RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-11-18	What Is A Biblical View Of Pets
		The Bible does not directly address pets, whether they have “souls”, or if they go to heaven. Scripture does give us some instruction that may help us bring some clarity to the subject. The Bible says that both man (Ge.2:7) and animals (Ge.1:30; 6:17; 7:15, 22) have the “breath of life.” So both man and animals are living beings. Man is different from animals in that he is made in the image and likeness of God (Ge.1:26-27). That is not true for the animals. Being in the image of God means that we are like God, capable of spirituality in mind, emotion, and will. So man has a part of their being that continues after death. From God's view human life is sacred. If animals do have a “soul” or immaterial aspect, it will be different than man's. Some see this difference to mean animals do not exist after death. When God created the animals He announced that they were good (Ge.1:25). Also during the Millennial kingdom on the new earth (Re.21:1) there will be animals (Is.11:6; 65:25). So this could indicate animals, and possibly even pets we had while here on earth, may be in heaven. We know that God is just, and we trust His decisions. Whatever God chooses concerning animals in Heaven, we will have complete agreement with His decision. God cares for animals and so should we. God provides food for them (Ps.104:21; 147:9). It is implied that God feeds them. Luk 12:6  "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Since we are created in God's image, we have inherited that part of God's nature that cares for animals. At Creation God commanded man to rule over the animals of the earth (Ge.1:28). When we have pets we are modeling the Creator and exercising dominion over a portion of Creation. Pets have instructive value for mankind. We may bring a pet into the home to teach children responsibility and other positive character qualities. Pets are sometimes taken to hospitals and nursing homes to interact with people in need. Any animal that helps us show love more freely is a good thing. Those who have pets should love them and care for their needs. Loving an animal is good, but we must love people more than animals. This point is a Judeo-Christian value in contrast to secular values. If there is no God, humans are only material beings of atoms and carbon. God said we were created in His image. So human life is sacred, and of infinite value. Because the secularist denies man as created in God's image, they equate in value man with animals. Solomon wrote, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal” (Pr.12:10). So righteousness is linked with the humane treatment of animals. Jesus asked if an animal fell in a ditch on a sabbath day, would they not help the animal out (Mt.12:11-12)? Yes, they would and should. Then Jesus said, “Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep?” (Mt.12:12) Jesus used this analogy to highlight the necessity of helping people too. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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