Would God be in your pet?

That is a very interesting question! And the first thing we have to do is make a distinction here because it is a very important one: God created your pet but God is not in your pet. Let’s look at the Old Testament in the book of Genesis. The very first chapter talks about all the things God created, including the animals. So, we know that God creates all life, including our pets.

But, if you read a little further, in Genesis, it says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” This seems to imply that animals are not equal to humans (I know, duh!). But many Biblical scholars interpret this passage to show that animals are subservient to people and that, while they may have the “breath of life” (nephesh in Hebrew), they do not have an immortal soul like we do.

I think the Bible supports that only people have souls too. I believe the following Biblical passage clearly shows that animals do not have souls: “They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.” (2 Peter 2:12). If animals had souls, the Bible would probably mention a salvation plan for them. But, it doesn’t. Salvation is only offered to us.

Now, having said all that…I also believe there are animals in Heaven. How else could Jesus come riding down on a white horse in Revelation 19:11? In the Book of Isaiah, it is written that the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lay with the goat, the calf, the lion and the yearling will be together and a child will lead them. (Isaiah 11:6). This seems to imply that all of God’s creation will live in Heaven.

Do I believe that someday I’ll be reunited with my first dog? Probably not, although that would be a great thought! Remember, “With man this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible” (Matthew 19:25-27).