What Does the Bible Say About Animals in the Last Days?
The Bible, as the holy book of Christianity, contains numerous references to animals throughout its pages. While there is not an extensive amount of specific information regarding animals in the last days, there are some passages that provide insights into their role during this period. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about animals in the last days and answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Animals in the Last Days:
1. The Restoration of Peace: The Bible mentions that during the time of the Messiah’s reign, there will be a restoration of peace and harmony among all creation, including animals. Isaiah 11:6-9 states, “The wolf will live with the lamb, 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 cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” This passage depicts a future where predators and prey coexist peacefully, suggesting a world where animals are no longer a threat to one another.
2. Judgment and Destruction: The book of Revelation describes various judgments and destruction that will occur during the last days. Some of these events involve animals, such as the plagues mentioned in Revelation 8-9. These plagues include locusts with scorpion-like tails and the release of four angels who have been bound at the Euphrates River, leading to an army of 200 million horsemen. These descriptions may be symbolic rather than literal, but they still indicate the involvement of animals in the events of the end times.
3. Animal Sacrifices: In the book of Ezekiel, there are descriptions of the future temple and the reinstitution of animal sacrifices during the millennial reign of Christ. This raises questions about the significance of animal sacrifices and their purpose in the last days. While the Bible does not provide a clear explanation for the reinstitution of these sacrifices, some scholars suggest that they may serve as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins.
4. New Heaven and New Earth: The Bible also speaks about the creation of a new heaven and a new earth in the last days. In Revelation 21:1, it says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” This implies a complete renewal of the entire creation, including animals. Although the specifics are not mentioned, it suggests that animals will also experience a transformation, similar to what humans will undergo.
FAQs:
1. Will animals be saved in the last days?
The Bible does not explicitly state whether animals will be saved in the last days. However, passages like Isaiah 11:6-9 imply that animals will experience a restoration of peace and harmony during the Messiah’s reign.
2. Will animals be present during the final judgment?
While animals are not specifically mentioned in the context of the final judgment, the book of Revelation does describe various plagues and events involving creatures, suggesting their involvement in the end-time events.
3. Will there be animal sacrifices in the last days?
According to the book of Ezekiel, there will be a reinstitution of animal sacrifices during the millennial reign of Christ. However, the purpose and significance of these sacrifices are not explicitly explained in the Bible.
4. Will animals be part of the new heaven and new earth?
The Bible indicates that a new heaven and a new earth will be created in the last days. While the specifics regarding animals are not mentioned, it implies a renewal of the entire creation, which suggests that animals will also experience transformation.
In conclusion, the Bible provides glimpses into the role of animals in the last days. From the restoration of peace and harmony among all creatures to their involvement in judgments and the reinstitution of sacrifices, animals play a part in the events leading up to the new heaven and new earth. While many details remain unclear, the Bible assures us that God’s plan for creation includes a future where animals will find their place in the perfect harmony of His kingdom.