It's a commonly asked question "Will there be dogs in heaven?" The real question behind the question is "Will my dog go to heaven?"
The first question that you need to ask is "Will I be going to heaven?" The Bible makes it clear that only those who put their faith in Jesus will be saved, so if you've never decided to follow the way of Jesus then you are not saved.
The Bible makes it clear, in the book of Revelation, right at the end of all things God will make a new heaven and a new earth which will be inhabited by those who are faithful followers of Jesus. Those who are not followers of Jesus will be condemned with the Devil and his angels to the lake of fire.
So in this new order of things, life will be different. We don't understand how different, but here are some things I thought about
- No sickness, death or mourning
- No sin or violence of any kind
- No lack- there will be no poverty and everyone will have plenty
- I'm guessing there will be huge growth in knowledge and technology- but maybe technology such as transport and computers will no longer be necessary, although there may be some computer games.
- No money. Money implies a scarcity of resources, but in the new earth there will be plenty for all.
- The environment will be in perfect balance
- If the land needs a drought to be replenished, the farmers will not suffer. As we will be in perfect communion with God, they will know not to sow a crop. A long holiday instead!
- There will be no greed and we will all be satisfied with just one piece of cake!
- Lots of peaches and plums, strawberries and blueberries!
- No oppressive government, or inept politicians will be in charge
- Lots of animals, even pets. I don't know if Rex will be there, but there will be lots of good tempered friendly dogs, and other creatures.
- Work will be joy not necessity. Potters will make pots and car-makers will make cars for the sheer pleasure. We will be in roles assigned for us by the God who created us perfectly for that role. If you need a bucket then Bucket Bob will make you an exquisite one for free. Farmer Fred will grow the best wheat ever known to man, and will love it.
- Best of all, everyone will live in harmony with one another and with God. God will live among men and we will walk in uninterrupted fellowship with Him all day every day.
These are the kind of things I think about when I think of the new heaven and earth, the eternal destiny of people who love Jesus.
Notice there was no mention of harps!
I always struggled with trying to explain this sort of thing to my kids when their pets died. You've made wonderful points here which I'll pass on to my daughter for her children.
ReplyDeleteI have had sadness and tears recently from my youngest with the big question of death/what then/bodies/animals...difficult.I might read this with him.
ReplyDeleteI think part of the problem is that most of us don't really get our theology of the end things sorted out properly, so then we find it hard to explain to our kids.The best book I've read on the subject is "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. He also has a children's version called "Heaven For Kids."Notice that in my post, I'm not dogmatic on too many points. There is much that remains veiled and we must not go further than the Bible does.
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