Will our Beloved Pets be in Heaven with Us?
Indeed, the Bible confirms there are animals in Heaven. Isaiah 11:6 describes several types (predator and prey) living in peace with one another “and a little child will lead them.” If God created animals for the Garden of Eden to give us a picture of His ideal place, He will surely include them in Heaven—God’s perfect new Eden! If these animals live in Heaven, there’s hope that our pets could be there too. Dr. Wendell Estep, retired pastor of First Baptist Church, said, “In Revelation 19:11, Jesus is riding on a white horse. So, if a horse is in Heaven—why not my dog ‘Tex?’” Another pastor proclaimed, “We often forget, God can do anything He wants to!”
Martin Luther, “Father of the Protestant Reformation” and founder of the Lutheran church, outlined, “In Paradise there was complete harmony between man and animals; one day again that harmony will be restored and all creation will be made anew.” New creation—man and animal—will live together in peace.
Other theologians insist that certain Bible passages indicate that animals do have souls (the same word, nephesh, which translates to “soul” is used in reference to both humans and animals) though not of the same kind that believing Christians have. While the Bible doesn’t clearly state whether or not animals have souls (and thus can be reborn), growing numbers of religious leaders are considering the prospect. Pope Francis comforted a boy whose dog had just died, saying, “One day, we will see our animals again in eternity. Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.” Pope John Paul II later expressed, “Animals possess a soul and we must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren.”
Several ministers commented, “We know that in the Bible, ultimate redemption will extend to the whole of creation: i.e., Romans 8:21—‘that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We don’t know of a reason it would not extend to animals.’” They also referenced Luke 3:6, which says, “…all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
People find companionship and happiness in pets because they add joy and fulfillment to our lives. Billy Graham noted, “We know that God gave animals to mankind for a purpose, because before the great Flood, God preserved every species—male and female—on the ark so they would inhabit the land again. Animals are among God’s many diverse gifts.” He referenced Genesis 1:25 which states that God created animals and “He saw them as good!”
God is known for giving “blessings” to His children—animals are one example of this. Alcorn notes, “It would be simple for Him to re-create a pet in Heaven if He wants to. He’s the giver of all good gifts, not the taker of them. If it would please us to have our pets restored to the New Earth, that may be sufficient reason. Consider parents who’ve acquired a pet because of their child’s request.”
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, saw human beings as God’s representatives, responsible for passing on God’s blessings to the lower creation. When humankind sinned in the Garden of Eden, that blessed relationship suffered along with everything else. He believed that our animals would be resurrected beings able to reason, feel, and relate to us in Heaven! In a new Heaven and Earth, all will be perfect. This will certainly include a delightful animal realm. But what about our current pets? Based on how you interpret the Bible, there’s strong evidence that we will meet our former pets, but also new animals…which may talk! Now, that’s an interesting thought!
We believe that God will restore our beloved pets in Heaven, not because they have souls, but as gifts for our pleasure. As Alcorn writes, “If we believe God is their Creator, that He loves us and them, that He intends to restore His creatures from the bondage they experienced because of our sin, then we have biblical grounds for not only wanting but expecting that we may be with them again on the New Earth.” Jesus said, “All things are possible!” Based on His declaration and that our all-powerful-God created the universe, then we should anticipate a joyful celebration and reunion with our pets, friends, and family in Heaven—a wonderful, exciting place beyond our wildest imaginations!
Biblical Verses Suggesting the Presence of Animals in Heaven
Key Verses
Animals in Near Death Experiences
Numerous people have had heavenly experiences with animals in the afterlife. Listen to these uplifting and encouraging stories from Near-Death Experiencers, NDE researchers, and afterlife communicators who have seen for themselves that our beloved pets live on.
Evidence of Animal Afterlife
Man Reunited with Dog in Heaven
Incredible Stories of Animals in Heaven
Christ Will Return on a White Horse
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He [a]had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in [b]fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a [c]sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
- Revelation 19:11-16
The Rider on the White Horse is prominently featured in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 19:11-16. This passage is a vivid depiction of the triumphant return of Jesus Christ at the end of the age.
