Do animals go to heaven?
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J
This type of question has been asked before and you're going to get various of answers with people saying yes or no. Personally, I do think they go to Heaven. It even says that the lion will lay down with the lamb and that Jesus will come back riding a white horse. Where else would they appear if they aren't talking about Heaven and the new earth?
D
The Bible does not tell us if animals have 'souls' or if they go to heaven. Human beings have the capacity to choose eternal life, because God has sent His Son to pay for our sins. Animals can't make that choice. So animals will not be in heaven because they do not have the capacity to choose or reject the only access to heaven, namely Jesus Christ. (Strictly theologically speaking).
J
I have encountered lots of passages in the Bible which seem to point to animals being more important to God than we think.
In the past I have asked myself the same quesiton, do animals go to heaven? Though, I have left off on the matter since it seems to be unnecessary for my journy, and even to high a matter for me to understand. - Psalm 131 -
In the past I have asked myself the same quesiton, do animals go to heaven? Though, I have left off on the matter since it seems to be unnecessary for my journy, and even to high a matter for me to understand. - Psalm 131 -
I heard this story:
A woman asked Billy Graham if she would see her dog in Heaven.
Graham: "Everything required for your happiness will be in Heaven."
You reckon that angels like to be licked by dogs?
Now if death is abolished on the New Earth, that would seem to indicate that dogs would live forever if they have them
in the new earth.
A woman asked Billy Graham if she would see her dog in Heaven.
Graham: "Everything required for your happiness will be in Heaven."
You reckon that angels like to be licked by dogs?
Now if death is abolished on the New Earth, that would seem to indicate that dogs would live forever if they have them
in the new earth.
What leads you to suppose that the Bible doesn't tell us if animals have souls?
But is a soul something some entity that one has? To me that is doubtful, soul being life or self.
Give it a little research. Does the Bible attribute nephesh or psyche to animals?
Even ruach is used of animals, the word for spirit, but I think ruach means breath when used of animals.
But is a soul something some entity that one has? To me that is doubtful, soul being life or self.
Give it a little research. Does the Bible attribute nephesh or psyche to animals?
Even ruach is used of animals, the word for spirit, but I think ruach means breath when used of animals.
on the other hand since the fall was not their choice perhaps no choice is required on their part. ..
Romans 8:20-22
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Romans 8:20-22
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
D
...do animals have souls? Animals may be said to have souls—if the word “soul” is used as the Bible employs it in discussing members of the animal kingdom (i.e., to describe only the physical life force found within all living creatures). But if the word “soul” is used to refer to an immortal soul that one day will inhabit heaven or hell, then no, animals may not be said to possess a soul. This is the only conclusion that can be drawn, respecting the instruction on the subject found within the Word of God.
You can read the whole article for yourself here:
http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=11&article=582
You can read the whole article for yourself here:
http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=11&article=582
The scripture doesn't say specifically if our pets are going to be in heaven, but I tend to side with your opinion Psalm6819. The lion laying down with the lamb is a millennial passage, so that's here on earth. But we do know there are animals in heaven. And I would not put limitations on what God will do for us as His beloved children. If our parents knew how to give us good gifts how much more our heavenly Father. Which ever way this goes, heaven is going to blow us away with happiness, amazement, and contentment.
I don't know any where in the Bible that says that animals who have lived on earth and died will or will not go to heaven. What we do know is that God created the heavens, the earth, and all that is in them, which would include animals, and that Romans 8:21 (NIV, Life Application Study Bible)
that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. For this scripture verse, the study section in this Bible states: "One day all creation will be liberated and transformed.
Guess what? We know there is a horse in heaven!
that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. For this scripture verse, the study section in this Bible states: "One day all creation will be liberated and transformed.
Guess what? We know there is a horse in heaven!
Revelation 19:11
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse... These verses, Revelation 6:2, 19:11, and 19:14, also speak of a white horse in heaven.
I hope this comforts you.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse... These verses, Revelation 6:2, 19:11, and 19:14, also speak of a white horse in heaven.
I hope this comforts you.
K
Probably so. The new earth will be totally restored to its perfect state, that would include all aspects of nature and living creatures. There is no indication that animals will be resurrected as people. However, in Revelation, John describes Christ returning to earth in Power and judgement on a white horse. I know that the horse can be interpreted as being a symbol of power rather than being an actual horse. This event will be witnessed by all in the future. So I personally believe in the possibility that other animals may exist in heaven if there is a horse.
S
I understand that many people have strong attachments to their pets, and so I sincerely do not mean for this, in reply to the OP, to sound harsh: What does it matter?
And if animals transcend, then perhaps we should begging the question of which ones go to Heaven. It's a tough subject, I know; I have been taught that animals do not pass into Heaven, but I do not know for certain.
P.S So sorry to hear about your guinea pig! I hear they are good pets.
And if animals transcend, then perhaps we should begging the question of which ones go to Heaven. It's a tough subject, I know; I have been taught that animals do not pass into Heaven, but I do not know for certain.
P.S So sorry to hear about your guinea pig! I hear they are good pets.