Proverbs 22:6 Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old, he will not depart from it.
***Parents, I have included one short additional paragraph related to Grace’s first question. The reason is because the topic is important for teenage believers to understand. Many people do not understand this topic, and think God is mean. Please take time with your teen to read the links at the end of the discussion about animals. There are scriptures in the links to back up the articles.
We are continuing our series in Bible Q & A where kids get to speak up. These kids have big hearts and inquisitive minds. They really want to know God.
Grace, Age 15 “If animals have souls, where would they go when they die?”
Grace, I love your enthusiastic reply. I love that you have a lot of questions, and even though we can’t get to them all in this Bible Study, I know your mom and dad will continue to do a great job showing you how to find the discoverable answers. Of course, there will be many answers that we may have to wait for God to show us in Heaven.
So, for your first question, “If animals have souls, where would they go when they die?”
This terrific question is important to any believer who loves God’s animal kingdom. In the story of creation in Genesis chapter 1 we know that God made and loved all kinds of living things.
After having read through the Bible and reading various trustworthy sources, I believe that animals do not have souls, so they have no need for redemption. But they were given the breath of Life by God. Genesis 1:30 They are God-created beings, and God loves all of His created things.
Just because animals were given life, by God, does not mean they have souls. For one thing, we know that God specifically tells us in the Bible that human beings were made in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-27. Animals were not made in God’s image. That does not mean they won’t be in Heaven. The angels have no need for redemption, yet they live in Heaven to serve God.
Now one thing we do know for sure, because it is recorded in scripture, when we begin to reign with Jesus during the Millenium, animals will be with us. Of course, we will be on the new earth so the animals that are among us then, will not harm each other or humans. Here are the passages that help us know this fact. Isaiah 11:6 Isaiah 65:25.
Grace, the next paragraph is one that I hope you will share with mom and dad. It is a hard topic. They can help you understand. I have added two links for you to clarify the subject.
The Bible mentions animals in relation to important topics like animal sacrifice in the Old Testament and the Millenium. It’s crucial for believers to understand these topics. As a young person, it’s important for you, as well. Non-believers sometimes use hard scripture as an excuse to turn away from God. Reading the scripture can help clarify any misunderstandings. Understanding such hard topics will also prepare you to share the Gospel with others who don’t understand.
Grace had a second question. “Why did you put humans on earth if you knew they would sin and cause calamity and chaos?
Grace, this is a big question. You are correct in how you asked it. God isn’t the one that causes human troubles. God knew that people would sin and create chaos. The Bible has many verses about this. God also promises believers that His plan will not be disrupted by sin.
Isaiah 46:10
I declare the end from the beginning,
and from long ago what is not yet done,
saying: my plan will take place,
and I will do all my will.
I have learned so much about this topic simply because you asked this question. People who truly believe Jesus, really can help encourage one another in big and small ways. So, thank you for asking this question.
The main reason God gives us life despite our sins is to glorify Him. While we can’t add to His glory since He is already perfect, we honor Him through our lives as believers. We acknowledge His perfection, and some verses mention people reflecting His brightness. The shepherds in Bethlehem radiated His glory after encountering the angel who announced Christ’s birth. The angel had been in God’s Presence shortly before the announcement. Similarly, Moses also reflected God’s radiance when he was safely tucked into the rock on the mountain where God passed by. (Here is some homework. Can you locate that story in your Bible? When you find it, would you let me know what you think about that passage? I’d love to read your thoughts about God and what He means to you.)
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
So, what is glory? In God-like terms, glory means the heavy weight of God’s goodness and perfection. All of God’s attributes, like love, justice, mercy, grace, etc. are part of God’s glory. He loves like no person could. Did you ever think of God’s holiness and glory being considered a heavy weight? Think of it. He had the heavy weight of giving Jesus to be brutalized for every sinner.
But it also includes His great wrath for sin. Wrath doesn’t sound nice, does it? But consider this. When people cause the calamity and chaos that you mentioned in your question, like murder, and just plain meanness or selfishness, God hates those deeds. Yet, He still loves the perpetrators.
Sin destroys people. Our sin causes death. God is Life. He hates death. So, God’s wrath adds to His glory. It is righteous wrath. When humans feel wrathful, we usually sin because of that feeling. God never sins.
Another way to glorify God is seen in the verse below.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Let your Light shine, Grace!
Grace, I am going to leave you with some passages to read. Take your time. Maybe read one or two over a few days. These will help you understand more about God’s glory.
Ten ways to glorify God.
Psalm 63:3 (Praise), John 14:15 (Obey), John 14:13 (Pray), John 15:8 (Produce Fruit), 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (Be Pure), 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Even small tasks should be done with your best effort), 2 Corinthias 9:13 (Be generous), Matthew 5:16 (Let your Light shine!!!), 1 Peter 4:16 (Be brave when persecuted for loving Jesus. Live out loud for Him without fear), Philippians 1:21 (Don’t be afraid when people die that you love, and don’t be afraid when Jesus calls you home.)
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
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Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 