The rapture refers to the event described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 where believers in Christ will be “caught up” to meet Jesus in the air. At this time, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be transformed and meet them in the clouds. This will occur suddenly, in the “twinkling of an eye” before the coming wrath of the tribulation period on earth.
As for what will happen to people’s pets at the time of the rapture, the Bible does not specifically mention this. However, we can draw some reasonable conclusions based on what we do know from Scripture.
First, the focus of the rapture is on the redemption of human beings who have put their faith in Christ. Animals do not experience salvation the same way humans do. While God cares about all of his creation, including animals (Matthew 6:26; 10:29), salvation and eternal life are reserved for human beings made in God’s image.
Secondly, the rapture will be a supernatural event brought about instantly by the power of God. Those who have died will be resurrected and given new, glorified bodies. Those who are still living will also be transformed. This change will happen instantly, in a moment’s time. It does not seem that animals will experience any kind of change or resurrection like humans will.
So what does this mean for pets? Most likely, pets belonging to believers will be left behind on earth after the rapture. They may be bewildered, wondering where their owners went. But God will still be in control over His creation, and pets will still be fed and cared for during the tribulation period, even if we don’t know the exact details. God’s compassion extends to the animal kingdom, even when they do not have immortal souls like we do.
Some additional considerations around what may happen to pets at the time of the rapture:
- Pets may temporarily suffer confusion or anxiety when their owners suddenly disappear. But God will guide and comfort them in ways we don’t understand.
- Other people left behind may take in pets who are found wandering or unattended after the rapture.
- It is possible that some pets could die or be harmed when they are suddenly left alone without food or care. But God understands their dependence on humans and has concern even for the sparrows (Matthew 10:29).
- Wild animals in nature will also experience the effects of so many people disappearing. But God upholds the order and systems He has designed in nature to sustain life.
- We can ultimately trust God’s mercy, wisdom and care over all of creation during confusing or chaotic times on the earth.
In the end, pets do not have eternal souls, so their destination after death is different than human beings. However, God cares for all that He has made and sustains every living thing under His divine providence. While the Bible does not say explicitly what will happen to pets at the rapture, we can take comfort in knowing God understands the bond between humans and animals. He will guide and keep them according to His purposes during turbulent times on the earth.
Are animals accountable to God or subject to future judgment?
The Bible indicates that animals are not morally accountable before God or subject to future judgment like human beings. Here are some reasons why:
- Animals operate by instinct, not an ability to reason between right and wrong (2 Peter 2:12).
- The Bible says humans alone bear the image of God and share in His eternal destiny (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7).
- Scripture teaches only human beings will stand before God on judgment day (Revelation 20:11-15).
- Animals do not have eternal souls or spirits that live on beyond death like human beings do (Ecclesiastes 3:21).
- In the curse due to mankind’s fall, animals did not receive the same punishment as humans (Genesis 3:14-19).
Because animals do not bear God’s image or have moral accountability like humans, they will not be subject to divine judgment or condemnation. When animals die, their spirits do not live on either in heaven or hell. Only human beings will stand accountable before God for how they lived their lives.
Will pets and animals be present in the new heaven and new earth?
The Bible does not definitively state whether our pets or other animals will be present with us in the new heaven and new earth after this age passes away. However, some key passages give us clues.
In Isaiah 11:6-9, the prophet describes a future age when predator and prey animals will live together peacefully and children can play near snakes. This indicates animals continue to exist in the new creation but without the death, violence and fear that came after the Fall.
Isaiah 65:17 and 25 also prophesy about the new heavens and earth, indicating there will still be children and animals present in some capacity. The distinction between domestic and wild animals continues.
These verses suggest animals will still have a place in the new creation, just as they did in the original Eden. God cares about all he has made and finds it “good” (Genesis 1:31). It brings Him glory to sustain and enjoy the diversity of creation.
However, some things will be different in the new heaven and new earth:
- There will be no more curse, suffering, pain or death for people or animals (Revelation 21:1; 22:3).
- Animals will submit to perfect harmony under human leadership without fear (Isaiah 11:6-9).
- It’s improbable that every single animal or pet will be restored individually. Rather, God will restore ideal types and varieties that bring Him honor.
Most theologians believe animals have souls in the basic sense of consciousness, but they lack eternal spirits like humans. So our individual pets from this lifetime probably do not have immortal identities that we will recognize in heaven or the new creation. However, God in His wisdom and creativity will likely populate the new earth with fascinating animals for us to enjoy in ways we can’t fully grasp now.
Practical considerations in caring for pets after the rapture
While the Bible does not say explicitly what will happen to pets after the rapture, depending on the timing, there are some practical things believers can do to prepare for their animals’ care in their absence:
- Make arrangements with a non-believing or non-raptured friend or family member to care for pets in case of a sudden disappearance.
- Set aside funds or a “pet trust” to provide care for any animals left behind.
- Ensure pets have proper identification tags or microchips in case they wander or get lost.
- Give clear written instructions on each pet’s care, feeding, medication and vet information.
- Stock up on extra pet food, supplies and medications that could last a few weeks.
- Make sure pets are up-to-date on vaccines and veterinary checkups.
- Consider installing automatic feeders and water fountains that dispense for a period of time.
While we cannot control everything, taking sensible steps to prepare for a sudden rapture can help minimize confusion, suffering, or hardship for animals we leave behind for a time. This demonstrates wisdom, responsibility, and faithfulness with what God has given us.
Trusting God’s purposes in uncertainty
The Bible does not reveal every detail about end times events or what will happen to animals and pets at the rapture. In the ambiguity, here are several truths we can rely on:
- God cares for all of His creation – from the greatest to the smallest (Matthew 10:29; Jonah 4:11).
- The Lord sustains and nourishes life daily according to His plans, even when we don’t understand (Psalm 145:15-16; Job 38-41).
- God’s plans are often beyond human comprehension, yet purposeful and good (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33-36).
- All things will one day be restored to God’s original ideal without sin, death, pain or tears (Revelation 21:1-5).
- Our true hope is in God’s redemption for human beings through faith in Christ (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
Rather than speculate, we can find comfort in knowing God cares for our pets, even when the details are unclear. Our focus should remain on trusting Him completely, both now and in the age to come.
Pets reveal God’s character and bring joy
Within the uncertainties of the end times, pets remind us of several truths about God’s care:
- Pets reveal God’s creativity and artistry by their variety, uniqueness, playfulness and distinctive traits.
- The special bond between animals and man shows God’s purpose in providing companionship.
- Pets reflect aspects of God’s own loyal protection, affection, discipline and provision as they relate to us.
- Caring for animals demonstrates God’s attributes of love, patience, generosity and reliability.
- The joys pets bring teach much about God’s blessings in creation for our delight.
Rather than worry, we can allow pets to deepen our trust in God’s goodness. Their presence in our lives now can point us to Christ through reminders of His grace, healing of creation’s bondage, and defeat of sin’s fear and pain. Someday they may even delight us again in ways beyond imagination, restored for our joy in God’s presence.
For believers, the wonderful traits seen in our pets are merely a glimpse of far greater communion with God Himself and all His creation. His plans for the redemption of mankind and restoration of paradise surpass anything we have known. Our brief relationships with pets in this lifetime direct our hope to the perfect companionship we are made to share eternally with our Creator in the age to come.
Key biblical principles about animals
In summary, here are some key biblical principles to remember concerning pets and other animals:
- God created animals and said they are good (Genesis 1:25).
- God cares for the welfare of animals under His dominion (Psalm 147:9; Jonah 4:11).
- Mankind is given stewardship and authority over the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:28).
- Animals are part of God’s creative display of His glory in nature (Psalm 104; Romans 1:20).
- Animals are distinct from humans, not made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27).
- Animals do not possess eternal spirits or moral judgment like mankind (Ecclesiastes 3:21).
- God affirms relationships between people and animals that reflect His attributes.
- Through mankind’s sin, animals experience corruption and brokenness alongside creation (Genesis 3; Romans 8:20-22).
- God promises the liberation of creation and animals from bondage and fear (Isaiah 11:6-9; Romans 8:21).
- Animals should point us to Christ as the restorer of all things to God’s original design.
These biblical truths give perspective on God’s purposes for the animal kingdom. While details may remain unclear, we can trust God’s character and promises extend goodness and redemption to all He has wonderfully made.
Conclusion
The Bible does not definitively reveal what will happen to pets after the rapture or in the age to come. However, we know God cares compassionately for all of His creation. He sustains animals daily by His wise providence, even when the details are unseen.
Pets can remind us of God’s loyalty and comfort amid confusing times. By caring for animals responsibly, we can honor Christ who will one day liberate all creation from sin’s curse. No matter what the future holds, our loving Creator will guide and restore according to His good and perfect will. He gives us His Spirit now as a guarantee of the redemption that is to come for all who trust in Him (2 Corinthians 1:22).