Heaven Bound Magazine Spring 2024

Do Animals Go to Heaven
Many Christian leaders have also addressed the question of what happens to animals after they die.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught that humans are stewards of—and responsible for the care
of—God’s creation. When they failed to protect His perfect creation, humans sinned against God, and when
pain and suffering then entered the world, animals had to endure it, too. The bond God had created was
broken, and humans’ exploitation of and cruelty to animals began. Wesley spoke with anticipation of a new
creation in which God would restore animals to their intended glory.
Martin Luther, who founded the Lutheran church, held a view similar to Wesley’s, saying, “In Paradise there
was complete harmony between man and animals; one day again that harmony will be restored and all creation
will be made anew as Christ will be in all and all.”
Pope John Paul II confirmed that “[n]o human being can be justified in claiming absolute ownership of animals
for the simple reason that God alone owns creation. Animals do not simply exist for us nor belong to us.
They exist primarily for God and belong to God. The whole work of creation belongs to the plan of salvation,
‘the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.’”
In his book Heaven, Randy Alcorn writes, “Horses, cats, dogs, deer, dolphins, and squirrels—as well as the
inanimate creation—will be beneficiaries of Christ’s death and resurrection. … If we believe God is their
Creator, that He loves us and them, that He intends to restore His creatures from the bondage they experienced
because of our sin, then we have biblical grounds for not only wanting but expecting that we may be with
them again on the New Earth.”
Scripture and many of those whom God called to share His message have explained that He created animals,
blessed them, and called them good and that one day they will be part of His restored perfect kingdom. It’s
important to note that God doesn’t differentiate among species, even though it might be more convenient for
some humans to believe that the dogs and cats they share their homes with—but not the chicken they just ate
for dinner—will be with them in heaven. Some people might picture a heaven with doves and majestic elephants—but
not the tiny mouse they killed in a glue trap. Humans don’t get to make those determinations,
though. God does, and His choice is clear.
We don’t have to wait for a new kingdom in order to live in harmony with the rest of God’s creation. Right
now, we can refuse to exploit or abuse animals for experimentation, food, clothing, entertainment, or any
other reason, thus honoring Jesus’ commandment to “love one another.”
Article Credit https://lambs.peta.org/do-animals-go-to-heaven
7