“All dogs go to heaven.” Who says?
Popular opinion. The 1989 Motion Picture by that heartwarming title grossed $27.1 million at the box office. I really want my legendary Bassett Hound Gifford Earl there when I arrive.
Let’s be completely honest. The majority of folks believe in Heaven….simply because they say so. They want it to be the case. Ever been to a funeral where non-religious folk speak repeatedly and assuredly about “Uncle Joe up there…having a good time”? Where do they get their confidence?
However, sentiment and salvation are not synonymous. The Bible (from whence we derive our notion of heaven) indeed freely offers eternal life to “whosoever will”. It does not however, promise false hope to “whosoever won’t”.
This is where the human heart comes into play. If I have a loved one, a good person, moral, hard working, and all that; I cannot bear the thought of them standing accountable before a Holy God. Hence, decades ago one guy said to me he wanted God to give in, throw His arm around his shoulder, and exclaim, “Awe shucks, come on in!” We all wish it were so.
Noble as that sounds, benevolent and benign, it runs counter to the notion of a Holy and just God. If our emotional empathy reigns, then anything goes. If “all dogs go to heaven” then do “all hogs go to heaven”?
For a committed Christian, who has personally experienced the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ on the cross, this presents a vexing dilemma. We are assured of eternal life; yet rightfully fear for loved ones. Often, those dear are hesitant, even resistant to our faith, refusing to hear about spiritual things. Any topic is fair game; except Jesus. They are content to live (and die) in denial, …or wishful thinking.
Hence, a true believer carries a pressing burden upon their heart. To maintain cordial relations and not risk offense, we keep our peace and thus permit them to live without ultimate peace.
Jesus understands. He “came unto His own, and His own received Him not”. He sweat drops of blood for those who could care less. He died at the hands of ones, whom He claimed, “Know not what they do”.
Our personal vice tightens when we ponder sacred responsibility. If you see a person drowning and stand on shore holding a life-preserver, would you not throw it in? Would you not dive in?
Frankly, I cannot ease your angst. I too, have loved ones separated from the Savior. The best advice I have to offer is to urge a life of private intercession and public expression of Christ-like character. You may not get a chance to openly share living hope. If the door cracks (only by prayer) “be prepared to make a reasoned presentation for the hope that is within you…with gentleness and tact.” (I Pe 3:18).
I am convinced all my former dogs, bassets and weenies, are in heaven. The two here right now, I preach to them daily. So far, at least they wag their tails.
