Tough Question: What Happens To Animals When They Die?

Question: What Happens To Animals When They Die?

This is not a frivolous question. We know that people get very attached to animals, particularly their household pets. The little girl with her kitten or the man and his dog illustrate the affection that passes between humans and animals.

Traditionally, many have been persuaded that there is no future life for animals. The Bible does not explicitly teach that animals go to heaven. One of the key arguments against the idea that animals do not survive the grave is the conviction that animals do not have souls. Many are convinced that the distinctive aspect that divides humans from animals is that humans have souls and animals do not. Some locate the image of God in man in the soul.

Likewise it is assumed that animals cannot think as we do. Their responses are explained by instinct rather than lower forms of cognition. However, the term instinct is a study in ambiguity. When does instinct become thought? Animals can display what we call emotion. They surely respond to external stimuli.

The Bible doesn't say that animals think. But neither does the Bible deny these things. To be sure, the Bible says he donkey knows his master's crib (Isa. 1:3). Here "knowledge" is assigned to animal. However, the passage could be interpreted metaphorically or poetically, so we remain uncertain.

One thing we are sure of: biblically, redemption is spelled out in cosmic terms. Just as the whole creation was plunged into ruin by the fall of man, so the whole creation groans together, awaiting redemption: "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rom. 8:19-21).

Images of heaven and future redemption include animals. The lamb, the lion, and the wolf are all mentioned. Again, these images may be only metaphorically illustrative. But coupled with the promise of cosmic redemption, they lend some real hope to the future redemption of man's animal companions.

In her excellent book about Heaven, Joni Eareckson Tada says, "If God brings our pets back to life, it wouldn't surprise me. It would be just like Him. It would be totally in keeping with His generous character...Exorbitant. Excessive. Extravagant in grace after grace. Of all the dazzling discoveries and ecstatic pleasures heaven will hold for us, the potential of seeing Scrappy would be pure whimsy-utterly, joyfully, surprisingly superluous...Heaven is going to be a place that will refract and reflect in as many ways as possible the goodness and joy of our great God, who delights in lavishing love on His children."

In conclusion, the question of whether pets will be in Heaven is not, as some assume frivolous or stupid. Animals aren't nearly as valuable as people, but God is their Maker and has touched many people's lives through them. It would be simple for him to re-create a pet in Heaven if he wants to. He's the giver of all good gifts, not the taker of them. If it would please us to have a pet restored to the New Earth, that may be sufficient reason. The Bible lends real hope that you will see your pet again if it means that much to you.