I was facilitating a Bible Study with a group of 3rd and 4th graders when I was asked one of those questions that may keep some people from teaching. It wasn’t apologetics, or homiletics, or the difference between free will and predestination.
Two sisters were in the class who looked at each other when we talked about how to prepare for bad news—usually the loss of a friend or someone close to you. After I had presented the notion of grieving with hope, these two girls looked at each other again, as if to say, “are you going to ask him, or me?”
“Mr. Spencer, do dogs go to heaven?”
I took a moment, not really startled but gathering my thoughts. “Why do you ask,” I said.
“Our family lost our dog this week,” one of the sisters replied, and the two girls were seriously moved—almost to tears, but not quite—by just discussing the subject.
This wasn’t one of those Southwest Airlines “Do You Wanna Get Away” moments. We were there to stick to the truth of scripture, so I laid out my answer that way.
Here’s what I said.
“You know, there are some questions about God and our faith that we all will have, even though we’re believers. It’s OK not to know the answers sometimes. The Bible clearly says that what we see now is like looking through a dark glass. We can’t really make out anything from the other side. Someday we will, but not now. But, there is something on the other side of that dark glass, wouldn’t you agree with me on that?”
The girls nodded.
“The scripture also tells us that God created the heavens and the earth. Nothing was created without God knowing about it and Jesus, the word incarnate was with God at that great beginning. He created all of the animals, dogs included, and just like the birds of the field, God took care of them and all of His creation.”
“When He created man and woman, He created them in His image, not the image of a dog or a cat or another animal. Man and woman are special, and God entrusted them with responsibilities, including taking care of His creation. Mankind, whether through obedience or sin, is able to discern moral and spiritual matters. Dogs may not. John 3:16 is about mankind, not other creatures of the earth.”
“God cares about your dog, because He created him. God cares that much more about you, and scripture tells us this. If you are a believer, you have a place created just for you on the other side of that dark glass. God tells us these things are true.”
Then I paused for a second. “Since no one can know for certain, I can only imagine what heaven’s like. But, I’m told that heaven is going to be so much better than anything we can even think of in our minds. For you, know this. God’s plan for heaven is for mankind. Will there be animals in heaven? I believe so, yes. Romans chapter 8 tells us that all creation will be restored to the way God planned it all along. I can imagine petting or walking my dog in heaven, but that would be my conception. What awaits us is even better than that.”
“So, be patient, as the scriptures encourage us to do. God will let us see face to face soon enough. He loves you, and your sadness tonight will someday be turned in to joy. There is something on the other side of that dark glass. Do dogs go to heaven? Well, if you believe in Jesus Christ, and accept Him as your Savior, you go to heaven. And, as much as we know, when you get there, you could see your dog.”
Christmas time can be rough, especially on those who have lost loved ones, friends, pets, or perhaps it just seems that what’s right has been worsted. God loves you through all of that dark glass. Find Him and hold on to Him this Christmas. Colossians calls Christ the “Hope of Glory.” Romans says, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Hope then, my brothers and sisters in Christ, for that which you cannot see, and be patient. I know for certain that there is something on the other side of that dark glass. God is there, and we will soon see Him as He is. May His peace comfort you this Christmas season.