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
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
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.
