From the Christian Herald, 2 August 1986
'Do you think there will be animals in heaven? I am a widow, and my
little dog meant so much to me. He died a few months ago but I find
myself yearning to see him again in heaven. Do you think this is silly?'
Mrs H G
From the Christian Herald dated 16 August 1986
No, I can certainly understand the companionship your pet gave you.
Some theologians have suggested there will be animals in heaven, because
God's plan is to redeem all of his creation.
They point, for example, to passages like Isaiah 11 v 6, which looks
forward to the day when God could remove all evil from the world, and
where those who were enemies would become friends: The wolf will live
with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the
lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
God knows your deepest needs and desires and, most of all, in heaven
he will provide everything you need for complete and eternal happiness.
If heaven will be a happier place with animals there, then you can be
sure God will provide them.
The main thing you need to realise is that God loves you and some
day, if you know Christ, you will be free of the burdens and hurts of
this world and you will be with him forever.
What we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when
he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is (1 John
3 v 2).
Yes, it is good you have the hope of heaven in your heart right now -
and this can be the hope of every person, if they will turn to Christ
and trust him for their salvation.
But realise that God also has responsibility for you right now. Are
you praying that he will use you - your words, your prayers, your money,
your actions - to help people find him?
Right now there are others around you who are also lonely. Ask God to
help you reach out to them and show them the love and hope of Christ.
Reproduced with thanks.
See also: 'Will there be animals in heaven?'
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