There was even a heated debate going on between 2 churches in one town. I'll save that story for another day. Here's a hint, we won! lol
From my own research here's what I've discovered. The majority of those people whose beliefs are that pets are in heaven, are themselves lovers of animals, and quite naturally they would be inclined to land on the yes pets are in heaven side of the debate. They've done research and they present Bible verses along with their own emotional feelings as to why pets are in heaven.
On the other side of the debate are those people who have never really experienced love for animals and to them a pet is something you give to kids to play with and that's it. They themselves don't really care about animals and therefore when a pet dies that's the end of their existence. Their arguments against pets in heaven is the absence of clarity in the Bible concerning pets in heaven.
So where does that leave us? It leaves us with the truth - the Bible is silent regarding an afterlife for animals. But please remember the Bible is for our benefit, and the Bible does offer us hope that we will one day see our precious pets again.
I've done extensive research and I've looked closely at both sides of the debate. And my opinion is yes there are pets in heaven. Why do I have this positive outlook about pets in heaven? Here's my reasoning. God created us, you and me. And in His absolute love for us, he created animals for us to love and care for. And heaven is the extension of everything that's good here on earth, but made perfect in heaven. And the logical conclusion is since God created us and He wants us to be with Him in heaven. And since God created Miss Kitty and Scruffy and all of your pets too, and we know He's the giver of all good gifts, not the taker of them, if it would please us to see our precious pets again, then He very well may restore our pets for us. Obviously He's going to restore us, and I believe He is capable and very willing to do the same for Miss Kitty and Scruffy.
I believe that when a flower dies here on earth, it blooms again in heaven but with radiant pure colors and pleasing aroma.
I believe that when a pet dies here on earth, he or she lives again in heaven, but in perfect health, with a glorious coat, and sparkling eyes.
In my opinion the very best example of God's love for us and for our pets came from the pen of 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 of joy of our great God, who delights in lavishing love on his children."
In conclusion, the real question is not so much whether or not you'll see your pets in heaven. The real question is, are you going to heaven? Obviously if you don't make it to heaven, then there's no way you'll ever see you precious pet again who is now patiently waiting for the joyous day when you will be reunited for eternity with everything and everyone you've ever loved.
To bring my research full circle and to a close, I leave you with this thought . . . .
Our pets are created by God, on loan to us from God. Thru His pets shines the love of God. Dogs love without regard to color, height, weight or appearance. They happily wag their tails everytime they see us. Cats love without regard to color, height, weight or appearance. Miss Kitty loved sleeping in my lap, and expressing her love for me by standing on her back legs and putting her paws on my chest, and laying her head on my chest while happily purring.
God is showing us through our pets what true love is. And when our pet's die, they return back to their original owner, and His name is Jesus Christ, the creator of all there is.
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created by Him and for Him. (NASB) Colossians 1:16
All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (NASB) John 1:3
All creation gives Praises to God . . . . including our pets . . .
Revelation 5:13 (NKJV) “And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
‘Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!’”
‘Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!’”
Sincerely,
David
Miss Kitty's friend
