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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: Does the Bible really teach that animals will not be in Heaven, specifically people’s beloved pets? – B.P.

 

Dear B.P.: While the Bible does not specifically answer the question of animals in Heaven, no one can miss God’s creative work in the animal kingdom. God’s creation story is the first miraculous account in the Bible, which includes His creation of animals. His written Word provides us with a snapshot of His original handiwork: “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle …and everything …on the earth … . And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:24–25, NKJV). All of this took place before sin entered the world.

Animals are fascinating creatures, and the variety seems endless. We know that God gave them to us for a purpose, because in the days of Noah, 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 to man. Who doesn’t smile while watching chimpanzees mimic one another, or marvel at the monstrous whales in the ocean, or be inspired to watch swans gracefully move through the waters?

We boast of man’s best friend because a faithful dog will protect its owner. Fish are a source of food. We love to envision Jesus riding the colt of a donkey into Jerusalem – and we wait breathlessly for His appearance on a white horse from Heaven (see Revelation 19:11).

Scripture speaks of the future messianic kingdom that captivates our imaginations: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them (Isaiah 11:6, NIV). One day perfect peace will reign, and everything that has breath, including animals, will praise the Lord (see Psalm 150:6).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)