What if I am raptured and my three dogs remain?

[Truth_love]

I once had a dog (Prince) we all loved very much in the family. He's dead now. But I asked a personal favor every time I have thoughts about him - that God will grant me an opportunity to be reunited with Prince in eternity, and I believe He has granted my request. I think you can do the same. The Bible doesn't expressly say that there won't be animals in eternity. I believe there would be, and if that is so, I want no other animal friends but my good friend - Prince. There were animals in the garden of Eden!

"... Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it (James 4.2b)" I suggest you ask God, your Father, like our children will ask us for things. If it is not doable, the Father will tell you so. But at least, you asked.

 

[DragonFox91]

Just b/c something doesn’t have a soul, that doesn’t mean it can’t exist in heaven. I have no idea where that lie comes from, but it is a lie & I hear it a lot. Jesus came for our souls b/c they are full of sin & wrong & would reject the Father without him. Things that don't have souls wouldn't have that problem.

But, I think it’s wrong to assume pets will be in heaven as well. We ultimately don’t know, can’t make that judgement in the present time, nor should we fret about it or feel like they have to be there or we won't like it. (when you were a child you liked things you don't like anymore, you grew out of it, doesn't mean it was wrong you liked what you did, only you don't anymore, it's the exact same concept)

Assuming rapture theology is correct: I do think it’s wrong to believe they’ll get raptured. I think they wouldn’t. Doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be present down the line.
Also: do you remember Jesus saying ‘don’t worry about the sparrows.’ They are wild animals. If God can care for wild animals, surely he could find a way for your pets to be cared for if he calls you home. (This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t willingly mistreat or neglect animals, just some things really are out of our control & must be left to God’s sovereign hand) Nothing to fret about!

 

[Truth_love]

I like the idea of leaving a note and Bible behind, but who would find it? By the time some stranger made it to my house, my dogs would have died. I have no family members in town and just a few close friends who are Christians.

I do want to believe the Lord will take care of them. As the Bible isn't clear on this issue, I will trust the Lord.

I like the last line: "I will trust the Lord".

 

[splish- splash]

Our pets will not be coming along unfortunately but it will be done in such a way that, we will not even be stressed or worried about it on the day.

 

[Truth_love]

Our pets will not be coming along unfortunately but it will be done in such a way that, we will not even be stressed or worried about it on the day.

Can we be certain that our pets won't be joining us? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not aware of any mention in the Bible regarding this. Pets are not evil. They are from God. Why shouldn't we keep them in eternity? I think it's worth discussing this with God the Father (our good Father). In my opinion, He is open to listening to our concerns on a case-by-case basis.

 

[Lybrah]

I know this probably sounds silly, especially because I have friends and family members who are not saved. I believe they will be left behind. But I have considerable anxiety thinking about my husband and I being raptured and our three dogs starving to death. They are in crates when we are at work. It's not something I can really arrange with a non-Christian friend, because it would essentially be saying, "When I'm raptured to Heaven, you'll still be here, so can you take care of my dogs?" I can't see that going over well.

I don't think the Bible is clear on this issue, but based on what I've studied, I think it's unlikely dogs (or cats) will go to heaven. They don't have souls. So how can I stop worrying about this? Can any other Christian pet owners give me some advice?

God will provide for your dogs. But they might just come with! If not, I’m sure God will send a person to look after them. I refuse to believe animals don’t go to heaven. I can’t wait to see my dead cat again! I also want to see dinosaurs.

 

[Lybrah]

Our pets will not be coming along unfortunately but it will be done in such a way that, we will not even be stressed or worried about it on the day.

I’m not trying to hear that. My cat is waiting for me at the gate.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I’m not trying to hear that. My cat is waiting for me at the gate.

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. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
—Isaiah 11:6–9

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, for ever and ever!’”
—Revelation 5:13

“… and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
—Luke 3:6

“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
—Romans 8:19–21