This answer was written by Billy Graham, who went to his Heavenly home on February 21, 2018.
Q: Will We See Animals in Heaven?
God’s creation story is the first miraculous account in the Bible which includes His creation of animals. While the Bible does not specifically answer this question, no one can miss God’s creative work in the animal kingdom. His written Word provides us with a snapshot of His original handiwork: “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle … and everything … on the earth … And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:24–25, NKJV). All this took place before sin entered the world.
I grew up on a farm, and animals have always fascinated me. We know that God gave them to us for a purpose, because in the days of Noah, before the great Flood, God preserved every species—male and female—on the ark so they would inhabit the land again. Animals are among God’s many diverse gifts to man. Who doesn’t smile while watching chimpanzees mimic one another?
We boast of “man’s best friend” because a faithful dog will protect its owner at all cost. Fish are a source of food, and we love to envision Jesus sharing broiled fish with His disciples (Luke 24:42–43). We marvel to think of Jesus riding the colt of a donkey into Jerusalem—and we wait breathlessly for His appearance on a white horse from Heaven (Revelation 19:11).
Scripture speaks of the future messianic kingdom that captivates our imagination: “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” (Isaiah 11:6). In that day, death and evil will be destroyed, perfect peace will reign, and everything that has breath, including animals, will praise Him (Psalm 150:6). What a day that will be!
Are you going to Heaven? Be sure today of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus Christ.
