Animals, Heaven and Chocolate

[Marie_Gregg]

Hey, All -

I would like to hear what your churches teach about Heaven. I have gone through a study by Randy Alcorn twice on the topic and, while I don’t agree with everything he has to say, it was definitely eye-opening. There is so much more that we can know about our real home than I was ever taught growing up.

Take, for example, the issue of animals being in Heaven. I have always believed that they’ll be there, especially when looking at passages like Isaiah 11. Obviously the chapter can be looked at in many different ways; the prophet is describing the peace of the Messiah’s reign. I just don’t see any reason to think that the animals talked about here are only representative. What seals the deal for me is Romans 8:18-25 (NKJV) -

“18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”

If creation itself is going to be delivered from corruption and those of us who know and follow Christ will get to live on a gloriously renewed earth, why would that earth not include animals? They were in Eden, right?

We can obviously go down lots of avenues with this. I really want to hear what you all believe. This is meant to be a positive thread. Heaven is going to be fabulous, amazing, inspiring, and we’ll get to SEE God! It’s important to remember that in the midst of this hard world.

P.S. - I also believe that chocolate will be a main dish at the banqueting table.

 

[sallybutler]

P.S. - I also believe that chocolate will be a main dish at the banqueting table.

And it won’t cause migraines.

One of my daughters swears that God created Pesto. That may be off topic, but who are we to say what food will not be at the banquet table. And I think God will welcome our pets into heaven. If we loved them, how could He not?

 

[Doxiemom]

How can creation be un-created?

I do think that heaven is a gated City but outside the gates lie Paradise. Animals have no place in the heavenly City, but are in the paradise outside the gates.Just as Eden was paradise with all the animals God created.

Chocolate, yes, but also, anchovie pizza, mozzarell, hold the sauce, heavy on the garlic.

 

[sallybutler]

How can creation be un-created?

I do think that heaven is a gated City but outside the gates lie Paradise. Animals have no place in the heavenly City, but are in the paradise outside the gates.Just as Eden was paradise with all the animals God created.

Chocolate, yes, but also, anchovie pizza, mozzarell, hold the sauce, heavy on the garlic.

Garlic is like chocolate. If you have no other reason for believing in God, the fact that these two things exist should convince you :clapping::extrahappy:

 

[svid2]

God will allow some to have anchovies, but will not recquire any to partake. Chocolate beer will be available.

 

[po18guy]

Standing in the presence of our Creator, Who is love itself, I do not think that anything else will even matter. Nothing is greater than, or to be preferred to our Lord. “Him alone shall you serve” Jesus told the devil. Having, or desiring anything that we like here on earth to be there along with us is not serving the Lord. Now, He is not limited in what He can possess in His presence, but isn’t God enough? Isn’t the infinite to be preferred over the finite?

 

[LindaCamp]

how about a big mac and fries?

 

[sallybutler]

Standing in the presence of our Creator, Who is love itself, I do not think that anything else will even matter. Nothing is greater than, or to be preferred to our Lord. “Him alone shall you serve” Jesus told the devil. Having, or desiring anything that we like here on earth to be there along with us is not serving the Lord. Now, He is not limited in what He can possess in His presence, but isn’t God enough? Isn’t the infinite to be preferred over the finite?

This is true. However, since God gave use chocolate and pesto, I am not positive that He will take then away from us. They are His creations, therefore good. So are the pets we love.

BTW, I don’t pretend to know for sure. However, I am sure that if these aren’t in heaven, we won’t notice because being in the presence of God will overwhelm everything.

 

[po18guy]

This is true. However, since God gave use chocolate and pesto, I am not positive that He will take then away from us. They are His creations, therefore good. So are the pets we love.

BTW, I don’t pretend to know for sure. However, I am sure that if these aren’t in heaven, we won’t notice because being in the presence of God will overwhelm everything.

I will be overjoyed simply that I am there.

 

[Bob_Crowley]

Suppose in our younger, fitter years, we were standing on a beach. Assume we were attuned to the beach - young, fit, tanned, surf board under the arm. The sun is shining, and a gentle breeze is blowing. Birds wheel and the waves curl and foam towards the shore. Fish slide through the waves, and dolphins streak down the waves.

As we stand there and take it in, we become in a sense a unity with the scenery we’re looking at. It becomes a part of us, and if we venture out into the waves, we feel its rhythm. We literally become a part of it.

That, I think, is a bit of what heaven will be like. But the conditions to feel truly at home in heaven will be different to that of the young surfer on the beach Instead of being young, fit, tanned, handsome, and physically strong, we will rather need to be righteous, gentle, kind, loving, charitable, and holy, concerned for others.

Then we will feel heaven reflected, vibrating through us, in us. What part animals or chocolate will play is unknown. But I think we might find the taste of chocolate insipid by comparison, like comparing a rice wafer to a Blackforest Torte. Pets may there, but if so, I think it will be because they become a part of us. I am not particularly interested in knowing a mosquito I swotted five minutes ago will be there to enjoy an eternal buzzing in my ear (if I could hear it that is - I’m hard of hearing. But my wife can hear them!).

 

[Publisher]

As a Friend, while I DO believe we continue in the Presence when we die…heaven isn’t a concern we trouble ourselves over much…our focus is on this world and making it a better place to live…seeking to bring about the Rule of God in our lives…seeking to minister to those in our midst.

Each Friend may decide for themselves what they believe concerning heaven…or hell for that matter. They will take care of themselves as no one really knows what occurs after death…BUT we do know about this world and those we meet in it.

 

[Doxiemom]

No spiders. me and God are going to have a sit-down and discuss the necessity of spiders.

 

[Sam_777]

Nothing is greater than, or to be preferred to our Lord. “Him alone shall you serve” Jesus told the devil. Having, or desiring anything that we like here on earth to be there along with us is not serving the Lord. Now, He is not limited in what He can possess in His presence, but isn’t God enough? Isn’t the infinite to be preferred over the finite?