Heaven: Will there be animals in heaven?
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Big Idea:
Big Idea:
Heaven is where care is received and creation restored.
RK Exhortation:
RK Exhortation:
Pray to the Lord of the harvest
We want to be a church that “believes God’s word.” Not only that, but “practices” God’s word.
Intro:
Intro:
Good morning church!
When I was about 6 years, I got one of the greatest gifts a little boy could get… I got a Black Lab puppy. Now, this was a long time ago, so my memory is spotty, but I remember she was my best friend. Her name was Teelah (as you can probably guess why). And I loved that dog. And my experience with her birthed a love for dogs that continues today...
Now, when I was about 8, I was at my dad’s girlfriend’s house. I had ventured into the garage and spotted a cat. It was sitting on top of the washing machine. It was cute. I leaned forward and reached out to pet the cat - when all of a sudden, this demon-possessed animal hissed, and in the spirit of Wolverine… called forth it’s adamantium claws and slashed me across the nose. Since that day, I got no love for cats...
Fast forward, Janelle and I had just started dating. We were in her room (with the door open - you heathens) and she said, “Look at my bird. Isn’t it cute?”
I’m sorry but birds are creepy. But we had just started dating, so I didn’t say that. Yet, she could tell I was a little disturbed. I went on to mention that I didn’t like the idea of birds flying around pooping on my head (it’s been a while since I’ve said poop in church). She replied, “Don’t worry. It can’t fly.” And then proceeded to let the bird out.
The bird innocently began to hop around on her bed. And I thought, “Oh, this bird ain’t so bad.” And as if it heard me in the spirit… the bird twisted it’s head at me (I’m pretty sure the eyes started glowing), and started flapping it’s wings. It’s started to hover over the bed and then took off, circling me in full on attack.
What I’m about to share will throw myself under the bus… but I share it because it’s true. As it kept buzzing my head, my karate training kicked in… I side stepped the buzz and on it’s next pass… I whacked it. And it went flying sideways. Don’t worry… it was fine but never flew again. And it would hiss at me when I came into the room. I still don’t like birds...
Here’s my point: Our personal experiences shape our views on animals. I’m sure my perspective on certain pets is different than yours! Maybe you love dogs like me. Maybe you love cats and birds. Maybe you don’t care for any animals. Regardless of our current views, I’m confident we could likely trace that view to a subjective, personal experience.
I believe this principle holds true, not only with our views on animals, but also on the world. What we’ve experienced shapes how we see the world. Furthermore, we could say the same about how we currently view Heaven.
Many have thoughts about Heaven that are based on subjective experiences...
Maybe their personal earthly experience causes them to correlate it to Heaven.
Maybe they adopted personal thoughts someone else shared on the afterlife.
But one thing I’ve been attempting to share with you guys during this Heaven series is what we believe about Heaven should come - not from subjective experiences, but the truth of Scripture. And the Bible has a lot to say about Heaven.
And today, we’re going to discuss, “What does Scripture say about animals in Heaven?”
Now, I fully realize, based on your personal experiences with animals, this may or may not be interesting to you.... you may not give a “rip” if there are heavenly chickens laying golden eggs… but then again, some of you are very interested, probably because you’ve had a pet that you’d loved very much… and you want to know, “Will I see that pet in Heaven?”
I had lunch with a friend from church this week. Some of you can probably guess who it is after I tell the story. But he has a dog that he dearly loves. And we were talking about how the church is growing and the challenges of remembering names. Somehow we started talking about a walk he was on with his dog. He saw a neighbor he had just met, but then said, “I could not remember his name, but I totally remembered the dogs name!”
This is because he loves dogs. And I’m sure he is very interested in today’s topic! Wherever you stand on animals, know this, I’m still going to teach the Bible, and we’re still going to put Jesus at the center of it all, so keep listening!
So, let’s start with this truth we find in Scripture...
Body:
Body:
God made animals as part of creation.
God made animals as part of creation.
In the book of Genesis (the first book of the Bible), Moses (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) writes about the 6 days of creation. And on day 5, he writes...
And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.”
Then, on day 6, he writes...
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.
Why does this matter?
A few weeks ago, I shared a principle that author, Randy Alcorn (who wrote the book on Heaven I’m using as a reference) talks about… He calls it “redemptive continuity.” Basically, it means that...
God will not scrap his original creation and start over. Instead, he will take his fallen, corrupted children and restore, refresh, and renew us to our original design.
Now, this definition has two main subjects:
God’s original creation.
His fallen, corrupted children (who were part of that original creation).
This gives us an opportunity to discuss something extremely important when it comes to the topic of animals. Despite the theories, opinions, and even personal views our culture has, animals are not equal in value with humans.
Why do I say that? Because I’m a jerk who hates animals? No, I actually really like animals (except for cats, birds, and snakes… and sharks.... oh and spiders). I say this because the Bible (the truth of God) says so.
Both animals and humans are part of the original creation. But it is only humans that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
Only humans have the image of God stamped on our being. Not even angels (who are created beings too) have this. This puts us above all other created beings. Additionally, God goes onto say...
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
He gives us (humans) authority over all other created things. We are different. The Bible says we are not equal with animals. So, consider how your personal views line up with Scripture, especially when it comes to animals.
Because here’s the warning… fallen (sinful) people (like us) have a tendency to take other created things (like animals) and make them gods (or idols).
They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
Don’t elevate animals above what Scripture has stated. You run the risk of idolatry.
That being said, animals are a part of the original creation, which means two things:
They are a valuable part of creation - a creation that existed before sin. God created them to be part of the flourishing ecosystem He designed for mankind.
Therefore, although not equal with humans, the principle of “redemptive continuity” applies to animals. Meaning, when God restores creation (in Heaven), it would follow that animals would be part of that restoration.
Furthermore, this conclusion is biblical supported in this way...
For the word of God will never fail.”
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
God is perfectly holy (pure). He cannot sin. He doesn’t make mistakes.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
God never changes. He never fails. He doesn’t make mistakes. And He never will. Additionally...
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
Because God cannot fail or make a mistake, what He plans will succeed. And let’s think about it this way...
If animals were part of God’s original perfect creation.
If redemptive continuity rightfully applies to animals.
Then, it would SEEM (to be clear: I’m making biblical deductions, not preaching absolute truth) obvious that animals would be in Heaven because their exclusion from Heaven would imply failure or a mistake in their creation.
Now, I wonder, some of you biblical scholars who (rightfully) love the idea of marriage and thinking, “Wait a minute! Marriage was part of the original creation! If redemptive continuity applies to animals, why not marriage!”
That’s actually a great question. And here’s my best answer. Redemptive continuity hold true unless God specifically says it doesn’t. And Jesus said...
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
For some reason, God has chosen not to allow marriage to continue in Heaven. I’m not God, so I don’t know why. That’s just what the Bible says. But when “redemptive continuity” doesn’t continue, here’s the hope… that’s when we know God will replacement with something better!
But this is not a sermon on marriage, this is about animals, so let’s get back to that. I believe the Bible gives us good reason to believe animals with be in Heaven, because they were part of God’s original creation.
Here’s what else the Bible says...
God cares for animals.
God cares for animals.
Even though we are different, animals are still extremely valuable to God. That’s why the Bible says God provides for them. Jesus said...
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
God also cares for them by giving them purpose. They aren’t just NPC’s in a video game (that means non-playable character for all us old people). They aren’t meaningless creatures in the background. God created them for a reason!
Consider the following...
God used birds to help both Moses and Elijah.
God used a donkey to save Balaam’s life. Furthermore, a donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem!
God used a giant fish to rescue Jonah.
Additionally, when God judged the earth through a worldwide flood, He didn’t just save Noah’s family, He saved animals too!
Pairs of clean and unclean animals, of birds and of all creatures that move along the ground, male and female, came to Noah and entered the ark, as God had commanded Noah.
God cares about animals. And if the ark was a picture of how one day Jesus would save the world on the cross (which it is), then doesn’t this also imply that one day - when our salvation is complete and Heaven is ushered in - that the animals will join us too?
In fact, Paul seems to indicate that the animals are already awaiting this day!
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
And here’s another biblical observation Randy Alcorn makes in his book. In Heaven (right now)...
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!”
The phrase translated “living creatures” is often translated elsewhere as “animals.” Right now in Heaven, it is possible, that animals are worshiping God. Creepy animals - with wings and eyeballs everywhere - but animals nonetheless...
Here’s the point: Since God cares for animals, why wouldn’t they be in Heaven?
Finally, know this...
God cares for us.
God cares for us.
We’ve already discussed that animals were an important, strategic, intentional part of creation.
He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him.
By naming the animals, Adam is exercising authority over them. Again, we are not equal with animals. However, here’s what I’d like us to observe. God brought all of these animals to him as a blessing - to be a help.
Now, Adam would need a better helper (Eve), but it does not discount the reality that animals are still part of God’s design to care for us. And we most directly experience this though our pets.
How often has the unconditional love of our animals helped heal our hearts or satisfied our desire for love or companionship? Do you think this is just random response of affection? Just coincidental emotions?
No, I believe we are experiencing God’s care for us. He created us to be surrounded by animals because they help us, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
They help us with our work.
They help us feel loved when we come home.
Andy they even help us worship God.
Does it feel like I went too far with that last one? If so, then why does the Psalmist write...
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Although he writes about the “heavens and sky” specifically, I think it is appropriate to include “all creation” declares the glory of God.
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
And since animals are included in creation, they help us glorify God. God gives us pets as gifts and our experience should cause us to worship, because that’s a biblical purpose of creation.
And I know for me, I’ve often sat with my dogs at home and said, “Thank you Jesus.” My pets help me worship God because they are a taste of how much God loves and cares for me.
So, am I saying our actual pets will be in Heaven? Like, will my dog Teelah, or Kota, (I don’t know if Rocky is gonna make it…) be with me for all eternity?
I don’t know. The Bible doesn’t tell us if animals have a soul that continues in the same way a human soul does. But, if the idea of having your favorite pet in Heaven means something to you, consider this verse...
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Since this is true, do you think giving you your favorite pet for eternity in Heaven isn’t in the cards?
Even if animals do not have an eternal soul, could God not recreate your favorite pet in Heaven just because He loves you. And He knows it would bless you. Because God wants to satisfy your desires in Heaven!
Again, this is not about making a big deal about Heaven. This is not about making Heaven all about us. But this is biblically understanding Heaven. And...
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Heaven is all about being in relationship with God. And God is good. And God loves us with an everlasting love. And He delights in satisfying our desires. Again...
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
In Heaven, we will be perfectly delighting ourselves in the Lord. Wouldn’t it make biblical sense for our good God to give us the pets we loved so much here on earth?
Response:
Response:
As we close, think about these three things...
Don’t let your love for animals cause you to sin. Animals are important to God. It makes biblical sense for them to be in Heaven. But they are not the point of Heaven - Jesus is.
That being said, be excited about Heaven - the animals are! And if you love animals, because of the goodness and purposes of God, you will likely be surrounded by heavenly animals (some familiar, maybe some brand new). And they will be expressions of God’s love towards you and cause you to worship - to thank God because of them.
And consider this… in the Garden, Adam and Eve did not find it strange that the snake spoke. When Balaam’s donkey spoke to him, it seemed as if God allowed a current restriction to be lifted… like animals may not be able to speak now, but originally, and maybe eternally, they will be able to speak. If it is truly animals singing “Holy, holy, holy,” around the throne right now, this would make sense.
And if animals could talk now (and even in eternity), here’s what I’m confident they would tell us, “Worship Jesus, the one who is, who was, and is to come.”
There is a God in Heaven who loves you. He cares for you and delights to satisfy your desires for all of eternity. And He just may choose to do that by creating a New Heaven and Earth that has animals surrounding us forever.
But you won’t get a chance to see that if you haven’t decided to turn from your sin and put your faith in Jesus and Lord and Savior. Just as good pets are ultimately good gifts from God, so is our salvation… so is our entrance into Heaven.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
If you’d like to receive that gift today, pray this with me...
God, thank you for your goodness. Today, I’ve decided to live in that goodness for the rest of my life, both here and in Heaven. And to do that, I know I need to repent of my sin. I ask for forgiveness. And I trust in Jesus to save me and bring me into Heaven. Please do that today. In Jesus name, amen.