What happens to our pets at the Rapture?

[mayeem]

I have two cats and a dog. All three "girls" are complete mushes, snugglers, etc....Anybody have a clue as to what happens to pets of believers when the Rapture hits? :confused

I try not to worry and hope that either they come with us or God watches over them... :noidea :redface

[frisian1970]

I don't know of biblical precedent that suggests animals accompany people to heaven. At least not specific assertions made within the Bible. I am certain some conjecture could be thrown together to suggest it isn't ruled out though. I'd love to see pets I have had in the past in heaven, so I am not just heartless in this regard. I would equate such though to someone that is rather fond of their rose garden and wished to have such accompany them.

:noidea

[70thWeek]

I guess that they go one doing the things that pets do.

[Morningstarlet]

I worry about that too. My two kitties and my turtle are my babies. The thought of them being left behind in the trib breaks my heart. But I lift them up to the Lord to take care of them. In many ways they will probably make out better than the unsaved humans.

[mayeem]

I worry about that too. My two kitties and my turtle are my babies. The thought of them being left behind in the trib breaks my heart. But I lift them up to the Lord to take care of them. In many ways they will probably make out better than the unsaved humans.



I lift them up to the Lord too...the thought of them being left behind in the Tribulation upsets me so I try not to think of it. :(: ..just hope God protects them or lets them come with me :): ...

[Writesinme]

I'm a pet lover big time, and it breaks my heart to say--I don't think they'll accompany us during the Rapture. I've never seen any scripture to support this hope.

I DO, however, think we'll see them again. God loves all of his creation and plans to restore the earth. Romans 8:19-21 is comforting to me in regards to the fate of animals and all of nature.

"The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

[jackie's_notes]

I have 3 cats, and I have often thought about this. I choose to trust that God who created all things has a plan and I don't know to know it or worry about it.

This is off the subject just a bit, but it has warmed my heart especially being a pet lover. I saw a minister on a dvd who said that he was often asked by children if they would see their pets in heaven. He said that he pondered about it for a long time, and finally he has an answer that satisfies most. He tells them something like this, "Imagine heaven to be the best that you could possibly want it to be, and it is going to be much better than that." Awesome.

[nooneuno]

Will there be animals in heaven?

Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot pulled by horses (2 Kings 2:11). There are horses in heaven (Revelation 6:2-8). In fact, there are enough horses for the vast armies of heaven to ride (Revelation 19:11). There are also invisible horses in angelic armies currently dispatched to earth (2 Kings 6:17). It appears the spiritual realm has physical shapes and properties, though normally we can't see it.

Other animals aren't mentioned in the Revelation passages, presumably because they don't play a role in Christ's second coming (an army bringing deliverance rides horses, not Dalmatians or hedgehogs). But isn't it likely that since there are innumerable horses in heaven there are all kinds of other animals too? Why wouldn't there be? Why would we expect horses to be the only animals? If there were no other animals, there wouldn't be horses.

In Isaiah 65:17 God refers to creating a New Heaven and a New Earth. In subsequent verses the text seems to move back and forth from the millennial kingdom to the New Earth. God says he will have animals—wolf, lamb and lion among them—in the millennium, the New Earth or both (Isaiah 65:25). Since the passage begins and ends by taking about the new earth, I believe the proper understanding is that animals will be there as well as in the millennium. Since a central aspect of man's dominion in Genesis 1-2 involved naming and governing over animals, and his dominion over the earth will be restored in eternity, it seems clear that animals will be there for him to govern.

Some also argue for animals being in heaven based on Ecclesiastes 3:19-21, which says "Man's fate is like that of the animals...all go to the same place." However, in the larger context of Ecclesiastes Solomon is talking about the outward appearance of death. Men and animals both die and their bodies go to the grave. We can't see anything different on the outside. But Scripture tells us elsewhere that man has an eternal soul. It tells us he goes one of two places at death (Hebrews 9:27-28). Animals are not said to have eternal souls or to relocate when they die. The presumption is that at death they cease to exist.

However, this doesn't mean people's beloved animals won't be in heaven. I once read Billy Graham's response to a little girl's question, "Will my dog who died this week be in heaven?" Graham replied, "If it would make you any happier, then yes, he will be." Animals aren't nearly as valuable as people, but God made them for people and has touched many people's lives through them. It would be simple for Him to recreate a pet, with its specific "personality" in heaven. If doing so would bring his children greater pleasure than the company of new animals he'll create, I don't doubt he would.

Romans 8:18-22 says that the whole creation was subject to suffering and futility because of human sin. The creation groans in longing for the liberation that will come to humans, and thereby to all creation itself. Creation is under man's dominion and will share the rewards of his redemption just as it shared the punishment for his sin. Animals are a central part of that creation, next to man himself the most significant part. After all, besides his wife, Adam was called upon to give names only to one other part of the creation—the animals (Genesis 2:19-20). He worked the garden, but he wasn't invited to name the vegetation. Clearly, the animals had certain qualities that set them above other creation. They were to be special to man, and his naming them makes his connection with them personal.

If the New Earth is all the best of the old earth and more, then we should expect it to contain animals. If animals weren't part of the New Earth, this would seem an obvious oversight. Eden was ruined through sin and will be restored through Christ's reign of righteousness. All that was part of Eden, and then made wrong through the sin of the first Adam, we would expect to be part of the New Earth, made right through the virtue of the Second Adam.

Would God take away from us in heaven what he gave, for delight and companionship and help, to Adam and Eve in Eden? Would he revoke his earlier decision to put animals with man, and under man's care? If he remakes the New Earth with new men (who look very much like the old men, only perfect, without violence), wouldn't we expect him also to make new animals (who will presumably look like the old animals, only perfect, without violence)?


http://www.epm.org/articles/heavenqa.html

[Indiana Janz]

I'm sure my cat will enjoy finally having the place to herself.

[mayeem]

Thank you NOONEUNO for that article.. :): :clap
I found it a great comfort. God does say all creation groans....and He will wipe away all our tears once we are with Him.....

[Jacob]

I have two cats and a dog. All three "girls" are complete mushes, snugglers, etc....Anybody have a clue as to what happens to pets of believers when the Rapture hits? :confused

I try not to worry and hope that either they come with us or God watches over them... :noidea :redface
I guess we won't know until it happens. There is no verse that includes our pets in the Rapture, and no verse that tells us that they will not be included either.

There are bible teachers who are more experienced at studying God's word than I am who have come down on both sides of the issue.

I hope our pets are Raptured with us. And the Lord knows that there are many other Christians who feel the same way. Quite frankly, my dog has been a more faithful friend to me then some Christians have been.

[mayeem]

I guess we won't know until it happens. There is no verse that includes our pets in the Rapture, and no verse that tells us that they will not be included either.

There are bible teachers who are more experienced at studying God's word than I am who have come down on both sides of the issue.

I hope our pets are Raptured with us. And the Lord knows that there are many other Christians who feel the same way. Quite frankly, my dog has been a more faithful friend to me then some Christians have been.


Amen Jacob! :clap :nod :nod
Hope all my current and past pets are with me....

[Chronus]

I would equate such though to someone that is rather fond of their rose garden and wished to have such accompany them.

:lol

Sorry but, this just came across as a heartless, but down to earth, comment.

[sara_bug]

I loooooove animals!!!!!!!!

And I know the Bible talks about animals in the new Jerusalem.

TOO the bible says God wants you to have the desires of your heart!! And ask and you shall receive!!!


I have two kitties... They are my babies!!! The LORD knows how much I love them. All good things come from God.. Even my kitties. Their names are Tinky and Jupiter. I believe God made them just for me. They bring me so much joy! The desire of my heart is that if the rapture were to happen that they go to heaven with me. Not for them to starve to death in my house alone.

I believe the LORD will honor my request. After all why not. He is all powerful GOD... He can do anything!!!!!! Espically something so little as bring two sweet kitties up to heaven with me and my husband..


*just my two cents*

[Bethshaya]

This is a popular poem about this very subject.



Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[elredcrow]

I am with everyone that wants their pet to be in heaven with them; however, I also believe that once we are in heaven, our emotions, thoughts, and understanding will be so different than what we experience now. Our relationships with others will be perfect. If the pets are not there, it will not be a sad thing for we will know and understand why (if we even think about them) That said, I have a list of dogs that I would love to see in heaven. :):

[Pendragon]

I have two cats and a dog. All three "girls" are complete mushes, snugglers, etc....Anybody have a clue as to what happens to pets of believers when the Rapture hits? :confused

I try not to worry and hope that either they come with us or God watches over them... :noidea :redface

Mat 6:25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Mat 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Mat 6:27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
Mat 6:28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;
Mat 6:29 "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Mat 6:30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Mat 6:31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
Mat 6:32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Mat 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Mat 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

[Benja32one]

Animals Are Not Souls For Whom Christ Died. Period.

[crtwhlfrchrst]

Why is this such a popular question around here? Same answer as before:

-No biblical basis to believe particular animals will go to heaven.

-The implications of believing certain animals go to heaven:
- -Then do certain animals also go to hell?
- -If in a multiple owner home, which owner do they live with?
- -If animals have souls, isn't God a monster for instituting animal sacrifice?

-You think the presence of God Himself will be lacking enough that you need your poopy, stinky animal to make you happier?

Just to name a few . . . :D:

I love my kitties too, but you have to be realistic about things like this. Pets are here for companionship, food, work, and the whole "circle of life" thing (Hakuna Matata) - if they possess anything beyond the marginal existence they have, then it is unjust for us to use them in any of these ways.

[sara_bug]

-You think the presence of God Himself will be lacking enough that you need your poopy, stinky animal to make you happier?

Just to name a few . . . :D:

I love my kitties too, but you have to be realistic about things like this. Pets are here for companionship, food, work, and the whole "circle of life" thing (Hakuna Matata) - if they possess anything beyond the marginal existence they have, then it is unjust for us to use them in any of these ways.

I don't think I would truley "miss" them in heaven. But I don't want them to starve to death after I am raptured out. :(:

I think heaven is a wonderful place. And I think if it is truley the desire of my heart... my pets won't have to suffer a horrible death.. but can die... and maybe be with me in heaven. Not their soul.. but them. :):

[Benja32one]

I guess we won't know until it happens. There is no verse that includes our pets in the Rapture, and no verse that tells us that they will not be included either.

There are bible teachers who are more experienced at studying God's word than I am who have come down on both sides of the issue.

I hope our pets are Raptured with us. And the Lord knows that there are many other Christians who feel the same way. Quite frankly, my dog has been a more faithful friend to me then some Christians have been.
:faint
You say BIBLE TEACHERS think pets are going to heaven? Which ones?
:heh :rolleyes :pound

[kid4Him]

Why is this such a popular question around here? Same answer as before:

-No biblical basis to believe particular animals will go to heaven.

-The implications of believing certain animals go to heaven:
- -Then do certain animals also go to hell?
- -If in a multiple owner home, which owner do they live with?
- -If animals have souls, isn't God a monster for instituting animal sacrifice?

-You think the presence of God Himself will be lacking enough that you need your poopy, stinky animal to make you happier?

Just to name a few . . . :D:

I love my kitties too, but you have to be realistic about things like this. Pets are here for companionship, food, work, and the whole "circle of life" thing (Hakuna Matata) - if they possess anything beyond the marginal existence they have, then it is unjust for us to use them in any of these ways.


Partypooper. :tsk

[Joshua's Gen]

Anybody have a clue as to what happens to pets of believers when the Rapture hits? :confused

They stay.

[Henry_thefirst]

I just want to point this out to you----you are discussing animals being raptured. No, seriously, you're discussing animals being raptured.

For the record, it strikes me odd that you seem to be more concerned about your pets being left behind than your fellow man. Doesn't that strike anyone here as a little off base?


That is all, thanks.

[Benja32one]

I just want to point this out to you----you are discussing animals being raptured. No, seriously, you're discussing animals being raptured.

For the record, it strikes me odd that you seem to be more concerned about your pets being left behind than your fellow man. Doesn't that strike anyone here as a little off base?


That is all, thanks.
That will be enough, Henry. Let's not get negative about the animals. PETA
will get after you....and me!
:pound :faint

[His4ever]

I worry about that too. My two kitties and my turtle are my babies. The thought of them being left behind in the trib breaks my heart. But I lift them up to the Lord to take care of them. In many ways they will probably make out better than the unsaved humans.

I'm glad I'm not the only one concerned about this. My mom has a cat and the thought of her starving because no one is there anymore to feed her is excruciationg so I pray for the Lord to take care of her. Or just take her life immediately rather than a slow death that she wouldn't understand. I pray that for all pets left behind. I'm sure the Lord is aware of our concerns and surely He'll do the right thing I'm praying.

[His4ever]

:faint
You say BIBLE TEACHERS think pets are going to heaven? Which ones?
:heh :rolleyes :pound

Jack Van Impe seem to think pets will go. But there's no biblical basis for believing so. Not that God couldn't do it but there's nothing in the Bible that I know of that indicates that it'll happen.

[toni]

These kind of threads always amaze me. I am also an animal lover. I have had just about every farm animal and pet imaginable in my life. Currently I'm very happy with a couple horses, a couple dogs and a cat. I love them all dearly and thank the Lord He has allowed me to be able to have them and enjoy them. They are my friends that fill the void when my human friends don't quite cut it. But I love my human son far more than I could love them. I understand that we often substitute our pets for human children... and there are times that the animal children seem vastly preferable to the human ones!

But as to whether our animal friends go to heaven or not is up to God. My animals belong to God. I gave them to Him because I can see that I form attachments to them that ought not to be at times. They are NOT yours or MINE. Nothing in our lives truly belongs to us.... it ALL belongs to the Lord and He has allowed us to have whatever we have, alive and material, for the time we are here for His purpose. If you can look at things this way, then you will be able to trust Him for their welfare when you are absent. He DOES listen to us, but His will is what matters, not what we want. And that relates to all things in our lives.

I see posts that say "God wants us to be happy".... well, He does want us to have a joyful heart and to be glad in all things. We are certainly to give Him thanks in all things... but it does not say "all things" will be "happy" things. Often our version of "happy" isn't His version of happy. If you can/will trust God with your life and all that is in it... I just don't see the problem with trusting Him with the outcome of our animals and pets, along with the rest of the things in our lives. He knows when each and every sparrow hits the ground, He knows the number of hairs on your head (and their real color), He clothes the lilies of the field... surely you can trust God, the Creator of all, the Sovereign Lord of Hosts, with your pets??!!

[abkn]

What happens to our pets when we get raptured? I say they become wild animals again.

Did you know that when a pig gets free, that within a week it grows tusks, and becomes a boar?

They would roam our streets and become the wild animals that they are.