Do pets & animals go to heaven & do they have souls?

[NothingIsImpossible]

It also doesn't say they will be in heaven. Just because it mentions an animal or to doesn't mean all animals will be there. If any. Its just the hope of people that they will be there. Personally I love my pets I've had. Always will. But I truly don't care if they go to heaven because for one they are just animals. And two, it mocks God to think something as tiny and unimportant as a my dog or cat would be there. After all our happiness in heaven does not come from pets or love dones, but seeing Jesus.

The bible after all is about Gods creation. Humans. If pets were to be in heaven He would have brought it up in obvious terms. But since its not obvious then He doesn't have them in heaven. To be fair though will they be on the New Earth? That is something that is not mentioned.

I hope I am wrong of course because its another plus if they are there. But a few years ago I got over my denial about they won't be in heaven. I've now accepted they won't be and its just my human side missing them.

And I'd also add as I mentioned early in this topic, what defines a pet? In america we have lots of pets. But what about in India where a little boy loves a monkey that keeps coming to his house. That is a pet to him. So will that monley be in heaven? What about the goldfish little timmy had to flush down the toilet when he was 4? Is that goldfish in heaven? I know that sounds silly but if we are talking about pets then it would mean every type of pet would have to be in heaven.

And what about pet rocks or other non-lifeforms? Hear me out as I don't say that as a joke. I knew a kid, well teen who had down syndrome. He had a pet rock and he had other "pets" that weren't living things. We know they aren't really pets but in his mind they were. And if you told him they were not he get upset. So when he dies and goes to heaven will that pet rock be in heaven? Would God say "Sorry son but those weren't real pets!". I don't see Him doing that.

Hence I doubt any pets go to heaven because "pets" is a complex thing. However if one wants to say other animals are in heaven that are not pets, then I could "maybe" agree. But pets we knew? Like my actual cat.....no.

 

[Ron Gurley]

Q1 Do pets & animals go to heaven
Q2 do they have souls (spirits)?...psyche / pneuma?
A1: No
A2: No
There is no Scripture that supports those notions.
The ONLY inhabitants of the spiritual realm of heaven are: The TRI-UNE God + angels + spirits of saved believers. And THAT is biblical.

 

[marineimaging]

I have never read one chapter nor verse that says animals and pets would be in heaven.

 

[John Calligeros]

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. (ESV Psalm 36.6)

Consider the role of zoomorphic imagery in the visions of the Merkabah of Ezekiel - i.e. the four living creatures, which are later adopted and adpated in The Apocalypse. These four living creatures symolise the four gospels, only one of them is a man. (By the way, they were imbibed by Ezekiel as part of the accoutrements of Babylonian 'astrotheology' during the exile, and have counterparts in several zodiacal mosaics found in as many as six synagogues in Israel.) And consider also Issiah's vision of the seraphim.

Animals are central to not just Hindu mythologies, they play a vital role in the Judaeo-Christian revelation.

But in my local Anglican parish in Australia, people are now starting to have their dogs (only, so far) accompany them to church, and what is more, when they receive communion, these dogs follow their owners up to the communion rail/table. This is both decadent and offensive.

 

[marineimaging]

Pigs played a role in Biblical instruction, but they ran off a cliff with the demons in them and won't be in heaven. Jesus, the Lamb of God. but not a lamb in heaven. The jaw of an ass, but not heaven bound. Animals play a tremendous role from beginning to end of earth. But not necessary in heaven. If anyone but a blind person with a service dog were to approach the alter for prayer in our Baptist church I feel pretty sure that once the brief moment the shock wore off about 6 dozen of the men in our congregation would be escorting them to the side for a few moments of instruction in the decorum of God's sanctuary.

 

[StevenBelievin]

Revelation 16:3

Every living soul died in the sea. See, if fish have souls I'm pretty sure Dogs do. Cats probably don't though.

 

[joshua 1 9]

hahha my cats exist because I exist

Some people believe that the whole universe exists because we exist.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Well technically speaking the internet is made of cats. So maybe cats only get to get into heaven because they are the internet.

 

[drjean]

Hmmm I think I will chime in on this one.

There are plenty of things we believe to be true that aren't written exactly in God's Word. (And many things Rick Warren promotes that God says don't do,,, but I digress...)

When God created animals, he declared their creation to be “good” (Gen. 1:25)

First off, God blessed the animals first... and He cared so much for this part of His creation that He had Adam NAME EACH ONE:

Genesis 2:19-20 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.

When it was time for the flood the animals “went into the ark to Noah” (Gen. 7:9) If God didn't care about the spirits of the animals of His creation, He could have avoided keeping them, or even created more later... but He didn't do it that way.

Animals do have spirits, therefore energy that cannot be destroyed:

Ecc 3:21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?


There are many other verses that speak of the animals too--

The fourth commandment as recorded in Deuteronomy 5:12-15 includes a Sabbath rest for animals as well as people.

God takes care of both men and animals (see Matthew 6:26 and Psalm 104—verses 14 and 27-30 in particular).

and He provides animals on the earth during the 1000 years of our "heaven on earth" Millennium "the wolf will lie down with the lamb"... children play with the asp without harm... Isaiah 11:6And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. 7Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together,

The Billy Graham staff adds: Heaven will lack nothing that is good and that will bring glory to God.

I suppose the main emphasis should be on each person to be sure of their OWN salvation, Jesus is the only way, ONE WAY, to heaven. Make your salvation sure.

 

[Ron Gurley]

RESPONSE TO POST #229: Q1:..."Animals do have spirits, therefore energy that cannot be destroyed: "
A1: NO SCRIPTURE clearly and directly supports this THEORY!
Your "logic" is impressive but not CONCLUSIVE.
SPIRIT IS NOT "energy"! God is only SPIRIT!

The Animal Kingdoms have only TWO PARTS (unlike Man who has THREE!)
1. Body with "DNA"...God's miraculous "building blocks"
2. INSTINCTS..fight or flight, procreation and protection of young, hunger, thirst, air, survival of the fittest, etc

NO SOUL NOR SPIRIT!

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

What Do You Think?

Yes, each kind of animal has its own kind of soul. But these are quite different than human souls created in the image of God.

There is no scriptural evidence that particular animals (pets, for example) go to heaven or are resurrected. However, in the new earth, there are prophecies of animals, all of whom are safe to us and do not kill each other, for example lions that eat straw and serpents who do not bite.

I personally believe that those animals/pets who have developed a personal relationship with children of God and who are loved in that personal way, will accompany us somehow to the eternal state. I think it will be like the story “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams, which is about a child’s stuffed toy who is loved sufficiently to become a live rabbit after its earthly existence was over. Two things I know: Love is powerful! And God is gracious and even more loving than we are!

Paul taught in Romans 8: “19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

In verse 21, could not ‘creation’ easily include those beloved creatures that we have known personally?

In Paul’s dissertation on resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, he says some very interesting things that may apply here:

The Body That Rises From the Dead
35 But someone might ask, "How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?" 36 How foolish! What you plant doesn't come to life unless it dies. 37 When you plant something, it isn't a completely grown plant that you put in the ground. You only plant a seed. Maybe it's wheat or something else. 38 But God gives the seed a body just as he has planned. And to each kind of seed he gives its own body.

39 All earthly creatures are not the same. People have one kind of body. Animals have another. Birds have another kind. Fish have still another.

40 There are also heavenly bodies as well as earthly bodies. Heavenly bodies have one kind of glory. Earthly bodies have another. 41 The sun has one kind of glory. The moon has another kind. The stars have still another. And one star's glory is different from that of another star.

42 It will be like that with bodies that are raised from the dead. The body that is planted does not last forever. The body that is raised from the dead lasts forever. 43 It is planted without honor. But it is raised in glory. It is planted in weakness. But it is raised in power. 44 It is planted as an earthly body. But it is raised as a spiritual body.

53 Our natural bodies don't last forever. They must be dressed with what does last forever. What dies must be dressed with what does not die. 54 In fact, that is going to happen. What does not last will be dressed with what lasts forever. What dies will be dressed with what does not die. Then what is written will come true. It says, "Death has been swallowed up. It has lost the battle." (Isaiah 25:8) 55 "Death, where is the battle you thought you were winning? Death, where is your sting?" (Hosea 13:14)

Take specific notice of Psalms 104:25-30, especially verses 29 and 30. It seems that when creatures die, God takes their spirits then, perhaps, reuses those spirits to create new animals on the Earth.

Heaven was not created for mankind, but the angelic community that God created. We go there temporarily until Jesus returns to rule the Earth in his glorified body. Animals were not created for Heaven but the Earth. Will God recreate our beloved pets for the Earth? I don't know, but He certainly has the power to do so, especially since we will all be physically recreated in our bodily resurrection.

I like the point and possibility. There is nothing in the scriptures that makes it clear that He won't bring them back but there are a few hints like this one that He might. And we are absolutely certain that He can.

 

[Ron Gurley]

I know what I will be doing for eternity in the heavenly realms which excludes ALL ELSE:
(DOGGIES+KITTIES+HORSIES+WIVES+FISHING BUDDIES+FAMILY+NEIGHBORS+ALL!):
==>Bringing glory to, worshipping, praising (singing MUSIC to?), casting crowns to, focusing on,etc...
===>in my "SPIRIT-BODY)...
TO: the TRI-UNE GOD.

(I hope Jesus will lead the Bible Studies!)

Revelation 21 (NASB)...The New Heaven and The New Earth and the New Jerusalem
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is AMONG men, and He will dwell among them, (A NEW EDEN!)
and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be AMONG them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
and there will no longer be any death;
there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the FIRST THINGS have passed away.”

Genesis 3
8 They (A&E) heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day...

Psalm 57:5...Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said,
“Light shall shine out of darkness,”
is the One who has shone in our hearts
to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Christ.

Hebrews 12:2...fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the author and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and
has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

[marineimaging]

You will see your pets in heaven.

I'd like to hear the reasons people say no without a shadow of doubt. You think God's hand is limited? Why couldn't he resurrect old pets for his children?

Well, out Love of Christ and for the well being of those who believe, that is my answer and I pray you take it as a measure of love." You asked, Why couldn't he resurrect pets for his children? God can do anything. The questions is, "Why should He?" I believe the questions places the likes of a worldly fantasy on our omniscient God. Why, when we will have a personal relationship with Christ, would someone dare need a pet in heaven? When the angels are at our service? When our mouth is filled with nothing but praise for our God? Every animal exists as a devourer of others and food for others. They serve to keep the land turned over and healthy, a food source, a beast of burden, a planter of seed, a maker of fertilizer..., where is the "pet"? Haven't we created the idea of pets out of a desire for unconditional love. But isn't it the unconditional love of God we seek and the purpose of heaven? Wasn't it the purpose of Eden? Furthermore, did God have Adam name the animals out of love of them by God (because I don't think it says so in that context), or was it to help Adam keep track of them? Wouldn't that have been a favor of a loving God to allow him to name each animal since man would have dominion over them? Well, Adam did not name them Able and Cain, he named them cow and dog and cat. They were not aware of their existence. If this be the case show me where Jesus says to take an animal and make it a pet for your comfort. Instead, I dare say a pet is a creation of Satan. A stealer of love and emotion and robber of the stability that God created our spouse and other PEOPLE for. We are told to love one another, not animals. And if you invest your love and food and friendship and kindness on an animal, what have you spent that was meant for a child or elderly human that has been treated with disdain and beaten like Christ was. Trade romping with a dog in the field with that of caressing a child and see what your love and time return. Rather than take cat to a veterinarian and spend 2000.00 to fix its arthritic limp, take an elderly grandmother to the hospital and have a doctor help with HER arthritis. Should you not be standing at the gates of a prison to help a new found Christian brother as he comes out, praising God and seeking a relationship he or she can hold to rather than sitting and petting your ferret that would steal you keys and your car if it could see over the steering wheel? You asked "I'd like to hear the reasons people say no without a shadow of doubt...,"

 

[tripleseven]

wow....why do you hate animals so much? I disagree with every single one of your points.

 

[marineimaging]

I think they do. If they didn't then heaven wouldn't be heaven.

What we think is far from what the Bible says. If a question like this arises, you need to research your bible. Some doctrines say yes, some confuse our responsibility with the long term soul question, and some say no but in many cases we can get confused as is proven. I don't hate animals. But I don't see one stitch of evidence they will be in heaven. God made animals to balance the earth out, man made pets of them, now some people are mad because they can't take their pets to heaven. God never said to make pets out of them. Still, you have to be certain in your heart and nobody can answer that question for you but God. Listen to his Word in the Bible.

 

[Cassidy Bennett]

I always heard no to pets going to heaven because of not having souls growing up. I'm not sure where that comes from though as there are animals in heaven. Its not a sin to hunt animals because they are not the temple of God. Doesn't mean they don't go to heaven though.

• Isaiah 11:6, "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."
• Isaiah 11:7-9, "The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s 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"
• Isaiah 65:25, "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD."

Not sure why people think there are pets here on earth but not in heaven which is perfect.

 

[RaymondG]

What we think is far from what the Bible says.

We have to consider, also, that what we think the bible says, often, is not what the bible says as well.

 

[CrystalDragon]

What we think is far from what the Bible says. If a question like this arises, you need to research your bible. Some doctrines say yes, some confuse our responsibility with the long term soul question, and some say no but in many cases we can get confused as is proven. I don't hate animals. But I don't see one stitch of evidence they will be in heaven. God made animals to balance the earth out, man made pets of them, now some people are mad because they can't take their pets to heaven. God never said to make pets out of them. Still, you have to be certain in your heart and nobody can answer that question for you but God. Listen to his Word in the Bible.

If that's the case, then heaven isn't paradise. Heaven is limited. We can't be truly happy in heaven and we'll just be focused more on worshipping God than anything else and we'd never see our pets again? Not exactly an appealing idea of "heaven". It would be barely considered heaven. People say heaven is better than Earth but if the above is the case than I'd rather stay here on Earth.

 

[marineimaging]

I am sorry you don't see beyond earthly understanding. Do you honestly think that Jesus ceased being deity and came to earth thorugh the womb, resisted Satan, went to the cross, was lashed and beaten and spat upon, and took the sins of the world upon his shoulders and buried them in hell, for a dog or cat with no soul? Does an animal have the opportunity to accept Jesus as its Lord? I know He did not. The love of God in heaven will replace that which you feel lost on earth a million times over. You will not need pets to feel loved. Heaven is paradise and is not limiting to those who believe that Jesus is Lord. There will be no "pets" in heaven because the idea of a "pet" is to have something to love and to be adored by without there being any real emotional connection. Invest that same love and time and money on a child or a human with disabilities and neither of you will need an animal to understand unconditional love.

 

[CrystalDragon]

I am sorry you don't see beyond earthly understanding. Do you honestly think that Jesus ceased being deity and came to earth thorugh the womb, resisted Satan, went to the cross, was lashed and beaten and spat upon, and took the sins of the world upon his shoulders and buried them in hell, for a dog or cat with no soul? Does an animal have the opportunity to accept Jesus as its Lord? I know He did not. The love of God in heaven will replace that which you feel lost on earth a million times over. You will not need pets to feel loved. Heaven is paradise and is not limiting to those who believe that Jesus is Lord. There will be no "pets" in heaven because the idea of a "pet" is to have something to love and to be adored by without there being any real emotional connection. Invest that same love and time and money on a child or a human with disabilities and neither of you will need an animal to understand unconditional love.

I can only assume you've never had a pet. Or if you have you never really had an emotional loving attachment to it.