Imagining Heaven: Be faithful with gifts to earn the reward

Many of the ideas and Scriptures used in this article are from the book “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn.

Revelation 2:17 states, “I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” We know that we will each receive a new name in Heaven. What else might we possibly be given?

On this present earth Jesus was close to Peter, James and John. His friendships begun on earth and our friendships with other believers will continue. Each of us will be rewarded according to our different levels of faithfulness on this present earth. If we have been faithful in little then more shall be given.

John Bunyan stated, “He who is most in the bosom of God, and who so acts for Him here, he is the man who will be best able to enjoy most of God in the kingdom of heaven.”

Luke 16:12 says, “If you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” During our brief lives on this earth God watches to see who is faithful with His gifts. The reward is for faithfulness. Many believers struggle with issues of stewardship and forgiveness. Animals don’t have to be concerned about living on a budget or guarding their hearts against all forms of greed.

The Bible instructs us to care for the needs of our animals. What role might animals have in the future? Isaiah 11:6-9 talks about a future time when “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 hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Eventually mankind and animals will enjoy a redeemed Earth.

Animals and humans were both formed from the ground. Both people and animals have the breath of life in them. J.P. Moreland stated, “Throughout the history of the church, the classic understanding of living things has included the doctrine that animals, as well as humans, have souls.”

When God rescued Noah and his family He also rescued animals. God has used animals to accomplish His purposes. Ravens fed Elijah. A great fish swallowed Jonah. A fish with a coin in its mouth was used to pay taxes. A donkey was used to help warn Balaam. God cares about the welfare of animals. He was concerned for the many cattle in Nineveh. The Bible tells us that both animals and people fasted in chapter three of the book of Jonah. Both animals and people are commanded to praise the Lord.

The book of Revelation tells us of the four living creatures with six wings and eyes all around that never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” These living creatures are animals that dwell in the presence of God.

Randy Alcorn believes that extinct animals and plants will be brought back to life. Revelation 22:3 says, “No longer will there be any curse.” Because of the curse our pets die. We currently experience grief when we lose a pet. I hope that our kids and grandkids will be able to see their pets again but that is up to God. There is much that we do not know about God and that we may never know about God. We can, however, search the scriptures and believe that the best is yet to come.

May God bless you big.

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This is the 11th in a series of articles examining the Christian view of heaven by Kevin Barsotti, pastor of Ark Church in Havre.