THE ANIMAL CHOIR a.k.a. All Pets Go to Heaven

Revelation 5:13 "And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: 'Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!'"

If we take this verse literally, it tells us that every animal that God has ever made will go to heaven to form a massive animal choir. That’s right, they are given a voice to glorify God. This may sound too far fetched for some people to wrap their head around. This passage also says, “all that are in them.” which means even the animals that were eaten will be there. How many cows, turkeys, chickens and pigs have we sent on to rehearse with this choir? 🙂 I actually think it makes perfect sense. All creatures were made to glorify God, so why shouldn’t they glorify Him in eternity?

This scripture is especially dear to me today. My favorite horse unexpectedly died this afternoon. Dandy was a faithful friend and I will have many cherished memories with him. There just aren’t that many friends who will carry you across mountains on their back. We have seen the leaves change, spring arrive and many summer sunsets together. My good friend will be missed. I am hoping that I am right about this scripture and one day I will hear Dandy with his new voice singing in heaven’s animal choir. I have a feeling, he will be a baritone. Farewell (but not Goodbye) faithful friend!

Bryan Cutshall
Jan. 12, 2012

Pt. 2

Mark Lowry, one of Bill Gaither’s “hangers on,” and author of the lyrics to, “Mary Did You Know” is a promoter of the theory that animals will exist in heaven. In support of this perspective, he cites Psalms 36:6.

“You (meaning God) preserve men and animals, alike.”

Having lost my first little pooch, “Princess,” a full sixty years hence, and having been blessed to know and love three additional canines, “Buddy,” and “Lucy,” and my current, “Queenie,” I happen to subscribe to what I believe is the literal meaning of this scripture.

Last year I self-published a duel volume related to the second and third of my four precious pooches titled, “A Man’s Tribute to His Devoted Dogs.”

The following quotation from my book provides some flavor for the relevance and poignancy of my words to anyone who loves animals, and maintains an expectation that they will see them again one day.

“But perhaps Our Savior will smile, and beckon with His hand, as if to say, ‘Well, Bill there they are. What are you waiting for? There’s fields and flowers and trees aplenty. Go for it. Romp and run and carry on. Love those wonderful little puppies of yours for all you’re worth.’

And with this, I’ll turn, and my two most favorite creatures will be looking up at me, expectantly, eyes shining, ears twitching and tails wagging. With this, my heart will skip a few beats, and I’ll scoop them up into my arms, one in each, and they’ll rest contentedly against my shoulders.

And best of all… we’ll remember one another, and the love we knew will be undimmed, and stronger for the years we were apart.”

by William McDonald, PhD. "Animal Stories." Copyright pending