Animals in Heaven?

For all those who have submitted questions, thank you. Here is this week's question.

We had a 14 week old puppy that we had to put down a few weeks ago b/c of a failing liver. He was a very loving puppy who we grew very close to. Although puppies don't have souls, do you think puppies (or animals in general) will make it into heaven?

First, I am sorry for your loss. That is something that is so hard to go through.

When Jesus comes back, creation will be restored. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. The current heaven and earth are corrupted by sin. They are twisted and distorted, and that this why they will have to pass away. But in the new heaven and new earth there will be no more sickness or suffering or death. This new heaven and new earth is a way of talking about the creation being made new. That is, it is a way of talking about the creation being restored.

You can read throughout the Scriptures, but especially in the prophets, that God will make the creation the way that it was intended to be. This includes the presence of animals. Animals were part of the creation before the fall into sin. Animals were saved when the waters of the flood covered the earth. I believe that animals will also be a part of the creation in the new heaven and new earth.

God loves his creation and cares for it, and will restore it at the end. And on that glorious day when we get to see this amazing sight, it will be awesome. And so we pray, "Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly. Amen."

I pray that the promise of the restoration and the new heaven and new earth would be a source of comfort and strength for you in this Advent season, and always.

Sincerely,

Pastor CJ