Do Our Pets Go to Heaven?

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

27 Oct 2006 07:59 AM

Many of us who have lost a pet when we were younger were told they went to heaven to be with God-and some still believe this. Later, some of us were told that heaven was made for people and not for animals so we won't be seeing them. I have not found any clear answers in the Bible to say which theory is true.

Some people take literal references from the Bible such as "The lion will lay by the lamb" which is not actually what the Bible even says in Isaiah 11:6, rather it says, "The wolf shall also dwell with the lamb..." But the Bible does show references of horses from heaven (2 Kings 2:11 & Revelation 19:11). In Revelation 5:13 it says, "And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth..." (NKJV). So, there must be animals in heaven right?

I have heard some say that animals don't have souls. I beg to differ! Anyone who has loved their pet can see they have a personality all their own. My dog has times of sadness and times of excitement and happiness. My dog also knows when she's doing something wrong because she looks guilty. She is definately a unique dog though.

The subject of whether animals go to heaven or not brings up a broader issue. Do all creatures go to heaven when they die, or just the ones we love? The Bible does not forbid eating meat, but if these creatures have souls and are killed for food, is it murder? I know, I'm going off on a tangent here. The question of whether or not all animals go to heaven is not something I weight too much on. I would rather not see snakes and spiders up there personally.

I prefer to think for now that God gave us pets for our enjoyment because He loves us. I am sure God is capable of allowing us to have our beloved pet united with us in heaven. I know the kingdom of heaven is nothing my mind can comprehend. Perhaps we won't care. But for anyone who's lost a pet, I hope they take some comfort in knowing with God all things are possible.

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Grammi58 (396) 27 Oct 2006 05:40 PM

I totally believe that animals do go to heaven. I know that my toy poodle is there

Gwyllum (301) 27 Oct 2006 06:03 PM

Melissa, what a lovely article - I take great comfort from Luke 17:21 "... the Kingdom of God is within you." - from my earliest memories, I have always loved dearly a long line of faithful and loving dogs (and other animals) and believe that in my memory, spirit and soul, they are held up before God's throne of Grace together with all those people I love so dearly from either side of the doorway of life and so called death. My dear old Gwyllum gives so much love, comfort and protection, it can not be for nothing! God bless. Sue B.