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Don’t feel the pressure to have all the answers, it’s okay to say “I don’t know, let me get back to you on that.” Also, be sure to empathize with their question. A great way to lead into a convo like this could be by saying something like… “That’s such a good question, I’ve wrestled with that one as well.”
Don’t answer their questions immediately. Sounds backwards right? It’s a little bit of hyperbole, but the point is, ask them what they think about it before you give an answer. Force them to wrestle with it themselves before spoon feeding them an answer. This will help them flex spiritual muscles and help them learn to think critically for themselves.
Do Pets Go to Heaven?
Of all the questions we are seeking to help with on this page, this might be the only one that we don’t feel confident about giving a definitive answer on. We have a confident hypothesis, but no CLEAR Biblical precedent for this question. We would urge you to address this question (Especially with younger kids) with that same thought in mind. Don’t tell them what they want to hear, but also be careful not to draw a line that the Bible doesn’t draw either. So, here is our statement, or hypothesis, on this question. Plus two thoughts to back it up…
Solid Hypothesis
Do our pets go to heaven? Most likely not. The Bible does not directly address this topic. Billy Graham was once quoted saying “God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.” Billy seemed to say this in jest, but also with no Biblical backing. Could he be right?? Sure! But all we need for our “perfect happiness” is Jesus!
Animals will be in Heaven!
Isaiah 11:6. Isaiah 65:25. Revelation 5:13. Those are a few examples of references to animals being in heaven! The Bible seems clear that the creatures that were there in creation will also be in heaven. Heaven will be a place that looks more like the Garden of Eden did, where people walk with God and live in His perfect creation. Which means, animals will be there!!
Scruffy probably won’t be in Heaven.
Yes, animals will be in heaven, but probably not your specific pet. Entrance into the presence of God is dependent on our belief and faith in the salvific work of Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10. Ephesians 2:8-9. Acts 2:38. John 3:16.) Are animals capable of belief in Jesus? Faith in his resurrection? Baptism? Repentance? No. Therefore, its hard for anyone to confidently say that Spots will be in heaven.
Pro Tips:
1) This will be a sad reality for kids, but don’t miss the opportunity to help them understand how special they are to Jesus. That out of everything God created, humans are the only thing made in his image. The finality of our pets lifespan should remind us of the sacrifice of Jesus. Without it, our eternal fate is no different than our pets.
2) Communicate this truth with your kids sensitively, but don’t use words like “went to sleep” or “in a better place”. Those Euphemisms seek to soften the blow, but also can be confusing and create mistrust when helping kids understand death.