Do All Dogs Go To Heaven?

This was originally written in 2008 with our dog Mo in mind. Since Mo's passing on 1/11/2014, I looked this over again and added an addendum.

The title of this writing, of course, comes from the movie “All dogs go to Heaven”. I personally did not see the movie. I have nothing against it and would gladly watch it for good clean fun, but it was obviously not a Biblical case for dogs in heaven, and I am just not a "go to the movies" person.

While I write this in part as a tribute to our dog “Silver” who was put to sleep on 9/11/2008, the thought of this actually came several months earlier. I was sitting on the bed one night just moments from going to sleep, and I saw our dog Mo sleeping over next to the wall. I considered the fact that all of our dogs were getting older and would be leaving us at some point. I thought about how hard that would likely be on Rose, and we had talked about that kind of thing in days past.

It is certainly true in these days that the thought or idea of pets being in heaven, going to heaven, being a part of the heavenly existence, etc. is a subject that people will talk about and ask questions regarding. I believe this has come about as emotional bonds are easily developed between humans and pets. As we see pets demonstrate this emotional capacity, the capacity to learn, use judgment, and exhibit such a wide range of feelings, we must conclude that we have here something more than just a physical entity. If I may be so bold, we come to believe that Spot is more than just a piece of meat standing there!  

In the book of Genesis, we see what I call three levels of life created on the earth.  On the third day, God made the grass, trees, etc. – which could be considered the most basic or elemental forms of life. Near the end of chapter 1, we see God making some animals on the 5th day, and then we see Him making some more on the 6th day. These animals could be considered the second form of life. (Now do not ask me about the bugs and such and where they fit in – I just don’t have the time or even know, and as far as pet rocks – don’t even go there!) . Then God made man on the 6th day, as well, which I consider the third form of life.

A discussion such as this will often lead to the question, “Does an animal have a soul?”  If you Google this question, you will find enough information to read until your soul departs! They go through all the various Greek and Hebrew words relating animal and souls, what other religions say, what people think, etc.

From the Bible we see that man is tripartite (made up of three parts). We see all three parts mentioned throughout the Scriptures but especially in 1 Th 5:23 KJV.  “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Here we see spirit, soul, and body – all the parts of man. Man is a spiritual being (in the image of God) as God is a spiritual being. John 4:24: “God is a Spirit…” Now don’t get the idea that I believe man and God are the same – but they are in the same class, if you will, in that they are spiritual beings – like angels are spiritual beings, cherubim, seraphim, etc. and a host of other “spiritual creatures” that are mentioned throughout the Bible. But, as often happens when we discuss things like this, we have gotten off the intended subject.

While there is no basis to conclude that animals are spiritual beings from a Biblical standpoint, it does appear that they are more than the trees and plants which appear to just basically have a body, form, or substance (whichever term you like).

In the Biblical time frame, we see plants and such first, animals and such second, and man third. Thus, appearances would lead us to conclude that God made the simplest first and then to the most complex being last.

Again, I can see no Biblical basis for saying that trees and plants have any inner, intelligent life (such as a soul). I know there are those folks that believe that you can bond with a tree, etc. but there is no Biblical basis for it or dictates to pursue such a thing. It just has a “body” or some type of physical framework, if you will. Now Biblically, we have seen that man has 3 parts – spirit, soul, and body.

Would it make sense then, that animals (the second aspect of life creation) would have two parts: a body and a soul? As I will explain later, I believe it is very difficult to make a doctrinal case for animals having a soul, yet; I believe some interesting facts for it can be looked at and discussed.

1. In Proverbs 12:10 we see: “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”  The word “life” in this verse is the Hebrew word “nephesh”

In Genesis 2:7, we read: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” The word soul in this verse is the same word “nephesh” 

2. In original creation, God evidently thought it was good (Genesis 1:12, 21, 25) that man’s environment contain plants and animals. In the thousand year reign of Christ, we see the existence of plants and animals. There is no reason to doubt that plants and animals will inhabit the new heaven and the new earth.

3. I cannot believe that it is too far fetched to think that God would allow His children to have their pets in heaven if they desire. If He will raise up those who are born again to life eternal, it would certainly be no problem to raise up any animals (who He gave life to in the beginning). How all of the intricacies of this would work is likely one of those secret things of God. Pets in heaven are likely God’s least concern; His greatest outreach from a Biblical standpoint is getting people there!

I might interject here that I have not noted any type of spiritual interest or motivation in our dogs in any way. This may sound strange to some, but it is something that I have particularly looked for as I have considered dogs in heaven, etc. When we sing praise songs, hymns, pray, speak about the things of God, they show no interest and never indicate that this type of thing affects them in any way. This is just an observation that I find interesting – not trying to make any particular point.

Rose pointed out an interesting scripture in the first part of Genesis chapter 9. It seems to say that God will require the blood of man at the hand of the animals. In other words, if an animal kills a man, God wants to know why and in some way, the animal will have to answer. Further in the chapter, God talks about making a covenant and the rainbow is mentioned regarding never flooding the earth again. In those verses, God says He is making that covenant not only with man but all the animals, and He specifically points out those on the ark. Once again, it is difficult to form a deep, doctrinal statement from these verses; but perhaps it allows us a little insight on how God looks at animals - and perhaps it is a way we have not considered before.

Bottom line, I have to say this: The Bible, and indeed the gospel, is essentially between God and man. The aspect with animals is secondary, at best. That is why I said earlier that I do not believe you can make a Biblical statement about pets in heaven. The Bible deals with man’s relationship with God.  Pets being in heaven would certainly be an easy thing with God, and it is very difficult to picture the new creation without animals. I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:11 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

I certainly believe pets can fit into those “good things”. A more important question: “Will you spend eternity with God”?  The Bible tells us if we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved (Romans 10:9-10).  What we are actually confessing is that we want the judgment that Jesus received - the judgment that He was righteous and acceptable to God. The Bible goes on to say that we then become acceptable because we are “in Him.”  Certainly, pages more could be written about this new life in Christ (being born again), but hopefully this will get your interest and lead you to a further study if this is a new concept to you.

Addendum (1/14/2014)

 1. I can find no scriptural reference or hint that there are animals in hell.

 2. I ask you to read Romans 8:19-23. You will likely see some thingsthat are not readily clear - especially in the King James. But I want to note a few things especially in light of the subject of this writing. The word "creature" is used. According to Vine's Dictionary of New Testament words, the words creature, creation, and create all come from the same root. It may help you to picture the word "creation" instead of "creature" in this passage. Remember II Corinthians 5:17 ~ If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ... Either creature or creation is acceptable.

Now to our subject. We see here that creation fell (or came under the curse) when man rebelled. Note verse 20 says "not willingly" but because of man. Verse 21 says thecreature "or creation" shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Any way you decide to imagine that - it is good and the verse calls it "glorious liberty"

Paul writes in verse 22 that creation groans and in verse 23 he says we ourselves groan waiting for the redemption of the body. These verses give us a glimpse regarding the new creation (heaven and earth) spoken of in revelation. It is interesting in this passage that the whole creation is linked together with man's redemption - and glorious liberty is meant for both

 

Isaiah 11 is a chapter that begins speaking about the coming of someone who could only be Jesus. After speaking about Him and His righteousness, we read this in verses 6-9: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

These verses certainly paint a different picture than what we see with animals today. Scripture would lead us to believe that it was the way God created the animal world. It further would make sense (spiritually and logically) that this is what God has in mind when He makes all things new. ~ Revelation 21:5

3. A question that comes to mind is: If there will be animals in heaven (and in the new earth), why don't we see it clearly in the Bible? I have an opinion, but that is all it is. If there was a lot in the scripture about animals in heaven, man would likely go off on a wild tangent. There would be every kind of idea, formula, and three-step procedure to get your pet over in glory land. Some would likely hold a pet crusade or last rites for animals (it's probably out there already). I hope you see my point. The main emphasis of the scripture is the redemption of man - to keep him from hell. This is where our emphasis should be.

A side note along the same lines - I believe this same principle is the reason we do not see the devil named very much as the cause of evil, destruction, oppression and sickness in the Old Testament. We see a glimpse in Job's troubles, we see satan standing up against Israel in I Chronicles 21:1, and satan standing against Joshua in Zechariah 3:1. But if the devil (satan) was named as the source of the bad coming on man, you can imagine the things man would do to try to appease the devil, seek after him, offer things to him in order to bring relief. We see it in the Old Testament with the worship of baal, molech and others, and even today in false religion. But when Jesus comes, it is face to face and out in the open as to who the devil is and what to do with him. We are told how to resist him and make him flee. Even with that, we know our attention should be toward God.

I conclude noting again that redemption's story throughout the Bible is for man. Man is the one who rebelled and needs salvation. It is where our focus should be - both for ourselves and others.

Finally, as parents many have dealt with children when a pet's life ends. It is often a time of many tears and a lot of sadness. We want to put our arms around them and do anything we can to bring them some comfort and get them through it. From the New Testament, we have to believe "how much more" our heavenly Father desires to comfort and bring us peace when it happens in our lives.

The Most Important Question about Your Faith ~ Part III

In the first two installments of this topic, I endeavored to lay out some important questions about our faith. I also pointed out the attacks and assaults particularly against Christian principles that are considered the basic Biblical tenets of our faith.

As I considered how I would answer some of these questions, I realized it could get quite lengthy and I do not want to do that in just one writing. So I thought to answer as succinctly and to the point as possible.

1. Why be whatever faith I claim?

I am Christian and became so by asking Jesus into my heart confessing Him as Lord of my life. (Romans 10:9-10). If this amounted to just words on a page, I would have cause to question it. But something happened on the inside of me that I cannot deny. A change occurred that brought the life of God into my spirit, a cleansing of my inner being, I knew I was right with God, and the peace that anchors my life is sometimes difficult to describe. The old hymn "Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary" says it so well.

2. Why should someone want to be of the faith you are?

I have seen no other faith that offers both the peace and power of Christianity. The impact of the Word of God and the infilling of the Holy Spirit I have seen in no other faith. We will never learn it all in this life, but I have seen nothing that can compare to this new life and journey we are in. It is the growth that we experience after becoming "babes in Christ" that will attest to the reality of this newness of life.

3. You must consider what you believe is right; what is wrong with other beliefs?

I know of no other faith that has a Savior. No deity of another faith died for the sins of the people of the earth and offered them a complete pardon and a new life. All other faiths in some fashion depend on works for salvation. Christians look to the works of Jesus (including His death) to satisfy the righteous requirements of God the Father for the human race. He paid the price for the sin of man. After receiving Him we should desire to honor Him with our conduct (this is where rewards come in). I certainly do not want to stand before God with my works as a price for sin and say I do not need what Jesus did.

If someone does not consider the blood of Jesus the price for their sin, then what do they offer to pay for their sin? Perhaps they consider their works sufficient. The children of Israel had required works as well (they indeed had a strict code) but it did not pay the price for their sin. They had to do the animal sacrifices to cover their sin until Jesus came. Thus to me, if someone is claiming works to pay the price for their sin, I wonder if they thought they should do any animal sacrifices. That would not likely go over well.

To deal with some of the other questions posed, I would ask this question: What do the other faiths have that I do not have? I have eternal life now and will have eternity with God, I have been filled with His Spirit, I have a clear conscience with joy on the inside, I enjoy His presence each day which gives me a wonderful reason to live.

Certainly we all continue to deal with the world, the flesh, the devil, and the results of the fall of all creation. This is not a cakewalk - we are called soldiers of Christ in the New Testament. There are ample scriptures to describe the warfare we are in. I have my days like everyone else when I have to get hold of my attitude, and fight the good fight of faith regarding some difficulty or trial. But I am so grateful that I have something to fight with, a power on the inside that enables me to continue, and a source of joy and peace in the midst of it all.

I would like to make a point concerning the sacrifice of Jesus. It was not just for "our sins" as such, but for our sin nature that we inherited from Adam. Romans chapter 5 describes this in detail. We could not help this happening - that is one reason why God paid for it Himself (in my opinion). I do not believe this is emphasized as much as it should be today. After our sin nature was dealt with (nailed to the cross in Jesus) our individual sins (and sin nature) can dealt with when we come to Jesus in initial faith and subsequently as noted in I John 1:9. The redemption from this sin nature inherited through Adam is something that man can not do on his own - no matter how many good works he has. I personally believe if anyone understands what God offers them through Jesus Christ, they will run to it.

Finally, I had the privilege of seeing my father come to faith in Christ Jesus a few months before he died. The change in him was evident and he talked to me about how different he felt on the inside and he knew that it was real. I remember asking him this question, "How to you get someone else to understand this change and want it in their lives"? He admitted that he had no answer, and I struggle to find a good one myself.

We are told in the Bible: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." ~ John 6:44. As we share with others, we pray God will draw people to Jesus.

I have tried to answer as briefly as possible, but question if I have really done it justice. I hope this will help you either to give an answer or aid in your search for what is real about God. Thank you as always for reading.

The Most Important Question about Your Faith ~ Part II

I hope that after reading part I you took some time to consider the questions that were posed. If you engage this culture with these issues, you need to be ready with an answer.

I was talking with a friend recently about how the rhetoric and discourse along church lines have changed. After getting into church as a teenager, I began to note the conversation and points of view concerning issues. Some of the main ones involved:

1. Should you be baptized by immersion or sprinkling?
2. What are the basic differences between Catholics & Protestants?
3. When should we talk to our children about Santa Claus & the Easter Bunny?
4. Should women do everything in the church that men do?
5. Should churches celebrate Halloween?

I am sure there are others that could be listed, but hopefully you get the idea.

Today, things have almost gone ballistic. People are standing up telling the church what it is not going to do. References to God, prayer, and Christian displays are taken out of the public sector - lawsuits threatened at the drop of a hat. Life styles, behavior and conduct completely opposed to Bible are promoted and any debate or different point of view is squashed or belittled. We can only speculate the outcome of Islam and Sharia law in this country - but the issue will likely be intense.

Along with these blatant attacks against much of what used to be considered normal in behavior, lifestyle, and public discourse is the subtle removal of what was considered the standards of most individuals. For young people especially you see it in schools and television. You are naive if you blindly assume these two institutions are going to promote your values - especially if you stand for God, country and traditional social norms. Granted this may be too much of a generality but if you check this out you might get a wake up call.

One can just casually peruse the television programs that present family situations and note how they talk to each other and the values they promote. Even if you are watching what would be considered a family-friendly show, you should have your remote handy so you can at least mute the commercials. I can guarantee you do not want your children emulating what you see on many commercials for shows that are running.

Regardless of the area we look into, we see the constant challenge to what we believe and what we stand for.

In the first installment of this blog, I mentioned one important question and others that are relevant today. I have to answer these as well. In the next and likely final installment in this series, I will present how I would answer these questions.

Until Part III...

The Most Important Question about Your Faith ~ Part I

I realize that I am out on a limb by saying I will pose the most important question. That premise could certainly be argued. However I believe the question is certainly critical - especially in this day and time. Think of all the titles and distinctions that are out there. From a religious standpoint, we could go from:

Presbyterian to Pentecostal

Atheist to Amish to Anglican to Armstrongism to Agnostic

Catholic to Confucianism

Hindu to Holy Roller to Hare Krishna

Jehovah's Witness to Jews for Jesus

Mormon to Methodist to Muslim to Mennonite

New Age to Neopaganism to non-denominational

Baptist to Buddhist

Christian to Chinese Folk

Scientology to Seventh Day Adventists

Unification to Eastern Mysticism to Wicca to We aren't really sure...

There are more labels and names to distinguish us than we can count. There so many things we can be. So here is that question very simply:

Whatever you be ... why be it?

There must be something that causes you to claim a certain label or declare a certain faith.
If you can answer that question, be assured more will be coming that could be tough:

Why should someone want to be of the faith you are?
You must consider what you believe is right, what is wrong with other beliefs?
Of what benefit is your faith?
Most people have a religious belief that is supposed to bring them good after they die - What do you have that others do not?

These should be very important questions to anyone whose faith is important to them. I think they are very heavy and serious.

All of these questions continue in my heart and mind and I have been dealing with them for a while. So I am just going to end this part I right here. This should be enough for anyone to consider for a few weeks.

Playing The Jesus Card

Do you ever play the Jesus card? Have you ever seen a Jesus card? To be honest, I have never actually seen one. But there must be decks of them based on how often they are used.

These cards are rarely used when everyone is happy and smiling. Rather, they are usually played when the "game gets tight". They are sometimes used to either intimidate or try to make someone look foolish. Often they are used to promote a certain agenda.

I have never seen one used to promote Jesus Himself - but just to promote a particular idea someone believes Jesus would endorse. They often are used by politicians, news people, during debates, interviews, and across the internet. I am sure they are used in private conversations from time to time.

Here is an example of how to play the Jesus card. Someone will see that throughout the Bible, God's people are told to give to the poor, endeavor to help them, etc. So someone gets up and says they plan to tax people (or specifically people of a certain income) so that they can give money to the poor. That is what Jesus would do.

Notice they would want the government to run all of this. I wonder what they would say if we wanted all of that money collected to go to Franklin Graham and let him distribute it. Or just make sure when the money is sent out that it comes in a little card that says we are doing this because of what Jesus said. Do you hear the howling already? They do not mind using Jesus to get you to do it, but they would never tell anyone that we are doing this in the Name of Jesus. They would do it in the name of a compassionate government - who use other people's money by the way.

You never see these folks stand up and quote Jesus saying "ye must be born again" or the New Testament principles of how to live and conduct yourself. Are these people interested in you getting closer to Jesus or just doing something for a particular program?

I want to know something about the person who tells me what I should be doing because of what Jesus said. Sadly, to some Jesus is little more than something you use like a playing card. Is that person exemplifying as the old hymn says: "Living for Jesus a life that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do."

Yes we will all slip at times and fall short of the mark, but we who name the Name of Jesus should at least care enough to show that we are trying. I would hope everyone reading would do something out of a heart-felt desire to honor Jesus, and not because someone played a card on them.

Revolution Anyone?

For this writing we define the word revolution in two ways that could be considered extreme:

1. a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

2. the overthrow of a government by those who are governed

On the one hand we could say that any individual can have a revolution, while even today we see it sweeping across nations. Thus my title: Revolution Anyone?

Regardless of whether it is one person or a nation, eventually the revolution itself will end and this question will be faced: What do we do now? What happens next determines the result of any type of revolution.

The results of any revolution will be no better than the type of person or people who will be in charge after the revolution is over. Case in point: The thirteen colonies had a revolution beginning in 1776. The Bolsheviks had a revolution beginning in 1917. Off the top of your head, were the results of those revolutions pretty much the same or radically different?

Though you may know more specifics about the American revolution and the results of it, a review of names of some men who came to the forefront after these revolution will help make my point. After 1776 we see men such as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison & Monroe. After 1917 we see men such as Lenin, Trotsky, Molotov, Stalin & Beria.

While the names given above quickly help make my point, some would argue that very different circumstances between the two revolutions would account for the different results. That discussion could take awhile and would open hours of debate that I believe would be very informative - but it is not for this blog.

Suffice it to say that circumstances do not make policy or carry out any actions. Circumstances can have an effect; but people, not circumstances, do the ruling, the governing, the dictating, and the serving.

Having a governmental revolution is one thing - building a nation is another. Having a personal revolution is one thing - walking out a life that is worthy of the Lord (see Colossians 1:10) is indeed another. Revolutions can come relatively quickly - dealing with its results is often quite a long, drawn-out process.

I have little hope for any government whose leaders do not understand Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Perhaps it would help if more Christians would set an example. For those who understand this principle, we can at least get started and endeavor to make a difference.

So we are back to the same place. What type of people will be calling the shots (literally or figuratively) after the revolutionary dust has settled? What will their character and principles be like, what God will they honor?

In light of the upheavals we see across the world and even these United States, these become very important questions.

Would Someone Please Show Me Any Job They Created

From listening to our leaders in government, you would think that creating jobs is a national pastime - right up there with baseball. I would like to see any job that has been created. Can you send me a picture of one? Is it bigger than a breadbox? Do they come in different colors?

Now I realize that I am almost getting silly. But it is no more silly to me than a supposed intelligent person standing up and saying how many jobs we have created. I contend that no normal person would do such a thing. Someone might possibly consider it if they used someone else's money - well, like our government. If you had an extra $100,000, what would you say to someone who told you to take it and go create jobs with it? I hope you would not hire them. At best you might find something for someone to do and give them some money for doing it; but that is hardly creating a job.

The entrepreneurial spirit that made this country an economic powerhouse would take that money and produce goods and services that would meet needs, enhance the culture and neighborhood, and develop technology to do even more of this. You will need workers to do this; thus, the jobs wonderfully appear. But you did not sit down with your chalkboard and associates and declare "We've got to create some jobs!" That would definitely be getting the cart before the horse. Why is our government almost famous for doing this?

Now, if you were to get a big inheritance and decide to prove me wrong, would you be able to create a job that could sustain itself? In other words, would you have to keep pumping money into it so the person could keep doing the job you created? That would be insane - unless again you are using someone else's money. Any business person would know you will run up a tremendous debt and eventually go broke creating the jobs. Does $14 trillion dollars in debt ring a bell? Granted, that did not all come from people pretending to create jobs, but it did come from people that have this same kind of thinking.

I do not want someone creating a job for me. I want to take my God-given abilities and the skills I have learned and go out and produce. I want to be a blessing to others and demonstrate that "... Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." This is what our young people especially should be learning in school - where many of these skills should be developed.

Finally, I realize that all of us may need help from time to time. I am all for giving help. It is one thing to help someone, it is another for them to live off of you. If you are one of those that just enjoy giving and giving with no accountability, perhaps I should move in with you and enjoy your hospitality. No - we help people in order to get them to a place where they can do the same for others.

Once again, if you do happen to create any type of job, I would love to see it and know how it is working out.