Animals in Heaven

Genesis 9:9 – “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you…”

God’s plan for a renewed Earth after the flood emphatically involved animals. Wouldn’t we expect his plan for a renewed Earth after the future 2^nd and final judgment to also included animals. If the rescue of mankind is the ark is a picture of redemption (I believe it is), doesn’t the rescue of the animals in the ark also anticipate their restoration as part of God redemptive purpose?

In 2 Peter 3:5-7, we see a direct parallel between God’s past judgment of the earth with water and his future judgment with fire. Mankind was judged in the flood, and on his coattails most animals also perished. Eight human beings were rescued fro the flood to inhabit the new post-flood earth, but God didn’t limit his rescue to people. He rescued representatives of every animal species to also occupy the post-flood – new earth.

This is a powerful picture of what Romans 8 states; “the creation waits in expectation…” --- mankind and animals and all creation are linked together not only in curse and judgment but also in blessing and deliverance. Together they experienced new life in the post-flood covenant and with Peter’s New Testament connection; there will be mankind, animals, and all creation in the New Earth of Eternity.

Selected humans, animals, vegetation, and geographical features (including mountains_ were preserved by God in his judgment by water. The burden of proof for the question of Animals in heaven falls not on the assumption that animals will be part of God’s New Earth, but on the assumption that they won’t be apart of the future heaven and earth. 

You know I love ya, Don