Do pets go to heaven?

"Then God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that crawl on the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."    Genesis 1:24-25.  CSB

Today, I would like us to consider the destiny of our pets when they die. For those of us who are going through this loss of a pet right now, it can be a dreadfully painful time. The love that was once there on four legs disappears and, with it goes a part of our heart. One of the first things that we want to know is: 'Are they now in heaven; will I see them again.?' However, this is a question that many can not answer for sure. 

C. S. Lewis, a well-known apologist for the Christian faith in the 1900s and author of the famous book series The Chronicles of Narnia, is known for his assertion that animals would get to heaven through their owners' relationship with God. Therefore, a Christian's pets would be found in the new heaven because of their owner's faith.

"The theory I am suggesting ... makes God the centre of the universe and man the subordinate centre of terrestrial nature: the beasts are not co-ordinate with man, but subordinate to him, and their destiny is related to his. And the derivative immortality suggested for them is not a mere amende or compensation: It is part and parcel of the new heaven and new earth, organically related to the whole suffering process of the world's fall and redemption." (C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain, Chapter 9, 1940, p. 145).

Again, Billy Graham wrote: "I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness. If it takes my dog being there (in Heaven), I believe he'll be there."

— Rev. Billy Graham, often called "America's Pastor"

And yet, over the years, I have met many church leaders who frown on the thought that a pet would have a place in heaven when they die. One thing that is uppermost in my mind is, If God created animals in the first place (Genesis 1) and considered that what He saw was good and then when He flooded the world (Genesis 7) why did He save so many pairs of each animal in the ark? The obvious answer is, because He wanted them to continue to live and breed many more. So, in my opinion, God loves the animals and gives us oceans of love through their existence in our lives. So why, would He prevent them giving us comfort when we are in heaven?

The Reverend Vet Jenny McKay, an associate pastor in Cheshire writes" 

'None of us can say for sure if we will see our beloved family pets, and indeed, all other created beings, in the afterlife. However, a careful consideration of the Old and New Testament, the reflections of the saints, particularly St Francis of Assisi, and other renowned theologians and scientists of our time, builds a strong case that in 

the renewed Kingdom of God, we will meet again'.   Psalm 36:6
https://www.christianity.org.uk/article/opinion-do-animals-go-to-heaven

So I am firmly convinced, that when I go to heaven, my furry friends will also be there to greet me. 

I hope you obtain peace of mind, that you will too.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

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