Resources by Topic: Heaven

Christ proclaims from his throne on the New Earth: “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5, ESV). It’s not just people who will be renewed but also the earth and “all things” in it. Do “all things” include animals? Yes. Horses, cats, dogs, deer, dolphins, and squirrels—as well as the inanimate creation—will be beneficiaries of Christ’s death and resurrection.

In an age when people try to make doctrines more appealing by ignoring or twisting biblical truth, here’s the irony — the true biblical doctrine of Heaven is far more attractive than the dull, inhuman view of the afterlife that has long prevailed in evangelicalism.

Knowing Jesus makes all the difference, and also knowing His heart and His character makes a huge difference as we think about this.

God can certainly do anything He wishes, including showing someone a glimpse of eternity. But it’s hard to evaluate because every experience is subjective, and obviously being in an accident is very traumatic for someone’s brain. 

You are correct that Scripture doesn’t directly address Lazarus’s experience between death and when Jesus resurrected him. But we can make some deductions based on other Scriptures.

I understand the reason for distinguishing between the Intermediate or Present Heaven and the New Earth. But if Jesus referred to it as Paradise (and you do mention this, but only in passing), why not refer to the Present Heaven that way?

Years ago, knowing our children were coming, Nanci and I prepared a place for them. We chose the room, picked out the right wallpaper, decorated and set up the crib just so, selected the perfect blankets. The quality of the place we prepared for our daughters was limited only by our skills and resources and imaginations.

Jesus gives us reminders of His presence and peace when we are experiencing grief. He is our ultimate comfort, and He must be our focus and source of strength. 

One of the questions I’m often asked about Heaven relates to Isaiah 65:17. A reader asked, “What does it mean ‘the former things will not be remembered nor will they come to mind’? Is this speaking about the old earth itself or are we not going to have any memories of the past including family, friends, talents, life?”

I recently wrote this to a dying friend, but I’m replacing her name with “dying believer.” The reality is, I am dying and every person reading this is too. Perhaps you have reason to believe that death will come very soon. Or perhaps you have a loved one or friend who is close to death and would benefit from the Scripture and quotes I share. I hope these words will encourage your heart and help you fix your eyes on Jesus.

To rule on the New Earth will be to enable, equip, and guide, offering wisdom and encouragement to those under our authority. 

As to whether God can resurrect a body, whether human or animal, that’s been cremated, that’s no problem whatsoever! As far as pets, that’s a personal decision. We did choose to cremate our pets who have died.

I loved spending time recently with NFL players Nick Foles and Chris Maragos on their great podcast, Mission of Truth, which they just started this year.

A few years ago I was a guest on Desiring God’s Ask Pastor John podcast. In this episode, host Tony Reinke and I discuss the question, “What age will I appear in Heaven?” The following is a lightly edited transcript, and you can also listen to the audio of our conversation.