The bible tells us that to spend enternity in His presence, we must be saved by his Grace, accepting him as our one and true Saviour. So how does a dog do that? Do they have any understanding of Him and His Grace? One could argue that a baby who dies before he is of an age to understand Christ would go to heaven. I firmly believe that is exactly where children go. The bible says that all who must accept Christ as their Saviour to enter the gates of heaven will have the opportunity to do so. A child who can not understand would not truly have the opportunity to know Him so would therefore enter heaven as an innocent. One could argue that a dog is similar. They do not have the ability to understand salvation as we do, but they are also innocent of evil or intentional sin. Could they not also enter heaven as innocents who are protected by His Love? I believe they must. A God who loves His children as I believe my Saviour does would not deny me eternity with my beloved pets. He would not give me such love for dogs, giving us just a few years together on earth, and not allow me to spend forever with them in heaven.
Dog lovers speak about the Rainbow Bridge, a place where our dogs wait for us until we pass from this world and into the next. It is a beautiful story and a lovely thought. Except. They would wait for up to 70-80 years for their humans. I don't think that is quite right. They have no need to wait for us. They are already perfect. I believe they pass into the afterlife, perhaps finding our loved ones who pass before us, and wait for us while basking in His glory.
I believe my Ginger, whom we lost suddenly and tragically, is in heaven. I believe she is with my Granny, keeping her company for us. I must believe I will see her again.
