Do Animals Have Souls?

[Guest LadyC]

yes, i believe God's grace covers babies. so yeah, i guess you may very well have a valid perspective on mentally challenged people.

God's grace covers everyone

ahhhh, but God's grace only covers those who accept His gift! ..... or, as wyguy pointed out, those who are not able to accept Christ because of age or mental incapacity.

[nikki1]

Blessings, wyguy

My vet is a Christian and she has a beautiful painting portraying a depiction of heaven with with our beloved pets who have gone beyond in one of the exam rooms that shows two hands reaching out to the animals running up to the hands. There are those who say that because animals do not have a soul, or the Bible doesn't really address this, our pets won't be in heaven. I have heard this over and over again. But animals cannot choose between good and evil like we humans can, were not born in sin as we are, and they have never fallen like us, so they are not in need of a redeemer or saviour as we humans are. They have never became like gods.

I can't imagine being in heaven without my Miss Luci and Sammie, Buster and Daisy, who have taught me so much about God's unconditional love, patience, compassion, companionship, mercy, faithfulness and understanding better than most humans ever could.

Yes, I think my Miss Luci and Sammie, Buster and Daisy will be in heaven because I think what it boils down to is our understanding of God and His love for His creation.

Blessings,

Nikki

I'd love to get a copy of that painting!

The next time I visit my vet, I will snap a picture of it and p.m. it to you

But animals cannot choose between good and evil like we humans can, were not born in sin as we are, and they have never fallen like us, so they are not in need of a redeemer or saviour as we humans are.

I'm not so sure. The Bible makes it pretty clear that all creation was cursed. (Romans 8:19-22, Genesis 3:17).

Yeah, the scripture in Romans came to mind after I posted my thoughts above.

Romans 8:20-22 (King James Version)

20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

The scripture from Romans does not say all of creation is cursed to be exact,

and I am not sure it is referring to animals as the commentary I read refers to humans only, though animals definitely have feelings and sad and happy emotions, become sick and old and die like humans. And I don't see where Genesis 3:17 is referring to animals as being cursed either. It says "Cursed is the ground for thy sake," but makes no mention of animals.

Blessings,

Nikki

v22 seems to indicate that they were, indeed, cursed as well:

"...the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."

If they weren't cursed, there would have been no reason for God to turn them from plant eaters to meat eaters, and thus having them kill each other for food.

Hi wyguy:

Going back and reading Genesiis 3, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree God told them not to, it was only the serpent and the ground that was cursed by God:

And the Lord God said unto the serpent, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field: upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life." vs. 14

Unto the woman, he said, "I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." vs. 16

And unto Adam he said, "Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake, in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.....vs. vs. 17

To the serpent, the Lord God said: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. vs. 15

Which is Christ.

As far as I can see from Scripture, only the serpent and the ground was cursed and Adam, Eve and the rest of creation were not, although the rest of creation inherited the consequences of the fall of Adam and Eve such as sickness, disease, pain, sorrow, and death.

Romans 8

22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

The Scripture from Genesis 3 quoted above tells us why the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together.

It is through the second Adam, Christ, that those who believe upon him will be redeemed and I believe the animals we knew on this earth will have a share in the new earth when Christ returns as they are a part of His creation.

Blessings,

Nikki

[Bold Believer]

Do animals have souls? Absolutely. Do they have the SAME KIND of soul as a human? ABSOLUTELY not.

I believe an animal soul goes into the earth and sleeps until the Last Day. It is then brought back to life at the resurrection of the dead. It may or may not have a new body, I am convinced it will have new HABITS so we need worry about stepping in anything or being sprayed by a skunk or bitten by a dog. God sent Christ to redeem the earth as well as mankind, since animals are OF the earth, it only makes sense that they would share in its redemption.

Hiya Bold Believer...

I'm curious how you came to believe in the different types of souls? I've never seen any evidence that animals have any soul at all (by definition), so I would be curious about the 'new' type of soul, and its definition. Does the bible describe different types of souls?

Also, the concept of animal souls being raised at the resurrection of the dead is an entirely new concept to me as well. Is there something said in the bible on this, because it doesn't seem to line up with anything I've ever heard?

Simple Axx. Different creation, different soul. The word 'nephesh' means soul in Hebrew. Man became a living soul. Paul says that there are different types of flesh. If there are different kinds of flesh, then there must be different types of souls as well. The soul is our sentience, our mind, will and emotions. Animals have a mind to think with and they have instincts and emotions. An animal can experience fear, guilt, sadness, just as a human can. It doesn't have the full range of emotions that humans do. It also doesn't have a spirit. It has a conscience of some sort however. (When Spot drops a deuce on the living room floor and his master comes in and sees what he did, and scolds him, does Spot not drop his hairy head in shame? That's both shame AND guilt, evidence of conscience.)

As for the resurrection, it is at the resurrection that ALL CREATION is redeemed as well. The earth gets a makeover, and the curse is lifted. It therefore makes sense that the animal creation would be a part of that redemption.

Remember John 3:16 says God so loved the kosmos or creation. God loved everything He made. Men require salvation; animals, redemption. Animals don't need to be saved, but they need to redeemed from the effects of the curse, because they were made from the ground, even as we are, hence the curse affects not just the ground, but the things made]/i] from the ground, men and animals.

Now will specific pets be resurrected? Good question. Personally, I think so, but that's me. I am convinced that animals will be amongst the population of the New Earth, redeemed from their base instincts which currently dominate them. One of the things that I believe will occur in the eternal state is the return of equity (fairness in life). How fair is it for an animal to be abused by a cruel master and then on top of that, simply cease to exist? My God is a God of equity. Sin causes inequity, and when sin no longer exists, equity will return.

Finally, I'd ask this question: When did God ever do anything in vain or without purpose? As far as I can tell from Scripture, never. So then, why would He create something just to completely destroy it? Even the wicked are not completely destroyed, they remain in a conscious state for eternity in the lake of fire and are tormented there.

[Guest shiloh357]

Now will specific pets be resurrected? Good question. Personally, I think so, but that's me. I am convinced that animals will be amongst the population of the New Earth, redeemed from their base instincts which currently dominate them. One of the things that I believe will occur in the eternal state is the return of equity (fairness in life). How fair is it for an animal to be abused by a cruel master and then on top of that, simply cease to exist? My God is a God of equity. Sin causes inequity, and when sin no longer exists, equity will return.

The problem first and foremost is the lack of scriptural corroboration with what you are saying. I think we all would like to believe that our beloved pets would be included in the resurrection, but the ressurection is only promised to those who have received Christ and died in Christ. Every place the resurrection is mentioned, it is in connection with redeemed people. Redemption is never used in connection with the animal kingdom that I am aware of.

[Bold Believer]

Now will specific pets be resurrected? Good question. Personally, I think so, but that's me. I am convinced that animals will be amongst the population of the New Earth, redeemed from their base instincts which currently dominate them. One of the things that I believe will occur in the eternal state is the return of equity (fairness in life). How fair is it for an animal to be abused by a cruel master and then on top of that, simply cease to exist? My God is a God of equity. Sin causes inequity, and when sin no longer exists, equity will return.

The problem first and foremost is the lack of scriptural corroboration with what you are saying. I think we all would like to believe that our beloved pets would be included in the resurrection, but the ressurection is only promised to those who have received Christ and died in Christ. Every place the resurrection is mentioned, it is in connection with redeemed people. Redemption is never used in connection with the animal kingdom that I am aware of.

"The rest of the dead" in Revelation 20 certainly doesn't simply include humans. Since all of the creation has been affected by sin, it makes sense that animals as well as humans would be returned to life (anazoe, reanimated). The only ones who get resurrection (anastasias) are Believers. There is a difference. All that has been created will be restored, with the exception of the wicked. Animals are not wicked, therefore, they will be restored.

Acts 3:21 clearly states that Christ is to be held in heaven until the time of the apokatastasis or return to the pre-fall state of things.

[Guest shiloh357]

"The rest of the dead" in Revelation 20 certainly doesn't simply include humans.

Actually the context precludes anyone but humans. Verse 5 contains the phrase "the rest of the dead." Verse 13 defines the "rest of the dead" as humans who will stand before the Great White Throne and be judged. The entire context is limited to human beings who will stand before God to give an account of their lives.

Since all of the creation has been affected by sin, it makes sense that animals as well as humans would be returned to life (anazoe, reanimated).

No it doesn't. Animals are never attributed to as sinful. The Bible does not include animals in the atonement of Christ on the cross. The gospel is never commanded to be preached to animals. Animals are not included in Christ's command to make disciples of all nations. Animals are never included as fallen members of Adam's race and are never referred to as having any part in receiving redemption.

Furthermore, the Bible never claims that animals that have died will be reanimated/returned to life when sin is eradicated. You are penciling that into the Scripture.

The only ones who get resurrection (anastasias) are Believers.

To be returned to life IS resurrection. If one is dead, to bring be brought back to life is a resurrection. One does not have to be buried to be resurrected.

Acts 3:21 clearly states that Christ is to be held in heaven until the time of the apokatastasis or return to the pre-fall state of things.

Jesus is the agent of that return to the pre-fall state. The text is not saying that Jesus will remain in heaven until the change is made but that Jesus will remain in heaven until it is time for the restoration to take place. Jesus' return is the catalyst for the final and full restoration of the world. In actuality, what we see in Revelation is not only restoration to the pre-fall state but actually something better than even what existed before the fall.

[wyguy]

Blessings, wyguy

My vet is a Christian and she has a beautiful painting portraying a depiction of heaven with with our beloved pets who have gone beyond in one of the exam rooms that shows two hands reaching out to the animals running up to the hands. There are those who say that because animals do not have a soul, or the Bible doesn't really address this, our pets won't be in heaven. I have heard this over and over again. But animals cannot choose between good and evil like we humans can, were not born in sin as we are, and they have never fallen like us, so they are not in need of a redeemer or saviour as we humans are. They have never became like gods.

I can't imagine being in heaven without my Miss Luci and Sammie, Buster and Daisy, who have taught me so much about God's unconditional love, patience, compassion, companionship, mercy, faithfulness and understanding better than most humans ever could.

Yes, I think my Miss Luci and Sammie, Buster and Daisy will be in heaven because I think what it boils down to is our understanding of God and His love for His creation.

Blessings,

Nikki

I'd love to get a copy of that painting!

The next time I visit my vet, I will snap a picture of it and p.m. it to you

But animals cannot choose between good and evil like we humans can, were not born in sin as we are, and they have never fallen like us, so they are not in need of a redeemer or saviour as we humans are.

I'm not so sure. The Bible makes it pretty clear that all creation was cursed. (Romans 8:19-22, Genesis 3:17).

Yeah, the scripture in Romans came to mind after I posted my thoughts above.

Romans 8:20-22 (King James Version)

20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

The scripture from Romans does not say all of creation is cursed to be exact,

and I am not sure it is referring to animals as the commentary I read refers to humans only, though animals definitely have feelings and sad and happy emotions, become sick and old and die like humans. And I don't see where Genesis 3:17 is referring to animals as being cursed either. It says "Cursed is the ground for thy sake," but makes no mention of animals.

Blessings,

Nikki

v22 seems to indicate that they were, indeed, cursed as well:

"...the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."

If they weren't cursed, there would have been no reason for God to turn them from plant eaters to meat eaters, and thus having them kill each other for food.

Hi wyguy:

Going back and reading Genesiis 3, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree God told them not to, it was only the serpent and the ground that was cursed by God:

And the Lord God said unto the serpent, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field: upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life." vs. 14

Unto the woman, he said, "I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." vs. 16

And unto Adam he said, "Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake, in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.....vs. vs. 17

To the serpent, the Lord God said: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. vs. 15

Which is Christ.

As far as I can see from Scripture, only the serpent and the ground was cursed and Adam, Eve and the rest of creation were not, although the rest of creation inherited the consequences of the fall of Adam and Eve such as sickness, disease, pain, sorrow, and death.

Romans 8

22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

The Scripture from Genesis 3 quoted above tells us why the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together.

It is through the second Adam, Christ, that those who believe upon him will be redeemed and I believe the animals we knew on this earth will have a share in the new earth when Christ returns as they are a part of His creation.

Blessings,

Nikki

Hiya Nikki

Very interesting post. But I believe one of the scriptures you posted tells the story.

And the Lord God said unto the serpent, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field

There would have been no logical reason to even mention the cattle or every other beast of the field when God was pronouncing the curse if they weren't, even to a lessor degree, included in the curse. God could have simply said, "You are cursed!" The serpent received the greater measure of the curse, "above" all cattle, and "above" every beast of the field, but I think it's obvious the rest of creation was also cursed for Adam's sin.

Remember, death was, and is, one of main punishments for Adam's sin, and animals were certainly included in that punishment through their own deaths. And not only that, but the pain and suffering that comes with separation from God.

[nebula]

I'd like to change the question a little?

What is the "life" of an animal?

And what happens to that "life" when the animal's body dies?

[Guest shiloh357]

I'd like to change the question a little?

What is the "life" of an animal?

And what happens to that "life" when the animal's body dies?

When an animal dies, it simply loses consciousness. It ceases to be. Animals have biological life and a mind/will, or as we call it, a "soul." The soul of an animal ceases to be at death. Animals do not have a spirit that lives on, at least there is no indication in the Bible of that.

It is hard to think of our pets (at least is for me) in that way. We all want to believe that they will live on after death and that we will see them again. Frankly, I would be happy to be wrong about all of this; I truly would.

[nikki1]

I'd like to change the question a little?

What is the "life" of an animal?

And what happens to that "life" when the animal's body dies?

When an animal dies, it simply loses consciousness. It ceases to be. Animals have biological life and a mind/will, or as we call it, a "soul." The soul of an animal ceases to be at death. Animals do not have a spirit that lives on, at least there is no indication in the Bible of that.

Blessings, Shiloh357

I have a question. Is there any basis for your opinion mentioned in the Bible?

Nikki