WILL OUR PETS BE RESTORED ON THE NEW EARTH?

Every time a preacher does a series on Heaven, the question of “will my pet be in heaven?” is asked. I thought I would provide some answers from some popular Christian writers:

Randy Alcorn:

“Though we understandably roll our eyes at pet psychologists or estates left to Siamese cats, we should ask ourselves why so many people find such companionship, solace, and joy in their pets. Is it because of sin? I believe it’s because of how God has made animals, and us. That’s why the question of whether pets will be in Heaven is not, as some assume, stupid. Animals aren’t nearly as valuable as people, but God is their Maker and has touched many people’s lives through them. It would be simple for him to re-create a pet in Heaven if he wants to. He’s the giver of all good gifts, not the taker of them. If it would please us to have a pet restored to the New Earth, that may be sufficient reason. Consider parents who’ve acquired a pet because of their child’s request. God is better than we are at giving good gifts to his children (Matthew 7:9-11).”

Joni Eareckson Tada:

“If God brings our pets back to life, it wouldn’t surprise me. It would be just like Him. It would be totally in keeping with His generous character. . . . Exorbitant. Excessive. Extravagant in grace after grace. Of all the dazzling discoveries and ecstatic pleasures heaven will hold for us, the potential of seeing Scrappy would be pure whimsy—utterly, joyfully, surprisingly superfluous. . . . Heaven is going to be a place that will refract and reflect in as many ways as possible the goodness and joy of our great God, who delights in lavishing love on His children.”

C.S.Lewis:

“It seems to me possible that certain animals may have an immortality, not in themselves, but in the immortality of their masters. . . . Very few animals indeed, in their wild state, attain to a ‘self’ or ego. But if any do, and if it is agreeable to the goodness of God that they should live again, their immortality would also be related to man—not, this time, to individual masters, but to humanity.”

John Piper:

“And as I knelt beside the brook

To drink eternal life,

I took A glance across the golden grass,

And saw my dog, old Blackie,

fast As she could come.

She leaped the stream—

Almost—and what a happy gleam

Was in her eye.

I knelt to drink,

And knew that I was on the brink

Of endless joy.

And everywhere I turned

I saw a wonder there”

May God grow our excitement for heaven, and may we share Jesus with everyone!

-          Bro. Dave