Cherished Creatures of the Wild
In the world that awaits us, nature will be restored to its pristine glory, teeming with living creatures of all kinds. This vision is not just a dream, but a promise hinted at in biblical prophecy.
The death of animals in sacrifice, a practice common in the Old Testament, was symbolic of a liberation for all creatures. It foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, considered the supreme, perfect, and definitive sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.
John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as the "lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," and the apostle Paul echoed this sentiment, stating that the gospel is the power of God for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
The Scriptures speak of "times of restoration of all things" (Acts 3:21) and state that creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:21). This implies that animals, as an essential part of nature, will be present in the renewed creation.
Isaiah, the prophet, foretold a time when predators will live peacefully with their prey (Isaiah 11:6-9), a notion that reflects a future ideal state of renewal and peace as envisioned in biblical prophecy and symbolic imagery.
The life of the flesh is in the blood, and God conceded these sacrifice rituals to bring about expiation for human souls. However, Jesus Christ, who was innocent, offered himself voluntarily as a sacrifice for the sin of all humankind. The animals died on behalf of their owners, who should have died instead.
It's important to note that the Bible presents a defense and respect for all of creation, including animals, in both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible does not indicate that pets will inherit eternal life, but it does state that animals will be part of the renewed creation.
Pets, despite their ability to bring joy and comfort, are incapable of loving the Lord in the way required for salvation. To be saved, one must love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 23:37).
When Christ returns, natural evil will be eradicated, and the peace and harmony that once existed in the Garden of Eden will be restored. Times described in the Bible where animals like dogs and kittens live freely without fear of decay or destruction symbolize a restored creation or paradise, where peace and harmony prevail between all creatures and God's original intention for the Earth is fulfilled.
Sacrifices were required by the Law of Moses, involving various animals like sheep, bulls, goats, doves, and pigeons. These sacrifices, while necessary at the time, were a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who took away the sin of the world.
In conclusion, the Bible paints a picture of a future where all creatures, including animals, live in harmony and peace, free from the bondage of decay and sin. It is a world where God's original intention for creation is fulfilled, and all of His creatures, including humans, can live in the presence of their Creator without fear or sin.
