I wanted to post a correction.  A friend from the FML pointed out that
her version of the Bible didn't have the word "soul" in the Genesis verse
I posted yesterday (about whether animals go to heaven or not).  I was
using that verse and I had only read it from a website.  I checked my two
versions of the Bible that I have and didn't find the word soul in those
verses.  Now I know to check my Bible to verify verses from websites!
Unless anyone knows which version this came from...let me know! :)  Here
are some other points that I found interesting though - and I DID check
my Bible this time:)
 
God's covenant with Noah included both people and animals (Genesis
9:9-11).  However, that covenant was not one of eternal life, but that He
would not again destroy the earth with a flood.  And also, the fourth
commandment as recorded in Deuteronomy 5:12-15 includes a Sabbath rest
for animals as well as people.  Again, it reveals some equality between
people and animals, but makes no statement regarding animals going to
heaven.  Now I think that there is no "solid" evidence that animals will
go to heaven, but like you said...I don't see why God wouldn't have them
up there for us to enjoy as well!  He knows our hearts and how much we
love them.  But I think that if they strictly would not go to heaven, the
Bible would say it!  A REALLY good passage is Isaiah 11:1-9.  It talks
about how at some future time, Christ will bring about a time of peace
where all animals and man will be in harmony (Isaiah 11:1-9).  Still, the
description is not necessarily of heaven, and these animals are not
necessarily reborn animals, but why would the Bible talk so much of the
lion laying with the lamb and the cows with the bears?!
 
Here is what I found to be the topics most popular passage online:
Ecclesiastes chapter 3.  Can anyone find the main verses that would
apply and why?!  :)
 
Jen in PA
[Posted in FML issue 3853]