The Question on Everyone’s Mind: Will My Pet Be in Heaven?
Every year, a group of sixth graders at my church gets the opportunity to ask our head pastor any question they want. And every year, without fail, one question always comes up: “Will my dog be in heaven?” As someone who has lost a beloved pet, I understand the sentiment behind this question.
Understanding the Concerns Behind the Question
Beneath this seemingly simple question lies a complex web of emotions and concerns. It’s not just about whether our pets will be in heaven; it’s about the nature of God, the afterlife, and our own mortality. When we ask if our pets will be in heaven, we’re really asking: “Will I be disappointed with heaven?” Will it live up to our expectations, or will it be a letdown?
The Intermediate State: What We Know and Don’t Know
When a believer dies, their soul goes into the presence of Jesus until the second coming of Christ. This is what theologians call the intermediate state. While we know that we will be liberated from physical pain and sin, we don’t know what our bodily state will be like. And when it comes to our pets, there is zero evidence to suggest that they will be in the intermediate state.
The New Heavens and New Earth: A Place for Our Beloved Pets?
However, when we look at the new heavens and new earth, the possibility of our pets being present becomes more plausible. In Isaiah 11, the prophet describes a future where animals dwell in peace, and even predators and prey coexist harmoniously. While this passage is often interpreted metaphorically, it’s possible that it could be literal as well.
God’s Goodness and Faithfulness: The Real Concern
Ultimately, the question of whether our pets will be in heaven is a question about God’s goodness and faithfulness. Will He disappoint us, or will He exceed our expectations? The Bible assures us that God is good and faithful, and that He will not let us down.
Heaven Will Not Disappoint
While we can’t know for certain if our pets will be in heaven, we can be sure that heaven itself will not disappoint. The perfect happiness of heaven will make our greatest joys on earth seem like misery in comparison. When we see Jesus face to face, we will experience a fulfillment so deep that we will know no want, no disappointment, and no loss ever again.
A Final Thought
As we ponder the question of whether our pets will be in heaven, let’s remember that the real concern is not about our pets, but about God’s goodness and faithfulness. And on that, the Bible is clear: God is good, and He will not let us down.
Leave a Reply