Part Eight: Is Resurrection the Best Option for the Animals that will Dwell in Heaven (the “New Earth”)? What are the Other Options?
This brings us to the very heart of this study: Will our pets resurrect and reunite with God’s people in the future new “heaven and Earth” (Isa. 65:17; Rev. 21:1). Likewise, will the wild animals roaming Earth today resurrect and live without fear of humans in the “Peaceable Kingdom” (i.e., Isa. 11:6-9)? I believe the answer to both questions is yes.
However, there are other possibilities for the origin of the animals that will inhabit the New Earth (Heaven). So before we conclude the resurrection of earthly animals is the best explanation, let’s eliminate the other possibilities. (The following only summarizes the fuller information I provide in my book, Will Dogs Chase Cats in Heaven? People, Pets, and Wild Animals in the Afterlife.) (Cont. below photo)
God Could Recreated Animals for Heaven
The first option is that the animals that will inhabit the New Earth could be the same kinds of animals presently dwelling on this Earth but recreated anew for Heaven. However, it can be argued that this view seems to compromise God’s righteous judgment. Rather than recreating the same kinds of animals now living on Earth to dwell on the New Earth, It seems more reasonable that God will resurrect existing animals. Nowhere does the Bible suggest that God will re-create the same kinds of animals now living on this Earth to populate the restored New Earth.
God Could Create Different Kinds of Animals to Inhabit Heaven
A second possibility is that God could create entirely different kinds of animals specifically designed for Heaven. The problem with this theory is there is no biblical precedent to make such a claim. The animals Scripture mentions dwelling on the New Earth are the same kinds of animals presently inhabiting this Earth (e.g., Isa. 11:6-9; cf. Hosea 2: 18).
Animals Inhabiting Heaven Will Be Resurrected Earthly Animals
I believe the third option is the best: The animals that will reside on the New Earth are those that died under the curse and redeemed alongside saved humanity (Rom. 8: 19-23) will be resurrected at the end of this age.
Look at it like this. Why would God give animals immortal souls (see Parts Five and Six) if they will not be given imperishable physical bodies? I believe He gave animals immortal souls precisely because they will be resurrected. If God’s people are resurrected in the age to come, it reasonably follows that soul-bearing animals who will share the redemption of God’s people—as the verse above states—will likewise enjoy resurrected bodies.
There is one other compelling reason why many theologians believe animals will be resurrected and join God’s people in Heaven: Divine Justice. This argument points out that animals are not fallen but cursed (Gen. chap. 3), and many suffer horrible abuse at the hands of sinful humans. God’s perfect justice will bless them with redeemed and resurrected bodies in Heaven.
Divine Justice will be the topic of next week’s blog post.