Will Our Pets Be in Heaven? Exploring the Restored Creation

Yes, you can look forward with joy to a future where the animal creation is restored to a state of perfect harmony and friendship 🕯️PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.15. When the Lord creates a new heaven and a new earth, the nature of the animal kingdom will be changed and subdued unto Jesus, who is the King over all the earth Isaiah 11:6-9GC 359.1.

The Restored Creation

• A Peaceful Kingdom: In the new earth, universal peace will prevail, and the groanings of the current creation will ceaseGC 359.1. The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid Isaiah 11:6.

• A Little Child Shall Lead Them: The animals will be so gentle and friendly that even a little child can safely lead them Isaiah 11:6PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.15.

• The End of Suffering: Just as the earth was filled with every order of living creature and pronounced "very good" at the beginning, the restored world will be free from the shadow of sin and death Genesis 1:24-31HSFD 12.2+1.

• A Return to Eden: The dominion once given to Adam over the creation, which was forfeited through sin, shall be given to Jesus, and the animal kingdom will once again be in harmonious subjection Psalms 8:1-9GC 359.1.

Our Current Responsibility

While we wait for this glorious day, we are called to treat God's creatures with the same tenderness and pity that He shows toward us11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, par. 23. Animals were created to be a benefit and a blessing to man, and any cruelty shown toward these helpless ones is a manifestation of a spirit akin to that of Satan11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, par. 23+1. Those who truly have the grace of God in their hearts will not treat even their cattle disrespectfully, for they recognize them as God’s creatures21MR 331.1.

Treasuring Human Souls

While we care for our domestic pets and enjoy the confidence and affection in their eyes, we must always remember that our first and highest attention belongs to the souls for whom Christ diedMMM 406.1+1. We are encouraged to exercise our talents and affection upon human beings who have a heaven to win, molding their characters after the divine similitude10LtMs, Ms 38, 1895, par. 49. By living a pure and holy life, we prepare ourselves for the kingdom of heaven where every creature will join in a song of blessing, honor, and glory to the Lamb Revelation 5:13Te 143.2. 🌈