Richard Duane Warren otherwise known as Rick Warren, an American Southern Baptist evangelical Christian pastor and author once remarked: "The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came to do three things. He came to have my past forgiven, you get a purpose for living and a home in Heaven." Revelation 22:1-5 reminds us: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
Heaven is defined by Wikipedia as a common religious cosmological or transcendent supernatural place, where certain beings are said to originate, be enthroned, or reside. For many believers, it is hopefully the prospective eternal home that is anticipated to accommodate certain species of life that have been deemed worthy by God at the conclusion of their allotted time on Earth. For some humans, it is often considered a new life to come. John 14:2 confirms: “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
Heaven is considered by many, in the biblical sense of the word, to be the main residence of God. It is the kingdom over which He has total domain. Amongst the many possibilities, it signifies not only an eternal home or resting place, but abundant love, freedom, community spirit and worship. One could imagine pleasant green pastures and streams where happiness fills the air and a sense of peace abounds everywhere. Nothing could really be more idyllic or perfect.
There has been much controversy over the question of whether or not animals are allowed into Heaven. Some would vehemently refute the possibility that creatures can dwell in Heaven on the grounds that animals do not have souls, they cannot reason or make moral decisions and therefore do not require salvation as humans do. Although God made man in His own image, God also created all living creatures. Genesis 1:24-25 confirms: "And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds - livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds." And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
God created everything on Earth for a definitive purpose and pleasure. Although there is much debate and speculation on the issue of whether God’s animals can reside in Heaven, it has been said that the Bible neither actually confirms nor denies this fact. For some, the prospect or thought of non-reunification with their beloved pets after death is unthinkable and it does appear improbable that the love that God has for all the things He created, would prevent certain species from entering His kingdom in paradise.
However, the Bible does confirm that predators and prey can live in harmony and peace with one another. Isaiah 11:6-9 reminds us: 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." Thus, an important question needs to be considered: If this passage does not relate to Earthly happenings, and we know that to be an indisputable fact, where does it occur? Several Bible verses indicate that God can not only save people, but every living thing, which in itself, presupposes or suggests that God would not turn away any living creature from His glorious kingdom. Psalm 36:6-7 confirms: "Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings."
Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar who became one of the most venerated figures in Christianity. He was particularly noted, amongst several other things, for his association and patronage of animals. It became customary for churches to hold annual ceremonies blessing animals on his appointed feast day of the 4th of October. Two significant quotes that have been attributed to him are as follows: Firstly, “If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
And secondly: “Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received - but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”
Heaven is considered by most to be the ultimate reward for our salvation. Romans 10:9-13 reminds us: Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Salvation is our redemption from sin and is accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ. Most people in life will commit indiscretions or sins. We are only human, not perfect. Sins produce stains and blemishes which, if not eradicated, may produce problems after death. If we continue through life without repentance, we may not be able to eliminate a problem before it is too late. Death can sometimes occur without warning, so the earlier we seek forgiveness from God, the better our chances of securing an eternal and happy future in the life to come.
Entry into Heaven is subject to forgiveness which is granted by God alone, and the fact that Jesus Christ gave His life for us by dying on the cross to save us from our sins. By this act, God gave us our own individual key to His kingdom. John Wycliffe, an English scholastic philosopher and theologian once remarked: “Trust wholly in Christ; rely altogether on His sufferings; beware of seeking to be justified in any other way than by His righteousness. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient for salvation. There must be atonement made for sin according to the righteousness of God. The person to make this atonement must be God and man.” Acts 16:30-33 confirms: “Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.”
Amen.
