Q. I am an animal lover. Will there be animals in heaven? — M.D., Coconut Creek
A. The Bible gives us a few references concerning animals in heaven. We see in Revelation 19:14 that Christ returns on a white horse and that we will ride horses back to the Earth with him.
There’s also a reference in Revelation 4:7 to four living creatures that are in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, who can speak. This suggests that whatever animals may be in heaven could have the ability to communicate with us, unlike here on Earth.
Animals are also mentioned in the time known as the Millennium. During that time, Jesus physically reigns on Earth for a thousand years and animals live in harmony with one another, eating vegetation rather than being carnivorous. Isaiah 11:6-9 gives us a snapshot of what it will be like:
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.”
While the Bible may be vague on whether animals will be in heaven, Scripture gives us plenty of assurance that heaven will not be less enjoyable than Earth. If God has given us animals for our enjoyment during our short time on Earth, it would do him grave injustice to think that he would not have something even better for us to enjoy for eternity.
But I am convinced that our greatest joy of all in heaven will come from the one thing we didn’t have on Earth: uninterrupted fellowship with God.
The Rev. Bob Coy is senior pastor of Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale.
Write to Pastor Bob Coy, the Rev. Tita Calzada or Liz Sterling in care of Religion Editor, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, or e-mail to . Include name or initials, plus city and daytime phone number.
