Cherished Creatures of the Wild
In the realm of biblical teachings, animals hold a significant place as an essential part of nature. The wonderful world that awaits us promises the liberation of all creatures from decay and malignancy.
This idea, however, raises questions among some Christians. Could pets, the faithful companions that share our homes, also be redeemed and spend eternity with their owners? The connection felt by many Christians towards their pets, particularly dogs and cats, has led to discussions about the possibility of pets transcending death and joining their owners in the new creation.
The Bible, though, does not suggest that pets will inherit eternal life. Salvation, according to the apostle Paul, is a privilege granted to those who believe in their heart and confess their faith in Jesus Christ with their mouth. To be saved, one must also love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind, which pets, being incapable of human emotions, cannot do.
The concept of animals in the Bible is not limited to the afterlife. In the Old Testament, animals were offered as sacrifices as a symbolic means of atoning for the sins of the people. This practice, initiated by Yahweh and continued through the Mosaic Law, served as a temporary means of purification and reconciliation with God. The ancient Hebrews understood that "the life of the flesh is in the blood," and God conceded these sacrifice rituals to bring about expiation for their souls.
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross marked the end of this period of animal sacrifices. He, who was entirely innocent, offered himself up voluntarily as 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."
Some interpret the bloody sacrifices required by the Law of Moses as evidence of God's perversity, vindictiveness, and injustice. However, the Bible presents a clear defense and respect for all of creation, particularly animals. It speaks of "times of restoration of all things" (Acts 3:21), implying that the whole natural world, including all living things, will be restored to their condition before the fall.
In the renewed creation, the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard with the goat, and so on, indicating that animals will be present. Natural evil will be eradicated when Christ returns, as prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 11:6-9).
The death of animals in the past, though often associated with human wrongdoing, was not a punishment for the animals themselves. Innocent animals were sacrificed to effect propitiation for the wrongdoing of guilty humans because it was innocent blood. The animals died in place of their owners, who were the ones who deserved to die.
In conclusion, while the question of pets' eternal destiny remains a topic of discussion among Christians, the Bible provides a clear picture of the role of animals in the past and the future. Whether in the context of sacrifices or the renewed creation, animals hold a significant place in biblical teachings.
