Endorsements of All God's Creatures: What the Bible Says About Animals, Heaven, and the New Earth
As a farmer’s daughter, and a farmer’s wife, I have spent most days of my life caring for animals. I thought I understood what God was doing with animals—and then I read this book. Randy Alcorn gave me eyes to see our own land and animals and flocks differently! With rigorous biblical scholarship and breathtaking scope, All God's Creatures is the book I did not know I was waiting for—meticulous where it needs to be, tender where it earns it, and genuinely world-enlarging throughout. It will change what you see when you look at the animals around you, and you won't be the same.
More than that, it will change what you see when you look at their Creator! This is not a book of trite sentimentality. It is a book about the staggering generosity of a Creator who is larger and wilder and more delightfully attentive than we dare to believe! It completely undid me, the way the best theology does—by making the world larger and making God more extravagant, more attentive, and more delightful than my too-tidy categories had permitted. Read this book and let your vision of eternity grow into the glorious expansiveness of God.
— Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts
Randy Alcorn’s books have blessed my life for decades. His volume Heaven guided me from a vague, ethereal perspective to an exciting view of the life to come. My copy is underlined, highlighted, and dog-eared! I have the same enthusiasm for All God’s Creatures. It specifically addresses the question of animals on the New Earth by explaining the promise of Scripture regarding our eternal home. Prepare to be informed, inspired, and empowered A wonderful world awaits us. God will restore and renew his people and his animals alike. Thanks, Randy, for this brilliant work.
— Max Lucado, pastor; author of Tame Your Thoughts
In this delightful and fascinating book, Randy Alcorn’s thesis is that, in the age to come, God will remove the curse on the natural world—placed after the sin of Adam and Eve—so that animals will be “set free” from their current bondage (Romans 8:21) and will regain the “very good” (Genesis 1:31) nature they had in Eden. Alcorn argues convincingly that many friendly animals will inhabit the New Earth. I also hope he is correct in his expectation that God, in his goodness, may even bring back to life our favorite pets. I anticipate that everyone who reads this book will gain a deeper appreciation for the wonderful animal kingdom that God created for our companionship and joy.
— Wayne Grudem, PhD, distinguished research professor emeritus of theology and biblical studies, Phoenix Seminary; author of Systematic Theology and Bible Doctrine
Most of us have had a favorite pet in life. They were often there for us when people weren't. No judgment. No bad days. Just pure, unconditional love right there on the couch next to you.
My friend Randy Alcorn is a bona fide expert on the afterlife. He has researched and written more about the topic of Heaven than almost anyone alive. Now, in All God’s Creatures, he takes the questions people whisper in the hallway after church and answers them out loud with the full weight of Scripture. Whether you’ve lost a beloved pet, are wrestling with why God allows animals to suffer, or just want a clearer vision of what eternity will actually look like, this book will point you to the Bible, and to the God who made and cares for every creature.
— Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship; evangelist; host of A New Beginning radio; author of Jesus Revolution
Given his previous work, we should expect Randy Alcorn to address every topic he writes on from a biblically grounded, theologically astute, pastorally sensitive, and well-documented perspective. This book is no exception. In All God's Creatures, Randy thoroughly addresses the issue of animals in the afterlife and their status before God and man. He affirms that animals will play a significant role in the world to come. I have long leaned toward affirming that animals will be part of the new heavens and New Earth, but now I am sure of it, given Randy’s argumentation. Despite how many Christians have ignored this topic, it is no small matter for Christian theology or apologetics. Randy has done us a wonderful service with this book.
— Douglas Groothuis, PhD, research pressor of apologetics and Christian worldview at Cornerstone University and Seminary, author of Christian Apologetics
Marvelous. Masterful. Meaningful. In All God’s Creatures, Randy Alcorn sets his sights on a pivotal question: Will there be animals in Heaven or on the New Earth? Drawing on decades of thorough study and writing about Heaven, Randy brings a uniquely seasoned and trustworthy voice to this deeply personal topic through biblical wisdom, personal experience, and heartfelt animal stories. Randy invites us to believe Scripture and cling to the hope that God has a good plan for all his creatures.
— Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church; founder of Passion Conferences; author of Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table
In the four decades I’ve known Randy, I’ve come to respect his unwavering commitment to Jesus and his fervent dedication to applying biblical principles to all aspects of life. As a financial planner, I’ve relied heavily on Randy’s research and writings. His work consistently demonstrates a profound biblical foundation and a deep spiritual resonance. He says, “Ground your vision in scripture.” This book presents a compelling Bible-based argument that God loves his creation, including animals. While I’ve never doubted this, Randy presents the overwhelming evidence in a remarkably persuasive manner. Surprisingly, this book has reshaped my perception of God. I’ve come to see him as incredibly kind, loving, and compassionate—someone I will genuinely enjoy spending time with forever.
— Ron Blue, author; founder of the Ron Blue Institute, Blue Trust, and Kingdom Advisors; co-founder of the National Christian Foundation
I teared up several times while reading All God’s Creatures. Randy’s words not only reinforced what I’ve felt for years, but also what I know from reading the Scriptures and studying God’s amazing creation. This present world will be renewed on the new earth, and there we will enjoy the animals we have loved down here. I am longing for that day, and I rejoice that they, too, are part of God’s amazing plan.
— Angela Hunt, ThD, author of Unspoken
I don’t love dogs, especially indoors. Maybe that’s because of sin and the Curse. But I do believe dogs will be with us on the New Earth (and if some come indoors, I’m sure I’ll be thrilled with it then). Long have I enjoyed and marveled at God through wildlife and animals in barns and zoos. Now comes Randy’s remarkable book. Studied, balanced, and compelling, it helps us love animals even more—and through them, their amazing Designer and Keeper. I’ve dreamed of a book like this one, that some great lover of God, and skilled student of his Word, would write to serve Christians and pastors everywhere. Under God, Randy Alcorn was the man for the job. I’m thankful for his God-honoring labor on this tremendous project.
— David Mathis, senior teacher and executive editor of Desiring God; pastor; author of Habits of Grace
The minute I received Randy’s email, I was all in to read this manuscript. I got up early every morning to carve out time to read a few chapters of this book. I read the last ten in a single day. I just did not want to put it down. It is a much-needed book, and so well done. All God’s Creatures is a book I will treasure and re-read in the years ahead. It is a Scripture-saturated, “legal brief” presentation, beautifully paced with real-life stories of animals and humans. I have always believed that animals are in Heaven, but this book equips me with Scripture and logic to back it up. All creation will be redeemed and restored as intended in the beginning! It makes me look forward to Heaven even more.
— Francine Rivers, author of Redeeming Love and Earth Psalms
How is it that we think the New Earth, where we will spend eternity, will be devoid of the comfort and joys of those very animals that have taught us and so enriched our lives? Well, no more of that! As you’ll discover from Scripture, God’s creatures will not only be there in eternity, but will also join us in joyful worship of the one who cares even about sparrows.
— Elyse Fitzpatrick, author of Home: How the New Heavens and Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longings
