Will Our Beloved Pets be with Us in Heaven?

[GoldenEagle]

They {animals} were cursed along with man and will be restored along with the believers. That's a fact.

Blessings

Okay... Please clarify?

[Spirit_Tracker]

No matter what we think we know, we still see in a mirror dimly, or through a glass darkly. We think small because we are small, not matter how many mysteries we believe have been revealed to us. Truth be told, we cannot even imagine what He has in store for us. Yet, I will wait to know what these possibilities may be until I am with Him and He makes it clear to me. I don't want to be mislead by any miscommunication my flesh may give as I listen to what He tells me about what is not in scripture.

I can understand OneLight. But why is it that we must see through a mirror dimly or a glass darkly?

I really is a whole lot simpler than you try to make it. It is because scripture tells us this.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

Right, I see what you're saying. Although the Word of God is never complicated, this mustn't be confused with that it is never complex. I agree that our knowledge, that we'll have when we are face to face with Christ, will seem dim comparatively speaking to our knowledge that we have now. You want to see complicated then read Barnes and Henry's commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:12 lol.

I don't read commentaries. There are so many that don't agree that a person can walk away far more confused then they were when they first started.

This thread has very little to do with the word of Go. This thread is basically asking the question all pet owners have, or had, about their pets. The problem arises when others come in saying that God told them this and that when scripture is silent. God can reveal certain specifics about our personal walk to us that is not found in scripture, as you mentioned about who should we marry, but to claim that one is given special revelations, red flags pop up everywhere in me.

Okay, so you don't believe that God can and is willing to answer such a question asked of Him because it's not salvation critical. You've made that point... and we disagree, but because we disagree, now I feel you are going even further by trying to discredit me in other ways as well. You know, I've enjoyed coming on here and contributing in various ways, sharing my faith and consulting with scripture on matters...Please, if you are trying to push me into a corner, don't. I am just simply sharing my faith. This question that I asked is not proposed to steer people away from Christ or the Truth in the bible, and I don't believe has. So I am going to revert back to the scriptures I posted in the original post as being all the confirmation I need to believe that our beloved pets will be with us in heaven. These are the scriptures I believe God showed me when I prayed and asked of Him this question. I have asked this question for 30 years... and each time I pray about it, I believe it has been confirmed. My confirmation from God came from these verses, although the verse themselves are not a direct answer, they are very supportive of the answer to such a question. It is important to me to know, and I believe God knows that... not as a salvation critical matter, but as a being with a heart. This thread started out as sharing scripture of God's covenant with his creation, all of them, and how I believe these are verse support an answer to my question.

As far as the Holy Spirit speaking beyond scripture, many have debated over this time and time again, some for, whilst others opposed to it's concept. Some people believe that to say "God speaks beyond scripture" is inviting abuse in one way or another, however, if people are going to abuse, they are going to abuse in God's Word and out of it too. You'd be surprised who all believes God speaks beyond scripture... but never contradicting it. However, my response from God came on the back of scripture...

No, that is not what I am saying. I am saying that when we have such a question, and we believe God has answered, to know if the answer we believe we have received is what He really was saying will not be proven until the time comes for us to be with Him. The fact is, if it is not in scripture, we should always keep it personal and not make it a doctrinal stance for others. To be more direct, if you believe God told you that you pet will be in heaven, since it is not in scripture, it is extra-biblical and should be held at the personal level and not make it equal to scripture.

Take a long look around you. Many who have included their personal revelation into their doctrine are those who have divided the body we see today, and have weakened the body with such. God gave us His word and this is our standard we are to follow. If someone follows the bible while including their personal revelation, they are not following the word of God, but a mixture of His word and their personal doctrine. When something is not found in scripture, place it at a lower level then scripture, no matter how sure we are. God will never go against His word and His word is what we need to regain a relationship with Him.

I agree with that. This topic was started, not be equal with doctrine but, from the inspiration of God's Word. But honestly, I am not the one taking it to the degree of doctrine. The things that are moot points in this topic are subject to discussion and not necessarily in need of a one-sided agreement. They are not salvation critical. Nothing that is inspired by scripture, but not exactly spelled out in scripture, is for the dividing up of believers. It's mankind's interpretation of scripture the forcing thereof that have divided believers. Division comes from those who are forcing their doctrine on others, both from scripture and from extra-biblical sources. If they don't agree with them on scripture, then they deem them an apostate or not really saved.

With all due respect, I am going to hold my ground on this one. I have provided ample scripture that are supportive of my belief. I am sharing my faith. I have provided scripture on the following;

God has a covenant with the animals of earth.

God created animals originally to be non-perishable, and they will be that again on the new earth.

There is solid evidence that animals are in the new earth.

There is solid evidence that there are animals in heaven (the angels ride on horses) as well as animal like creatures in Rev. like a calf, lion and eagle.

There is solid evidence that God cares about animals and has a purpose for them.

There is solid evidence that God hates the abuse of animals.

There is solid evidence that God can make animals speak on their own behalf.

There is solid evidence that every created living creature, in heaven, on earth and in sea, and everything between, will shout "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessings, and honor, and glory and dominion forever and ever"

Will you point to scripture where you find your solid evidence as to when we will be confronted by those whom we have done wrong to, be it human or not? Your statement "There is solid evidence that God can make animals speak on their own behalf." is a personal belief, from what I have read. The scripture I stand on are the ones where the books will be opened, or we will be judged according to our works. There is never any mention of any created standing in person with accusations on that day.

Division comes from those who are forcing their doctrine on others, both from scripture and from extra-biblical sources. If they don't agree with them on scripture, then they deem them an apostate or not really saved.

Divisions comes when someone hears or thinks something that is outside of the beliefs of others, and decides to follow them voluntarily, not by force.

Onelight, read Rev 5:13 NASB And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

and read Num 22:22-28 NASB But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. (23) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way. (24) Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. (25) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall, so he struck her again. (26) The angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. (27) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. (28) And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"

I don't get it, this isn't my "belief"... it's God's Word.

[GoldenEagle]

I agree Goldeneagle, those who hold animals up to the same importance of people need prayer. But, being mature Christians, we also shouldn't think in extremes either though. Just because animals aren't equally important, doesn't mean that God doesn't have a plan for them in heaven or on the new earth. I believe there are those who are called to aid, rescue, and care for animals. The matures ones like JohnDB, know that people are more important, but they still understand that animals were never meant to be abused, trampled on, and devalued by us. God gifted us with them for companionship originally. Nothing more... for us to enjoy them, to the fullest extent possible. They were cursed along with man and will be restored along with the believers. That's a fact.

Blessings

Are you saying the SAME animals (soul) that were here on earth will be ressurected in Heaven and/or the New Heaven/New Earth? Curious.

[Spirit_Tracker]

They {animals} were cursed along with man and will be restored along with the believers. That's a fact.

Blessings

Okay... Please clarify?

Genesis 9:16; “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

Hosea 2:18 “In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety.”

Isaiah 11:6-9 reads, “And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.”

Obviously this isn’t a picture of this old earth! Impossible! This is a description of a new earth and new HEAVEN! Isn’t that a WONDEFUL image? It will be GLORIOUS! “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away,…”(Rev 21:1 NASB)

[Spirit_Tracker]

I agree Goldeneagle, those who hold animals up to the same importance of people need prayer. But, being mature Christians, we also shouldn't think in extremes either though. Just because animals aren't equally important, doesn't mean that God doesn't have a plan for them in heaven or on the new earth. I believe there are those who are called to aid, rescue, and care for animals. The matures ones like JohnDB, know that people are more important, but they still understand that animals were never meant to be abused, trampled on, and devalued by us. God gifted us with them for companionship originally. Nothing more... for us to enjoy them, to the fullest extent possible. They were cursed along with man and will be restored along with the believers. That's a fact.

Blessings

Are you saying the SAME animals (soul) that were here on earth will be ressurected in Heaven and/or the New Heaven/New Earth? Curious.

I'm not sure I would say that animals have a soul, but they do have the breath of life, which is related to having a spirit to whatever extent that may mean. Without God's breath of life in them, they would be dead flesh with no life. They can not earn salvation nor do they have the ability to discern right from wrong. But they do have value, and a plan laid out for them in the new earth. As far as the SAME animals, Well, I say yes, I believe that and that's in my spirit... but there are certain things that I will not disclose because it is personal, I agree with Onelight on that, and I have refrained from delving into these matters from the start. Look around you, there are many Christians that believe 100% that their beloved pets will be with them in heaven, who are we to say they are wrong? Are we in doom of damnation if they believe that? One lady said that God revealed to her this in dreams.

And if I ask you, do you believe they are NOT the same?

[GoldenEagle]

I agree Goldeneagle, those who hold animals up to the same importance of people need prayer. But, being mature Christians, we also shouldn't think in extremes either though. Just because animals aren't equally important, doesn't mean that God doesn't have a plan for them in heaven or on the new earth. I believe there are those who are called to aid, rescue, and care for animals. The matures ones like JohnDB, know that people are more important, but they still understand that animals were never meant to be abused, trampled on, and devalued by us. God gifted us with them for companionship originally. Nothing more... for us to enjoy them, to the fullest extent possible. They were cursed along with man and will be restored along with the believers. That's a fact.

Blessings

Are you saying the SAME animals (soul) that were here on earth will be ressurected in Heaven and/or the New Heaven/New Earth? Curious.

I'm not sure I would say that animals have a soul, but they do have the breath of life, which is related to having a spirit to whatever extent that may mean. Without God's breath of life in them, they would be dead flesh with no life. They can not earn salvation nor do they have the ability to discern right from wrong. But they do have value, and a plan laid out for them in the new earth. As far as the SAME animals, Well, I say yes, I believe that and that's in my spirit... but there are certain things that I will not disclose because it is personal, I agree with Onelight on that, and I have refrained from delving into these matters from the start. Look around you, there are many Christians that believe 100% that their beloved pets will be with them in heaven, who are we to say they are wrong? Are we in doom of damnation if they believe that? One lady said that God revealed to her this in dreams.

And if I ask you, do you believe they are NOT the same?

I believe any pet or animal like my dog Courage that dies goes back to the earth. In other words they die and that's it.

There is no evidence Biblically speaking that animals have spirits and/or souls. Or is there? Or is this a personal belief you hold?

There is no condemnation for those who believe that their pets will be in Heaven. Christ is the key factor. It could go either way as Scripture is silent on the matter as I've mentioned earlier.

Interesting discussion. I think it's time to move onto something else though...

[Spirit_Tracker]

I agree Goldeneagle, those who hold animals up to the same importance of people need prayer. But, being mature Christians, we also shouldn't think in extremes either though. Just because animals aren't equally important, doesn't mean that God doesn't have a plan for them in heaven or on the new earth. I believe there are those who are called to aid, rescue, and care for animals. The matures ones like JohnDB, know that people are more important, but they still understand that animals were never meant to be abused, trampled on, and devalued by us. God gifted us with them for companionship originally. Nothing more... for us to enjoy them, to the fullest extent possible. They were cursed along with man and will be restored along with the believers. That's a fact.

Blessings

Are you saying the SAME animals (soul) that were here on earth will be ressurected in Heaven and/or the New Heaven/New Earth? Curious.

I'm not sure I would say that animals have a soul, but they do have the breath of life, which is related to having a spirit to whatever extent that may mean. Without God's breath of life in them, they would be dead flesh with no life. They can not earn salvation nor do they have the ability to discern right from wrong. But they do have value, and a plan laid out for them in the new earth. As far as the SAME animals, Well, I say yes, I believe that and that's in my spirit... but there are certain things that I will not disclose because it is personal, I agree with Onelight on that, and I have refrained from delving into these matters from the start. Look around you, there are many Christians that believe 100% that their beloved pets will be with them in heaven, who are we to say they are wrong? Are we in doom of damnation if they believe that? One lady said that God revealed to her this in dreams.

And if I ask you, do you believe they are NOT the same?

I believe any pet or animal like my dog Courage that dies goes back to the earth. In other words they die and that's it.

There is no evidence Biblically speaking that animals have spirits and/or souls. Or is there? Or is this a personal belief you hold?

There is no condemnation for those who believe that their pets will be in Heaven. Christ is the key factor. It could go either way as Scripture is silent on the matter as I've mentioned earlier.

Interesting discussion. I think it's time to move onto something else though...

lol... I think a ton of perspectives, beliefs and scripture have been shared here... Please don't close it though because there may others who would like to share their belief.

[OneLight]

Will you point to scripture where you find your solid evidence as to when we will be confronted by those whom we have done wrong to, be it human or not? Your statement "There is solid evidence that God can make animals speak on their own behalf." is a personal belief, from what I have read. The scripture I stand on are the ones where the books will be opened, or we will be judged according to our works. There is never any mention of any created standing in person with accusations on that day.

Division comes from those who are forcing their doctrine on others, both from scripture and from extra-biblical sources. If they don't agree with them on scripture, then they deem them an apostate or not really saved.

Divisions comes when someone hears or thinks something that is outside of the beliefs of others, and decides to follow them voluntarily, not by force.

Onelight, read Rev 5:13 NASB And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

I don't believe anyone is questioning this.

and read Num 22:22-28 NASB But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. (23) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way. (24) Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. (25) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall, so he struck her again. (26) The angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. (27) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. (28) And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"

I don't get it, this isn't my "belief"... it's God's Word.

Rightly dividing His word is what is important. Just because an ass spoke to Balaam does not mean that the animals will stand accusing people of the bad treatment they did to them. This is not scripture about the end times, but about how God got the attention of a wayward prophet. We cannot take what had happened before and apply it to what will happen in the future like that. Do you believe that a chariot of fire will appear with horses of fire and take us up by a whirlwind into heaven as it did to Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11b?

[Spirit_Tracker]

Will you point to scripture where you find your solid evidence as to when we will be confronted by those whom we have done wrong to, be it human or not? Your statement "There is solid evidence that God can make animals speak on their own behalf." is a personal belief, from what I have read. The scripture I stand on are the ones where the books will be opened, or we will be judged according to our works. There is never any mention of any created standing in person with accusations on that day.

Division comes from those who are forcing their doctrine on others, both from scripture and from extra-biblical sources. If they don't agree with them on scripture, then they deem them an apostate or not really saved.

Divisions comes when someone hears or thinks something that is outside of the beliefs of others, and decides to follow them voluntarily, not by force.

Onelight, read Rev 5:13 NASB And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

I don't believe anyone is questioning this.

and read Num 22:22-28 NASB But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. (23) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way. (24) Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. (25) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall, so he struck her again. (26) The angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. (27) When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. (28) And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"

I don't get it, this isn't my "belief"... it's God's Word.

Rightly dividing His word is what is important. Just because an ass spoke to Balaam does not mean that the animals will stand accusing people of the bad treatment they did to them. This is not scripture about the end times, but about how God got the attention of a wayward prophet. We cannot take what had happened before and apply it to what will happen in the future like that. Do you believe that a chariot of fire will appear with horses of fire and take us up by a whirlwind into heaven as it did to Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11b?

I was thinking where did I say that we will have to answer to animals? I realized that i said "God can make animals speak" and the next sentence was "and we will have to give an account". However, these two sentences are not related. Two statements... I believe we will have to give an account to God for any animal abuse.

Job 12:7-10 NASB "But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. (8) "Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you; And let the fish of the sea declare to you. (9) "Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, (10) In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?

[OneLight]

Okay, so you don't believe that God can and is willing to answer such a question asked of Him because it's not salvation critical. You've made that point... and we disagree, but because we disagree, now I feel you are going even further by trying to discredit me in other ways as well. You know, I've enjoyed coming on here and contributing in various ways, sharing my faith and consulting with scripture on matters...Please, if you are trying to push me into a corner, don't. I am just simply sharing my faith. This question that I asked is not proposed to steer people away from Christ or the Truth in the bible, and I don't believe has.

I forgot to answer you concern that I am trying to discredit or corner you. I am not. I am clearly warning people that personal revelation about extra-biblical issues are not on the same level as scripture. We do not always hear Him well enough to make that stance. The other point is that when it is "personal", it it just that, personal. My concern is when I read about other peoples revelations that cannot be backed up with scripture, I have to make it clear that it is just that. That is one reason why I moderate this site, so if my position makes you feel uncomfortable, perhaps you can take this off the forums and PM me, as the ToS states. I would be more then happy to answer your question.

I am not addressing whether or not our pets will be in heaven, because I don't know. My hope is that they will be, but if they are not, then I still have the memories of them from the years we shared together.