Picture the scene. A church member has lost a family friend, and seeking comfort asks a pastor: “Do dogs go to heaven?”
Since our family adopted a rescue puppy, Aster, people engage us about “dog stuff” all the time. New dog owners, like new parents, receive too much advice. We’ve joined the millions of owners who realize the deep connections between pets and families. And now, after a year with our fuzzy friend and countless naps, walks and licks, I’ve come to appreciate the “why” behind the passion.
{said by Pastor Bryan Stamper and every dog owner ever}
“Dogs are endless sources of love, never tire of your company, and always want to see you.”
Pastors care for and enjoy the pastoral responsibility to care for people in times of need. It is understandable that any person in ministry would want to simply answer the question with a quick and heartfelt, “Of course!” Grief for lost pets is an authentic pain, so I tread lightly in responding with a more complete answer.
The deeper question than dogs in heaven
There is a deeper, underlying question behind this issue of heaven and animals. “Who controls the gates of heaven?” Orthodox Christian theology confirms God is the author of salvation with a succinct phrase: God is sovereign. More specifically, God has the right and the authority to accomplish His divine purposes according to His will. Human beings do not determine entrance into heaven, it is God’s right to choose. Heaven is under God’s control, and that includes eternal matters concerning both people and all living things.
Scripture never specifically addresses issues related to human beings and pets. However, there are references to a future reality in which all living things will recognize the holiness of God while living in a new harmony. I do not interpret these prophetic words of Isaiah literally, but as a poetic picture of life in heaven. Isaiah paints a beautiful scene of the future.
The wolf shall live with the lamb,
Isaiah 11:6
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
To the question of dogs in heaven, I acknowledge the real grief of losing a pet, and the sorrow needs to be honored. If you’re reading this and you’ve lost a pet, know my sympathy is genuine; it would be an honor to listen. You and all who mourn should be comforted in the promises of God, trusting God knows of our deep loves and our deep sorrows. In the words of Jesus we find assurance for those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). God is not a callous, unfeeling, distant entity – God is with us no matter how small or how great our experiences.
So do dog go, or don’t they?
So my response to grieving pet owners, “I know God gave you a pet to love, and God knows your sorrow.” I can’t offer certainty about animals in heaven, but I can point to the nature of God who describes an eternity that is glorious. God teaches us that the sufferings of this earthly life will vanish (Revelation 21:4). The relationship between animals, humans and God will work out for God’s glory, and we will know peace when we experience this new way of being with God and each other. In the meantime, we should search for certainty about the human condition in light of God’s saving work through Christ. In an inquiry about people and eternal life, we find more clarity in Scripture about the God who seeks to save human beings.
For believers, assurance and clarity is found most readily and consistently in God’s word, the Bible. The word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, is a salvation narrative describing God’s work of redeeming His people: choosing, claiming and sustaining. In response, we as the people of God steward God’s good creation of animals and all ordered life on earth. It is therefore appropriate that we would experience deep attachments to living creatures and the environment around us. Your love and appreciation of your dog, cat or family pet is understandable.
Dog is God spelled backwards
The phrase, “Dog is God spelled backwards,” is something folks share with me in recognition that we’ve joined the world of dog packs. My family is part of the tribe. We know the lingo, and the Stamper clan gets it – dogs are great.
But to fret about dogs in heaven is perhaps better understood in light of the goodness of God who gives us these relationships with animals to enjoy and nurture. Dogs and pets are a blessing. And God knows how deeply we miss our animals, because God loves us more deeply than we could ever imagine.
If there is a better theological answer with more comprehensive scripture references, I will leave it to others. As a pastor, I want people to be comforted and assured about God’s eternal care for both His people and also His good creation we are called to care for in His name. God cares about you. So love your pets and do not worry about their eternal condition.
And if it helps, my wife will tell you without hesitation, “Yes, dogs go to heaven. You can ignore my husband’s hesitation on this one.”
Pastor Bryan Stamper also writes a daily devotional with videos, click HERE to read, watch and learn with him.
Some related articles – Can you hear the voice of God? Is there bible without error?