Heaven Bound Volume1 Issue 4
Heaven Bound Magazine March 2024 St Patrick Feature published by JBGmg Christian Ministries Sunset Beach CA www.jbgmg.com email: jbgriffin@jbgmg.com
Heaven Bound Magazine
March 2024
St Patrick Feature
published by
JBGmg Christian Ministries
Sunset Beach CA
www.jbgmg.com
email: jbgriffin@jbgmg.com
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Do Animals Go to <strong>Heaven</strong><br />
Many Christian leaders have also addressed the question of what happens to animals after they die.<br />
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught that humans are stewards of—and responsible for the care<br />
of—God’s creation. When they failed to protect His perfect creation, humans sinned against God, and when<br />
pain and suffering then entered the world, animals had to endure it, too. The bond God had created was<br />
broken, and humans’ exploitation of and cruelty to animals began. Wesley spoke with anticipation of a new<br />
creation in which God would restore animals to their intended glory.<br />
Martin Luther, who founded the Lutheran church, held a view similar to Wesley’s, saying, “In Paradise there<br />
was complete harmony between man and animals; one day again that harmony will be restored and all creation<br />
will be made anew as Christ will be in all and all.”<br />
Pope John Paul II confirmed that “[n]o human being can be justified in claiming absolute ownership of animals<br />
for the simple reason that God alone owns creation. Animals do not simply exist for us nor belong to us.<br />
They exist primarily for God and belong to God. The whole work of creation belongs to the plan of salvation,<br />
‘the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.’”<br />
In his book <strong>Heaven</strong>, Randy Alcorn writes, “Horses, cats, dogs, deer, dolphins, and squirrels—as well as the<br />
inanimate creation—will be beneficiaries of Christ’s death and resurrection. … If we believe God is their<br />
Creator, that He loves us and them, that He intends to restore His creatures from the bondage they experienced<br />
because of our sin, then we have biblical grounds for not only wanting but expecting that we may be with<br />
them again on the New Earth.”<br />
Scripture and many of those whom God called to share His message have explained that He created animals,<br />
blessed them, and called them good and that one day they will be part of His restored perfect kingdom. It’s<br />
important to note that God doesn’t differentiate among species, even though it might be more convenient for<br />
some humans to believe that the dogs and cats they share their homes with—but not the chicken they just ate<br />
for dinner—will be with them in heaven. Some people might picture a heaven with doves and majestic elephants—but<br />
not the tiny mouse they killed in a glue trap. Humans don’t get to make those determinations,<br />
though. God does, and His choice is clear.<br />
We don’t have to wait for a new kingdom in order to live in harmony with the rest of God’s creation. Right<br />
now, we can refuse to exploit or abuse animals for experimentation, food, clothing, entertainment, or any<br />
other reason, thus honoring Jesus’ commandment to “love one another.”<br />
Article Credit https://lambs.peta.org/do-animals-go-to-heaven<br />
6 <strong>Heaven</strong> <strong>Bound</strong> Magazine March 2024