Bible Study January 7, 2025
The New Heaven and the New Earth
21 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
I saw a video on the local news last evening that brought these verses to mind. The video was taken from a Ring camera that showed the view of the front porch and a rather large yard in front of the home. The video picked up the scene of a fox walking up onto the parch and walking the length then retreating back into the yard.
Will there be animals in heaven. I remember a movie named “All Dogs Go To Heaven.” I have not watched so I do not know anything about it. But it begs the question of animals in heaven. I have often thought what about our Chow named Mike, our two Shepherds Baron and Cheyenne or our Wheaten Terrier Molly. We have a pit mix also right now so the jury is out on her in my mind.
We know when God destroyed the world by flood that everything in it fell as a result of sin. Since the old heaven is passed away and the new is brought into existence will all things (all good things, there is no evil, sickness, disease, addictions, no hatred, you get the picture) we experienced in the old be into new?
What does scripture say about animals in heaven? A little research found this.
It is possible there will be dogs in heaven, but we have no definite statement in scripture that says “Yes” or “No.” However scripture reveals God creating animals and calling the good. I believe there will be horses in heaven as Revelation describes Jesus returning on a white horse. We read in chapter eleven of Isaiah describing animals dwelling in peace.
C.S. Lewis, a renowned theologian said animals will go to heaven through their owners’ relationship with God. I’m not certain about that statement.
We do know God loves all things which would include animals. It is His desire to bring happiness to His people maybe they will be there.
Some believe we will see our favorite furry friend in heaven others say no because God does not give them ability to decide to accept Him. I leave with two thoughts:
- We know the millions of aborted babies will be in heaven, the little ones who cannot decide will be in heaven, and
- We simply do not know.
Something to think about on the snowy day in central Missouri.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 