What does the Bible say about Tattoos?

Question:

It may seem like a stupid question, but my husband and i were discussing the topic of whether animals went to heaven. would they not, since they are a creation of God also? 

Submitted by DW on June 16, 1999.

Answer: (Given by Bro. Winston Parkinson)

In Ecclesiastes 3:19-21 it tells us that the fate of man and beasts is the same ..... man and (animals) beasts die physically and return to the dust. In your Question it seemed to me that you reasoned that animals would be able to be in heaven since they were a creation of God. In other words, what criteria is to be used to determine if you or I or our pet fish will be able to be in heaven. In Matthew 25:31-46 we learn that there will be a place of eternal punishment and a place of eternal life and in this same passage we learn some of the things that we must do to be pleasing to God so that we may be counted among those that will be going into eternal life. 

Now as we go through these passages of scripture I want you to think about this Question - Can a dog or cat or any animal do the things that we are told by scripture to do in order to  inherit eternal life. 

In John 8:24 we are told that unless we believe that Jesus is "He" or the Son of God that we will die in our sins. This is not just physical death but also spiritual death. Which is being separated from God in that eternal punishment we mentioned earlier. Can a dog for example believe in God?

We are told that we must repent in Luke 13:3 can a dog do this? 

We are told to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9) Can a dog do this? 

We are told in 2nd Thessalonians 1:8 that if we do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus then that eternal destruction will be ours. From this we know that we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 16:16) and know God (Genesis 1:1) The Creator. Then we must obey the gospel by being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins Romans 6:1-4 , Acts 2:38 and many others. In addition to this one must live a life of service to God 1st John 1. Can a dog do these things, especially confess him by mouth to others. I Think not. 

In addition to this consider Genesis 1:27-28 God created man in His image and put us over the other living creation. We are different. And Consider this -- John 7:37 "If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." Did Jesus say to any beast that is thirsty, no he said to any man (male or female) that is willing to come and follow Him will have that river of living water in there life. Can an animal ( dog cat etc be saved and live with God in Heaven that place of eternal life. Scripture does not seem to indicate that they will. 

God bless you as you study His Word that can lead you to eternal life.

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