. So, no, there will not be animals in Heaven. But, there will be animals in eternity as we live the life that God created us to live among his perfected Creation. Will Daisy be there? I do not know. The Bible does not say. However, I know that eternity will be perfect and that there will be no disappointment or tears. I am willing to trust God with the rest.
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Peter SamplePastor of Calvary Bible Church, Neligh, NE. Missionary with RHMA. Husband to Maggie. Father to Grace, David, and Daniel. Saved by Jesus Christ Archives
April 2023
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