While the Bible doesn’t directly say if dogs go to heaven, it offers hope that God’s love extends to all of His creation. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about animals and whether they have a place in the eternal kingdom.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dog
What Does The Bible Say About Dogs Going To Heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:21
“Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”
This verse highlights the uncertainty regarding the eternal destiny of animals. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state whether dogs or any other animals go to heaven, it acknowledges that the fate of an animal’s spirit remains unknown to humans.
It is important to note that throughout the Bible, the focus is primarily on the salvation and eternal life of human beings. However, some theologians believe that the love and compassion God has for all of His creation may extend to the animal kingdom in ways that we may not fully comprehend.
Isaiah 11:6
“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.”
This verse illustrates a future vision of harmony and peace in the realm of God’s creation. While it does not specifically mention dogs, it suggests that there will be a reconciliation among all creatures. It hints at the possibility that animals, including dogs, may coexist peacefully in the eternal kingdom.
Though it is essential to base our understanding and beliefs on what the Bible explicitly teaches, passages like Isaiah 11:6 provide hope and an indication that God’s redemptive plan is not limited to humanity alone.
Psalm 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”
Here, the psalmist acknowledges God’s preservation of both humans and animals. This verse emphasizes God’s care for all living creatures, including dogs. It conveys the idea that God’s justice extends beyond the human realm, suggesting the possibility of His continued care for animals in eternity.
While this verse doesn’t directly address the concept of dogs going to heaven, it contributes to the understanding of God’s overarching love and concern for His creation.
Genesis 1:25
“God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
In the account of creation, God expressed His satisfaction with all living creatures, including animals. Dogs are part of God’s creation and were deemed good by Him. While this verse doesn’t provide a definitive answer about dogs going to heaven, it affirms their significance in God’s original design.
It is crucial to remember that although our pets may hold a special place in our hearts, God’s ultimate plan of redemption centers around humans, as shown in Scripture.
Romans 8:19-21
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
This passage speaks of the anticipation in creation for God’s restoration and the liberation from the effects of sin. While it primarily focuses on humanity’s redemption, the mention of creation includes the animal kingdom. Although it does not explicitly mention dogs or the concept of animals going to heaven, it implies a broader hope for all of creation to be reconciled with God.
While we cannot definitively state whether dogs will be in heaven, this passage reminds us that God’s redemption extends beyond humanity, offering hope for the possibility of animals participating in the ultimate restoration of all things.
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
In this verse, Jesus illustrates God’s care for the natural world, specifically mentioning birds. Although dogs are not explicitly mentioned, this verse emphasizes God’s provision and nurturing of His entire creation, including animals.
While this passage doesn’t specifically address whether dogs will be in heaven, it allows us to comprehend God’s heart for all living beings and serves as a reminder of His love and care for the animals He created.
Psalm 104:31-33
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works— he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
This psalm celebrates the majesty and sovereignty of God as the creator and sustainer of all things. While it doesn’t explicitly mention dogs or their eternal fate, it highlights the rejoicing and praise that should come from recognizing God’s works.
Although we may have a deep love and connection with our pets, this verse reminds us to focus on praising and honoring the Creator rather than speculating about the destiny of specific creatures.
Ecclesiastes 7:29
“This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”
This verse reflects on the fallen nature of humankind, recognizing that humanity has deviated from God’s original design and purpose. While it doesn’t directly address the question of animals in heaven, it emphasizes the need for redemption and restoration.
We must remember that animals, including dogs, are not plagued by the same moral culpability and fallen nature as humans. Therefore, discussions about their eternal destiny should be approached with humility, focusing on God’s ultimate plan for all of His creation.
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of compassion and care for animals. While it doesn’t specifically address the question of dogs going to heaven, it highlights the need for humans to exhibit love and kindness towards God’s creatures.
This verse encourages responsible stewardship and demonstrates the significance of treating animals with compassion, providing a framework for our loving relationship with dogs and other pets.
1 Corinthians 15:39
“All flesh is not the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another.”
In this passage, Paul distinguishes between humans and animals, recognizing that they possess different kinds of flesh. While this verse doesn’t directly address the topic of dogs in heaven, it confirms the uniqueness of each form of life in God’s creation.
While we can appreciate the beauty and companionship of dogs, it is important to remember that our eternal destiny and relationships with God and other humans hold primary significance in Scripture.
Genesis 9:10
“And with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth.”
In the aftermath of the flood, God made a covenant not only with Noah and his descendants but with every living creature on earth. While this verse doesn’t directly answer the question of dogs in heaven, it demonstrates God’s concern for the welfare and preservation of His creation.
While we may not have all the answers regarding the eternal destiny of dogs, we can find assurance in God’s covenantal care and His faithfulness to all living beings.
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Job’s words highlight the wisdom and lessons we can glean from observing the natural world. Although it doesn’t directly address the topic of dogs in heaven, it emphasizes the hand of the Lord in the existence and sustenance of all creatures.
This passage encourages us to appreciate the interconnectedness of all creation and inspires us to recognize and honor God’s handiwork, including our beloved dogs.
Psalm 50:10-11
“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”
These verses emphasize that all animals, including dogs, belong to God. While it doesn’t directly address the question of animals in heaven, it underscores God’s ownership and sovereignty over His creation.
While we cherish our pets, we should remember that they ultimately belong to God. Our responsibility is to care for them with love and respect, acknowledging God’s ownership and provision in their lives.
Revelation 5:13
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!”
In this vision, John hears every creature in all creation praising God and the Lamb. Although this verse doesn’t explicitly mention dogs or their presence in heaven, it suggests that every created being will participate in the worship of God.
While we should be cautious about making dogmatic assertions regarding the eternal fate of animals, this verse offers a glimpse into the worship and exaltation of God that transcends human understanding.
Psalm 36:7
“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
This psalm reflects on God’s immeasurable and dependable love. Although it doesn’t directly address dogs or their destiny, it reminds us that God’s love and protection extend to all who seek refuge in Him.
We can take comfort in knowing that God’s love encompasses not only humans but also the animals that bring us companionship and joy.
Revelation 21:1-4
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
In this remarkable vision of the new heaven and earth, John sees God dwelling with humanity, bringing an end to death, mourning, and pain. While this passage doesn’t explicitly mention animals or dogs in heaven, it portrays a future reality where the sorrows and limitations of this present world are no more.
While the focus of this vision is primarily on humanity, it provides hope and anticipation for a renewed creation where the fate of animals, including dogs, may be included in God’s redemptive plan.
Genesis 2:19-20
“Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.”
These verses describe the creation of animals and God’s invitation for Adam to name them. While it doesn’t explicitly mention dogs or their eternal fate, it showcases the significance of animals in God’s design and their relationship to humanity.
Although we may not fully comprehend the intricacies of God’s plan, these verses highlight the importance of animals in our lives and suggest that they hold a special place in God’s creation.
Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
This psalm praises God’s goodness and His compassion for all that He has created. Though it doesn’t specifically mention dogs, it affirms God’s compassionate nature towards every living creature.
While we cannot definitively say whether dogs will be in heaven, we can trust in the goodness and compassion of God, knowing that He cares deeply for all of His creation.
Romans 8:22-23
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.”
These verses acknowledge the brokenness and suffering that exists within creation and the longing for redemption. While it primarily focuses on humanity’s anticipation of restoration, it indirectly suggests the possibility of God’s redemptive plan extending to the entire creation, including animals.
While we may not have a definitive answer about dogs in heaven, this passage invites us to join in the hopeful expectation of the ultimate restoration of all things.
Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.
Isaiah prophesies about a future where predators and prey will coexist in harmony. Although it doesn’t specifically mention dogs, it alludes to the possibility of all animals, including dogs, living in peace and unity in God’s eternal kingdom.
This verse inspires hope for a future where conflict and suffering are eradicated, and all creatures can experience the shalom and perfect peace that God intends.
Matthew 10:29
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”
In this passage, Jesus reassures His disciples of God’s attentive care, even for the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. Although it doesn’t address dogs directly, it underscores the depth of God’s love and concern for His entire creation.
While we may wonder about the eternal fate of our pets, we can take solace in knowing that God’s love extends to even the most delicate and vulnerable creatures.
Psalm 147:9
“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.”
This verse acknowledges God’s provision for various creatures, including cattle and ravens. Although it doesn’t explicitly mention dogs, it emphasizes God’s care and sustenance for His creation.
While we cannot say for certain whether dogs will be in heaven, we can be assured of God’s faithfulness and provision for all living beings.
Genesis 6:19-21
“You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.”
In the account of Noah’s ark, God instructed him to bring animals of every kind to be preserved. Although this verse does not directly address dogs going to heaven, it indicates God’s concern for the survival and welfare of all animals.
This passage reminds us of God’s intention to preserve and care for His creation, affirming the value and significance of all creatures in His sight.