What does the Bible say about the role of animals in the life of humans?
3-Feb-07
Preface
Before I expound on the issues of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS – not to be confused with the local animal shelters), I have to explain where I’m coming from. Each one of us has a “worldview” whether we realize it not. Our worldview is basically how we see the world around us and try to make sense of it. Many people have a “fractured” worldview where, what they believe about different areas doesn’t really fit together and can even be in conflict. This may be largely because many people don’t really stop to think how everything fits together and perhaps don’t think it should. The truth is that if it doesn’t fit together, then part of it is false. However, what we believe or know about one area of life will, in fact, affect how we think about other areas, but we may not always want to acknowledge it.
The worldview that I have found to be true and not in conflict with itself, is based on the Bible. All 66 books of the Bible are God’s written Word to us – it is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21) and extremely powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Without going into exhaustive detail (See: Can you trust the Bible?), the truths of the Bible have been confirmed by anything from archeology to fulfilled prophecy and can be evidenced by anything from our existence to our morality. However, it is primarily authenticated by the relationship that God has had with millions of His people over the centuries. This relationship is based on faith in God Almighty, the Gospel of Christ (His Son) and the reliable instructions He has given us in the Bible. It’s all about a relationship with God. It is not about religion, going to church, or doing any “good” deeds.
The Christian, although not perfect, seeks to know and please God and this is only possible through trusting in Christ Jesus’ death for the forgiveness of our sins and His resurrection to give us eternal life (John 14:6). Out of this relationship, flows love for God and other people that is the basis for anything truly “good” and pure. At times, the Christian (including me) stumbles & does wrong, but we always have a loving God ready to forgive (1 John 1:9).
We know what is right and wrong because the Bible shows us and God has given everyone a conscience that will tell us – if we haven’t become numb to it. Because the all-powerful God created all things, He calls the shots and everyone will be accountable to Him some day. This fact alone should affect the majority of our worldview. When we read the Bible, we have to be willing to agree with God about what He says is right and wrong. While it doesn’t always give us specific direction for every situation, it will give direction for the proper motives and other matters of the heart. That’s why it is so powerful and applicable. While technology and society continue to change, everyone still has the same moral heart problems and Christ Jesus is the only solution. Jesus Himself said that “Heaven (space) and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
In addition to providing moral direction, it also tells of what God has done in the past and what He will do in the future. No one was there in the distant past and no one is all-knowing besides God (Job 38:4), so we can’t argue, but we can trust Him. To lie would go against His character (Titus 1:2). To not agree with the Bible is basically saying that God doesn’t know what He’s talking about, which is never beneficial.
The Bible is commonly referred to as “the Word of God” or “the Word”. God takes it very seriously because it represents His character. In Psalm 138:2, the writer says “for You (God) have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word.” God holds it high and so should we. He will deal with those who malign it, mock it or use it to suit their own needs without really wanting to understand or acknowledge what God is wanting to teach them (Isaiah 29:13-16, 2 Peter 3:3-7). Satan even uses Scripture incorrectly (Matthew 4:1-11). In order to better know what God’s Word says, it is highly advantageous to know God (1 Corinthians 2:14-15) and He has opened up the invitation to everyone through the Gospel message (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). The Bible may seem like any other book from a distance, but if you ask Him, the infinitely wise God who dictated it can continue to reveal the timeless truths within – no matter how many times you read it. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
So, I would challenge anyone who reads this to consider the Gospel and your own eternal salvation; examine your own worldview and decide whether you believe the Bible enough to represent it.
“Every Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6).
Creator’s Creation
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” That’s the first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1. It’s difficult for us to imagine being eternal, but that is exactly what God is – He has no beginning or end. He was already there “in the beginning”. Everything we know is dictated by time – when we are born, when we die and everything in between. We are finite; God is infinite. He is outside of time and not restricted by it like we are.
God, a personal spirit being (John 4:24), is also all-powerful. He is above all things because He created all physical matter and the physics that govern them, as well as spiritual things (Colossians 1:15-17). The Bible teaches that He created the heavens, the earth and all that is in them in 6 literal days. By His mighty power, He merely spoke and things began existing. The subsequent verses of Genesis 1 tell that things were created as follows: light on the 1st day; sky and water on the 2nd; land and seas with vegetation on the 3rd; sun, moon and stars on the 4th; fish and birds on the 5th day; and land creatures (animals, dinosaurs, insects, etc.) and man (His pinnacle creation) on the 6th day when creation was complete (Genesis 2:1). This was followed by a 7th day of rest as a pattern for us, which is how a 7-day week was established (celestial movements govern all other time increments). The rest wasn’t because God was tired, but the original Hebrew word indicates a ceasing of activity (creating things).
The Bible makes a well defined and consistent distinction between man and all other living creatures. At several points in the creation account, it says “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21 & 25), but it wasn’t until He made man that it says “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (1:31). It may seem like this is being picky about the wording, but Proverbs 30:5 says “Every Word of God is flawless”, so the original words used are not accidental.
Furthermore, after creating land creatures on day-6, Genesis 1:26-28 tells us: “Then God said ‘Let Us make man in Our image, in Our likeness and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
The “Us” & “Our” are the first references to the unique concept of the Trinity of God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) that deserves far more explanation than can be accommodated here. Also, we know that when it says that mankind is made in God’s image or likeness, it is not referring to a physical body, but that we have been created with a spirit and with emotion like God, as well as a level of moral conscience, intellect and personhood that are above all animal kinds. The Hebrew words used are synonymous for a shadow or outline of a figure, or a resemblance. We do have a physical aspect like everything else that was created earlier in that week, but only man bears spiritual and emotional aspects like God and is the only one the Bible calls out as such. It’s important to note that the emotion mentioned is relative to moral issues or, rather, a moral awareness.
The original word translated “rule over” means to have dominion over. This word is also used in the Bible when a king has dominion over people and it has the sense of responsibility and ownership. The word translated “subdue” means to conquer or bring into subjection. While this is the case, the Bible also tells us to be good stewards and take care of God’s creation (Proverbs 12:10). The very fact that God created animals, gives them value. However, they were created for man’s use and enjoyment (Psalm 8:6-7).
In contrast to a Biblical view concerning animals, extreme animal rights people and organizations such as HSUS support “animal liberation” and claim “there is no rational basis for maintaining a moral distinction between the treatment of humans and other animals.” So what is their “rational basis”? Such notions generally come from a belief in biological macro-evolution that claims all animals came from a common ancestor. From the phrase “other animals” above, it also erroneously implies that people are animals and are of equal value. This stands in stark contrast to not only God’s truth, but to an honest look at the evidence and logical consideration. Of course, not all evolutionists come to such extreme conclusions.
This topic deserves a forum of its own, but some brief discussion will be provided so it won’t seem to be intentionally avoided and to provoke some thought. For example, natural selection deals with micro-evolution – short-haired dogs dying out in the Arctic, leaving long haired dogs. Genetic information is actually lost and that breed of dogs would lose the ability to reproduce short-haired variations, but will always produce dogs. That is how different species of the same animal kind or type come about. Macro-evolution, such as fish gradually producing a bird or reptile, requires animals to in some way create new genetic information for new features. Not only has this never been seen in living or fossilized animals (that’s why missing links are missing), but it is a physical impossibility, no matter how much time is allowed. Science – empirically testing to repeatedly validate a theory – does not support Darwinian evolution and does not conflict with creationism.
Additionally, the more we learn about life forms, the more specifically complex and structured they are (1 Corinthians 14:33), not random and accidental. DNA fascinatingly contains enormous amounts of information, but it had to be specifically created and something has to know specifically how to decode it for it to be useful. These are just a few examples, but much more information is available through organizations like www.answersingenesis.org.
Because we didn’t live in the past, have limited clues to examine, and are limited in our thinking, everyone has to start with assumptions. This is extremely critical when interpreting the evidence. The issue is not really creation vs. evolution, but rather or not God exists and if so, what is His involvement with our world. If someone starts out thinking there’s no God, they will likely end up with an evolutionary view of the world and try to force things to fit into it, making false deductions like the equal value of people and animals. Such a philosophy can give rise to many other problems as well. However, it is not to say that all evolutionists are atheists.
Romans 1:20 states “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Psalm 19:1-2 says “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”
Flood Stage
Not only does God give us an account of how the world was created in Genesis, but he also tells us how death came about. At the end of creation, everything was complete and completely perfect, death didn’t even exist and it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Genesis chapter 2 gives some further detail to the creation account and specifically that of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve.
There was perfect life in the garden of Eden where God conversed with Adam and Eve among the various animals without any threat of danger. Originally, all living creatures were vegetarians (Genesis 1:29-30) and again, death didn’t exist – even for animals. “In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and a tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9). In God’s infinite wisdom, He saw fit to arrange this, but did give them instruction: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must no eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).
Chapter 3 goes on to tell how they disobeyed and as a result, death was now eminent. It’s important to note that it was not immediate death, but the original word has the meaning of a continual dying until death occurs, just like we all experience. The Bible tells us that Adam went on to live a long time and have children, but did die (Genesis 4:1-2, 25, 5:3-5). This disobedience was sin – falling short of God’s standard. And because God is just, He had to administer the consequences of violating His holiness and absolute moral perfection. Romans 5:12 tells us “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned”. From our finite, flawed perspective it may seem that death is an extreme punishment, but again from His justice (Psalm 9:7-8), it shows us how seriously God disdains sin of any type.
This is validated by the fact that every single human that has lived, has died or will eventually die. The death sentence was even so far reaching that it affected all creation, including plants and animals (Romans 8:20-22). In fact, God is the first one who was reported to have killed an animal, shedding it’s blood (Genesis 3:21). Because of Adam and Eve’s knowledge of good and evil in their corrupted or fallen state, they were then ashamed of their nakedness compared to before (Genesis 2:25, 3:7). God then met their clothing need with “garments of skin” that necessitated the death of an animal. This physical need also represents a parallel spiritual need for a covering for our sin (Hebrews 9:22).
Adam and Eve now possessed a sin nature – the tendency to sin and stray from God. They passed this on to their children, as Cain became jealous and killed his brother Able (Genesis 4:8), and as Romans 5:12 reveals, we have inherited this sin nature. We don’t have to teach people to be bad. We have to teach them to be good. Babies naturally become selfish and jail populations are not decreasing.
After the “fall of man”, as it’s commonly referred to, things got worse. To the point where “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain. So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe mankind, whom I created, from the face of the earth – men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air – for I am grieved that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people of the earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, ‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark…’ (Genesis 6:5-14a).
God allowed Noah and his sons 100 years to build a ship of rot-resistant cypress wood that was 1.5 football fields long and 75 feet wide with 3 stories. This is the same aspect ratio that ship builders today have proven most stable. Then God guided 2 of every kind of land animal and bird to the ship to be “kept alive” (Genesis 6:20, 7:3). This large vessel was more than enough to house the estimated 16,000 “kinds” of animals with an average size of a goat, including dinosaurs. In addition, God told Noah to take his wife, three sons and their wives (7:1, 1 Peter 3:20).
God then shut the only door (Genesis 6:16, 7:16) and “on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights” (7:11b-12) until “all the high mountains” were covered “to a depth of more than twenty feet” (7:19-20). This really isn’t unrealistic, considering the earth’s surface is currently 75% water and that if you leveled out all the topography, there is enough water to cover it to a depth of 2 miles. There are ocean trenches deeper than the height of the tallest mountains.
This cataclysmic event completely rearranged the earth’s surface and buried everything and everyone outside of the ark under many layers of sedimentation and locked most of them into fossils all over the earth – exactly what we see today. A common misconception is that fossils are created over a long period of time. However, fossils require rapid burial of an organism within certain substances. If an animal dies and is not buried, it will decompose with even the bones breaking down into dust. A global flood, as described in the Bible, would first bury simple organisms and eventually more mobile animals as they climbed to avoid the ever-rising water. This is strikingly what the fossil record usually shows.
Genesis chapter 8 tells of the end of the flood where Noah, his family and the animal kinds exit the ark (8:18-19). They then built an alter and sacrificed the “clean” animals that God ordered extra, 7 of each, to be taken on the ark (7:2-3, 8:20). The man and animal survivors repopulated the earth (9:1, 7), although some of the animal kinds died out afterward, becoming extinct just as some even have done in recent times. Several species with varying traits descended from the original created “kinds”, but were still the same type of animal. While the animals were apparently docile on the ark (6:20-21), possibly some even in a hibernating state, at this point God said, “The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given unto your hands. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything” (9:2-3). Hence animals became wild and skittish, though still tamable, and God now permits animal-meat eating since death is now a part of life.
It should also be noted that while mankind originally had “dominion” to “rule over” the animals at creation, after sin and death entered the picture, everything changed. “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay” (Romans 8:20-21). As a result, man can no longer always “rule” every beast in the same sense. Not to mention, as noted above, that animals now have the “fear and dread” of man, often times attacking in fearful reaction returning the fear and dread to man.
After the flood, God said, “This is a sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds… Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life” (9:12-13 & 15). However, God still must judge everyone’s sin to maintain His justice, but He won’t use water; the Bible says He will use fire (2 Peter 3:3-9). Thankfully, the Bible also tells us that God has other attributes alongside His justice.
Animal Sacrifices
The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, mentions “clean” and “unclean” animals. The ceremonially clean animals were those that were acceptable as sacrifices and sometimes defined as those that were allowed for eating. The unclean were not. Sacrificially, these designations were more for teaching God’s people. Regarding food, in His wisdom, God disallowed certain animals such as scavengers and carrion that could transmit disease and still others just to teach His people (Deuteronomy 14:1-22).
By today’s standards, animal sacrifices may seem barbaric. However, in Biblical times, they were intensely significant. Animal sacrifices were just one type of offering that were burnt on an alter to God to make payment for sins and express gratitude (Leviticus 1:1-7:38). The animals could be from a herd (cows or oxen), from a flock (sheep or goats), or doves or young pigeons. They were not just any animals, but the herd or flock animals were to be “male without defect” (Leviticus 1:3 & 10, 5:15 & 18) – the very best had to be given to God. Many times, they were the peoples’ prized assets. This was very costly and showed them the seriousness of sin, perhaps making them think twice before another offense.
The animals were not just crudely tossed on a bonfire for a senseless ritual. God provided specific instruction on how to cut and skin the animal, washing and burning certain parts (Leviticus 1:6-9 & 12-17). Additional portions of meat were given as the priests’ share for food (Leviticus 7:28-34). However, the blood was the most important part, but was forbidden for anyone to eat (Leviticus 17:12).
Leviticus 17:11 states “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the alter; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” The blood from the sacrificed animals was carefully and precisely sprinkled around the alter (Leviticus 4:5-7). The shedding of blood meant the loss of life for that creature and held a spiritual significance. The cost of sin is death (Romans 6:23), so the sacrifice was the sinners physical recognition of their sin and its consequences.
The cost of sin is high. The Bible tells us that sin is breaking the law (1 John 3:4); not just any law, but God’s law. The Old Testament has hundreds of laws for various reasons, but let’s just look at the most famous – the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20).
It’s understood plainly from Scripture that all people are sinners, but if anyone wants to verify this, all they have to do is look at the 10 Commandments and ask some questions: Have I ever told a lie, no matter how small or how long ago? Have I ever stolen anything? The Bible says (Matthew 5:22, 1 John 3:15) that if we hate someone, it’s the same as murder in our heart – Have I ever hated anyone? Jesus says (Matthew 5:28) that if we look at someone with lust, it’s the same as adultery in our heart – Have I ever lusted? Have I ever wanted what someone else has? Have I always honored my parents? Have I ever used the Lord’s name as curse word to express disgust? Do I set aside time to worship God? Do I love other things more than or equal to God? Do I turn God into something He’s not (a form of idolatry)?
The point is this: everyone who has lived from creation until now has missed one or more of these. James 2:10 states “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” The Bible says that these sins require punishment – “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). Because God, the Lawgiver, is morally perfect & holy (Leviticus 11:44, Exodus 19:10-16) and cannot tolerate sin, and because He is just (Psalm 9:8, Revelation 19:11-13), He must punish sin – violation of His law.
Due to the seriousness of our sin to God, eternal punishment in hell awaits us all. However, while God must satisfy His justice and holiness, He is also loving, merciful and gracious. The only way He made possible for us to be spared was to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed on the cross. The choice everyone has to make is to either take their own punishment in hell forever; or trust that Christ’s sacrifice alone was for the punishment of all their sins, turning from sin (repenting) and receiving God’s eternal forgiveness (1 John 1:9) to go on and live with Him forever.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”, Jesus said in John 3:16-18.
While God setup the animal sacrifice system to teach His people about the cost and seriousness of sin, He intentionally left it incomplete (Hebrews 9:9-10, 10:4) to foreshadow the necessity of the ultimate sacrifice (Galatians 3:24) – “He (Jesus) sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself” (Hebrews 7:27).
Organizations like HSUS would have been at odds with God’s Old Testament animal sacrifice system, but it was graciously and effectively replaced forever through Jesus’ blood about 2,000 years ago.
Worship Of Created Things
One sin that animal rights extremists are violating is worshipping created things instead of the Creator. Romans 1:20-22 states “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew (about) God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts became darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.”
While God has given mankind an awesome environment with many intriguing animals, we should consider that the One who created them is greater than all that He created (Hebrews 3:3-4). He is the only One that is worthy of worship. There is nothing wrong with studying or working with animals as long as God remains a top priority, followed by people (Matthew 22:37-40).
Flowing from a viewpoint that equally values people and animals, comes the fact that some extremists will even kill or harm people in an effort to same animals. One of the 10 Commandments forbids murder of people (Exodus 20:13) and the consequence was the death penalty (Exodus 21:12). However, the Bible treats someone’s animals as personal property and if someone’s animal is killed or stolen, restitution or repayment was required just like any other property, but the crime wasn’t punishable by death (Exodus 22:1-4).
Two more of the 10 Commandments factor in as well. One sin is to worship & elevate other “gods” in addition to the true God of all creation with greater or equal priority in one’s life; Exodus 20:3 states “You shall have no other gods besides me”. When serving & promoting one’s own agendas above God’s, that commandment gets violated. Jesus reinforces this when He says that “No servant can have two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Luke 16:13).
Another sin is to try to distort one’s view of God to make it please one’s self; Exodus 20:4 commands “You shall not make for yourself an idol”. An idol is usually thought of as a physical object, but can be an ideology. In Biblical times, many people wrongly did make physical objects that represented what they wanted God to be so they could justify their sin instead of being accountable to the real God who defines right and wrong. People still do this today, but they may not necessarily make a physical “idol”. Idols can take various forms such as false religions, money, power or extremist causes that can harm others, but mainly they are all in opposition to God and His truth. It is all about one’s level of priority, respect and love for God and other people.
God will indeed hold each one accountable for these and all sins (Romans 3:19). The result either will be judgment and punishment if the Gospel is neglected (John 3:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 19:11) or forgiveness and life if the Gospel of Christ is accepted (John 3:16 & 14:19, 1 John 1:9 & 5:11-12).
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” – 2 Peter 3:8-9.
Animal Examples
Apart from the fact that God instructed mankind to “rule over” all the animals (Genesis 1:28), the Bible also speaks of animals as property. As noted before, this concept can be seen in Exodus 22:1-15 that discusses the consequences of various property loss scenarios, mainly involving animals among other goods and property. For stealing, which implies initial ownership, the thief is to make restitution by paying back 4 or 5 times, depending on the animal if it is unrecoverable (slaughtered or sold), but if it is still alive, he still must pay back double. In other cases mentioned of illegal possession; silver, oxen, donkeys, sheep, garments and other lost property are all treated the same, but none are comparable to the consequences of harming or killing people.
Again, Psalm 8:6-8 proclaims “You made him (man) ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, all the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim in the paths of the sea.” Jesus even rode a donkey (Matthew 21:1-7); and He used fish on many occasions.
Many of the disciples that Jesus chose were fisherman (Matthew 4:18-22). They realized He was more than just a man when they followed His instruction and supernaturally caught so many fish their boats started to sink (Luke 5:1-11). Jesus miraculously fed over 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and even had leftovers (Luke 9:13-17). A similar, but different event took place with about 4,000 people using 7 loaves and a “few small fish” (Mark 8:5-9). In order to avoid false accusations, Jesus provided a coin from the mouth of a lake fish to pay for taxes (Matthew 17:26-27). When Jesus’ disciples thought He had died permanently after the crucifixion, they went back to fishing in their boat and caught nothing. However, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to them on the shore while cooking fish over a campfire, and told them to cast their net one more time, but on the other side of the boat. After doing so, they caught 153 large fish – enough to amazingly fill the net, but not break it – similar to their first meeting with Him. Jesus then offered the crew some of His fish to eat (John 21:1-14).
Jesus used a parable about fishing to teach about the end times (Matthew 13:47-50). Similarly, the Bible uses many parables and analogies about other animals to explain things. Christians are compared to sheep, while Christ is the Shepherd (John 10:11). Jesus is called both a lion and a lamb – the first to symbolize His authority and power, the second to stress His sacrifice (Revelation 5:5-6). False teachers are compared to wolves (Matthew 7:15) and the wicked are likened to vipers (Matthew 12:34), just to name a few.
Furthermore, there are many other analogies and object lessons that God teaches through his creatures. The Scriptures say that those who have their hope in God will renew their strength like an eagle (Isaiah 40:31). Christians are to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). The devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8), speaking of his ferociousness. Proverbs 30:24-28 states that “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; coneys (badgers) are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” The behemoth, a brontosaurus-like animal, is used to show the power and creativity of the Creator (Job 40:15-24) – too large to be an elephant or hippopotamus (40:23), and not to mention has a tail like a cedar tree (40:17). Additionally, the leviathan is given as another magnificent dinosaur specimen (Job 41:1-34) that God used to teach humility.
Another important instance to note, is when Jesus drove out several demons from a man and sent them into a herd of pigs (Mark 5:1-20). The pigs then ran into a lake & drowned. The point is that Jesus cared more about the tormented man than He did about the 2,000 pigs. Also, when Jesus teaches us about God’s care for us in Matthew 10:29-31, He says “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
All these things should be a reminder that God is extremely creative, wise and compassionate. He has made this world and all that is in it. And even after a few thousand years of sin and its affects wearing on everything, He still is able to use it for His glory (Psalm 104:1-35) and to make all men aware of His “eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20). Then, He went on to further reveal Himself and His way of salvation in His Word.
Conclusion
The Almighty God of the Bible is the only God there is and He is the Creator of all. He is eternal, all-powerful, holy, majestic, all-knowing, wise, loving, patient and just. Mankind is sinful, rebelling against God’s holy standard; yet people are the most valuable creation in His sight. Physical death is the consequence of sin and affects all living, created things. All living things we know die. All mankind is accountable to God. Due to His justice, God must punish sin. Everyone has the option of taking the punishment themselves in eternal hell; or they can accept God’s loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, who took on the sins of the world. Christ’s dying for all man’s sins is the only way to eternal life with God and an ultimate display of His love for people and their value. Those that reject Him will all the more justly receive punishment. Those that accept and trust in Him will all the more justly receive life that is truly life.
Placing a higher or equal value on animals compared to any person is sin against God. When it results in harming people or their property, it is still a sin against God and also those people. This, not limiting, can take the form of lying, stealing, hating, prioritizing a cause above a relationship with God or making a “god” that will support a cause; and can occur whether they or anyone else knows it, because God always knows.
God wants people to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). He invitingly says “Come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). People are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) with a mind that sets them apart from all other creation. However, even if one doesn’t consider the wisdom of Scripture, they can rationalize that such extreme behavior and activism as that of HSUS, PETA, ALF and the like, are ludicrous and ultimately futile and draining of their own resources and those of society.
Such organizations should be of some concern and kept in check. However, it would seem that they are against the majority. And while they may wield large amounts of money, they are in opposition to some very large industries and public and governmental agencies, some of which include: hunting and fishing industries, sporting stores and mail order companies, weapon and ammunition manufacturers, fishing tackle and boat manufacturers, state and government agencies that benefit from licenses and fees and taxes, farmers, ranchers, restaurants, supermarkets, zoos, aquariums, veterinarians, pet stores, pet and veterinarian supply manufacturers and anything or anyone that supports them in any fashion.
There is a saying “What would Jesus do?” Would He oppose the laboratory use of animals? Would He think that circus’s are inhumane? Would He think sport hunting is wrong? Well, asking those questions is approaching things from the wrong end. God does not align Himself with human agendas. People must align themselves with His. Jesus’ agenda is to glorify His Father (John 14:13) and to “seek and save” people who are eternally lost (Luke 19:10).
God says that “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord” (Proverbs 21:30) and “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Therefore, whether any extreme activist group or anyone appears to succeed from an earthly standpoint, they will ultimately appear before God (Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 20:11-15). God is patient, but He does have limitations of justice. Life on earth is short. Eternity is forever. Revere God.
Before I expound on the issues of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS – not to be confused with the local animal shelters), I have to explain where I’m coming from. Each one of us has a “worldview” whether we realize it not. Our worldview is basically how we see the world around us and try to make sense of it. Many people have a “fractured” worldview where, what they believe about different areas doesn’t really fit together and can even be in conflict. This may be largely because many people don’t really stop to think how everything fits together and perhaps don’t think it should. The truth is that if it doesn’t fit together, then part of it is false. However, what we believe or know about one area of life will, in fact, affect how we think about other areas, but we may not always want to acknowledge it.
The worldview that I have found to be true and not in conflict with itself, is based on the Bible. All 66 books of the Bible are God’s written Word to us – it is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21) and extremely powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Without going into exhaustive detail (See: Can you trust the Bible?), the truths of the Bible have been confirmed by anything from archeology to fulfilled prophecy and can be evidenced by anything from our existence to our morality. However, it is primarily authenticated by the relationship that God has had with millions of His people over the centuries. This relationship is based on faith in God Almighty, the Gospel of Christ (His Son) and the reliable instructions He has given us in the Bible. It’s all about a relationship with God. It is not about religion, going to church, or doing any “good” deeds.
The Christian, although not perfect, seeks to know and please God and this is only possible through trusting in Christ Jesus’ death for the forgiveness of our sins and His resurrection to give us eternal life (John 14:6). Out of this relationship, flows love for God and other people that is the basis for anything truly “good” and pure. At times, the Christian (including me) stumbles & does wrong, but we always have a loving God ready to forgive (1 John 1:9).
We know what is right and wrong because the Bible shows us and God has given everyone a conscience that will tell us – if we haven’t become numb to it. Because the all-powerful God created all things, He calls the shots and everyone will be accountable to Him some day. This fact alone should affect the majority of our worldview. When we read the Bible, we have to be willing to agree with God about what He says is right and wrong. While it doesn’t always give us specific direction for every situation, it will give direction for the proper motives and other matters of the heart. That’s why it is so powerful and applicable. While technology and society continue to change, everyone still has the same moral heart problems and Christ Jesus is the only solution. Jesus Himself said that “Heaven (space) and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
In addition to providing moral direction, it also tells of what God has done in the past and what He will do in the future. No one was there in the distant past and no one is all-knowing besides God (Job 38:4), so we can’t argue, but we can trust Him. To lie would go against His character (Titus 1:2). To not agree with the Bible is basically saying that God doesn’t know what He’s talking about, which is never beneficial.
The Bible is commonly referred to as “the Word of God” or “the Word”. God takes it very seriously because it represents His character. In Psalm 138:2, the writer says “for You (God) have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word.” God holds it high and so should we. He will deal with those who malign it, mock it or use it to suit their own needs without really wanting to understand or acknowledge what God is wanting to teach them (Isaiah 29:13-16, 2 Peter 3:3-7). Satan even uses Scripture incorrectly (Matthew 4:1-11). In order to better know what God’s Word says, it is highly advantageous to know God (1 Corinthians 2:14-15) and He has opened up the invitation to everyone through the Gospel message (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). The Bible may seem like any other book from a distance, but if you ask Him, the infinitely wise God who dictated it can continue to reveal the timeless truths within – no matter how many times you read it. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
So, I would challenge anyone who reads this to consider the Gospel and your own eternal salvation; examine your own worldview and decide whether you believe the Bible enough to represent it.
“Every Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6).
Creator’s Creation
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” That’s the first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1. It’s difficult for us to imagine being eternal, but that is exactly what God is – He has no beginning or end. He was already there “in the beginning”. Everything we know is dictated by time – when we are born, when we die and everything in between. We are finite; God is infinite. He is outside of time and not restricted by it like we are.
God, a personal spirit being (John 4:24), is also all-powerful. He is above all things because He created all physical matter and the physics that govern them, as well as spiritual things (Colossians 1:15-17). The Bible teaches that He created the heavens, the earth and all that is in them in 6 literal days. By His mighty power, He merely spoke and things began existing. The subsequent verses of Genesis 1 tell that things were created as follows: light on the 1st day; sky and water on the 2nd; land and seas with vegetation on the 3rd; sun, moon and stars on the 4th; fish and birds on the 5th day; and land creatures (animals, dinosaurs, insects, etc.) and man (His pinnacle creation) on the 6th day when creation was complete (Genesis 2:1). This was followed by a 7th day of rest as a pattern for us, which is how a 7-day week was established (celestial movements govern all other time increments). The rest wasn’t because God was tired, but the original Hebrew word indicates a ceasing of activity (creating things).
The Bible makes a well defined and consistent distinction between man and all other living creatures. At several points in the creation account, it says “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21 & 25), but it wasn’t until He made man that it says “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (1:31). It may seem like this is being picky about the wording, but Proverbs 30:5 says “Every Word of God is flawless”, so the original words used are not accidental.
Furthermore, after creating land creatures on day-6, Genesis 1:26-28 tells us: “Then God said ‘Let Us make man in Our image, in Our likeness and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
The “Us” & “Our” are the first references to the unique concept of the Trinity of God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) that deserves far more explanation than can be accommodated here. Also, we know that when it says that mankind is made in God’s image or likeness, it is not referring to a physical body, but that we have been created with a spirit and with emotion like God, as well as a level of moral conscience, intellect and personhood that are above all animal kinds. The Hebrew words used are synonymous for a shadow or outline of a figure, or a resemblance. We do have a physical aspect like everything else that was created earlier in that week, but only man bears spiritual and emotional aspects like God and is the only one the Bible calls out as such. It’s important to note that the emotion mentioned is relative to moral issues or, rather, a moral awareness.
The original word translated “rule over” means to have dominion over. This word is also used in the Bible when a king has dominion over people and it has the sense of responsibility and ownership. The word translated “subdue” means to conquer or bring into subjection. While this is the case, the Bible also tells us to be good stewards and take care of God’s creation (Proverbs 12:10). The very fact that God created animals, gives them value. However, they were created for man’s use and enjoyment (Psalm 8:6-7).
In contrast to a Biblical view concerning animals, extreme animal rights people and organizations such as HSUS support “animal liberation” and claim “there is no rational basis for maintaining a moral distinction between the treatment of humans and other animals.” So what is their “rational basis”? Such notions generally come from a belief in biological macro-evolution that claims all animals came from a common ancestor. From the phrase “other animals” above, it also erroneously implies that people are animals and are of equal value. This stands in stark contrast to not only God’s truth, but to an honest look at the evidence and logical consideration. Of course, not all evolutionists come to such extreme conclusions.
This topic deserves a forum of its own, but some brief discussion will be provided so it won’t seem to be intentionally avoided and to provoke some thought. For example, natural selection deals with micro-evolution – short-haired dogs dying out in the Arctic, leaving long haired dogs. Genetic information is actually lost and that breed of dogs would lose the ability to reproduce short-haired variations, but will always produce dogs. That is how different species of the same animal kind or type come about. Macro-evolution, such as fish gradually producing a bird or reptile, requires animals to in some way create new genetic information for new features. Not only has this never been seen in living or fossilized animals (that’s why missing links are missing), but it is a physical impossibility, no matter how much time is allowed. Science – empirically testing to repeatedly validate a theory – does not support Darwinian evolution and does not conflict with creationism.
Additionally, the more we learn about life forms, the more specifically complex and structured they are (1 Corinthians 14:33), not random and accidental. DNA fascinatingly contains enormous amounts of information, but it had to be specifically created and something has to know specifically how to decode it for it to be useful. These are just a few examples, but much more information is available through organizations like www.answersingenesis.org.
Because we didn’t live in the past, have limited clues to examine, and are limited in our thinking, everyone has to start with assumptions. This is extremely critical when interpreting the evidence. The issue is not really creation vs. evolution, but rather or not God exists and if so, what is His involvement with our world. If someone starts out thinking there’s no God, they will likely end up with an evolutionary view of the world and try to force things to fit into it, making false deductions like the equal value of people and animals. Such a philosophy can give rise to many other problems as well. However, it is not to say that all evolutionists are atheists.
Romans 1:20 states “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Psalm 19:1-2 says “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”
Flood Stage
Not only does God give us an account of how the world was created in Genesis, but he also tells us how death came about. At the end of creation, everything was complete and completely perfect, death didn’t even exist and it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Genesis chapter 2 gives some further detail to the creation account and specifically that of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve.
There was perfect life in the garden of Eden where God conversed with Adam and Eve among the various animals without any threat of danger. Originally, all living creatures were vegetarians (Genesis 1:29-30) and again, death didn’t exist – even for animals. “In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and a tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9). In God’s infinite wisdom, He saw fit to arrange this, but did give them instruction: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must no eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).
Chapter 3 goes on to tell how they disobeyed and as a result, death was now eminent. It’s important to note that it was not immediate death, but the original word has the meaning of a continual dying until death occurs, just like we all experience. The Bible tells us that Adam went on to live a long time and have children, but did die (Genesis 4:1-2, 25, 5:3-5). This disobedience was sin – falling short of God’s standard. And because God is just, He had to administer the consequences of violating His holiness and absolute moral perfection. Romans 5:12 tells us “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned”. From our finite, flawed perspective it may seem that death is an extreme punishment, but again from His justice (Psalm 9:7-8), it shows us how seriously God disdains sin of any type.
This is validated by the fact that every single human that has lived, has died or will eventually die. The death sentence was even so far reaching that it affected all creation, including plants and animals (Romans 8:20-22). In fact, God is the first one who was reported to have killed an animal, shedding it’s blood (Genesis 3:21). Because of Adam and Eve’s knowledge of good and evil in their corrupted or fallen state, they were then ashamed of their nakedness compared to before (Genesis 2:25, 3:7). God then met their clothing need with “garments of skin” that necessitated the death of an animal. This physical need also represents a parallel spiritual need for a covering for our sin (Hebrews 9:22).
Adam and Eve now possessed a sin nature – the tendency to sin and stray from God. They passed this on to their children, as Cain became jealous and killed his brother Able (Genesis 4:8), and as Romans 5:12 reveals, we have inherited this sin nature. We don’t have to teach people to be bad. We have to teach them to be good. Babies naturally become selfish and jail populations are not decreasing.
After the “fall of man”, as it’s commonly referred to, things got worse. To the point where “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain. So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe mankind, whom I created, from the face of the earth – men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air – for I am grieved that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people of the earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, ‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark…’ (Genesis 6:5-14a).
God allowed Noah and his sons 100 years to build a ship of rot-resistant cypress wood that was 1.5 football fields long and 75 feet wide with 3 stories. This is the same aspect ratio that ship builders today have proven most stable. Then God guided 2 of every kind of land animal and bird to the ship to be “kept alive” (Genesis 6:20, 7:3). This large vessel was more than enough to house the estimated 16,000 “kinds” of animals with an average size of a goat, including dinosaurs. In addition, God told Noah to take his wife, three sons and their wives (7:1, 1 Peter 3:20).
God then shut the only door (Genesis 6:16, 7:16) and “on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights” (7:11b-12) until “all the high mountains” were covered “to a depth of more than twenty feet” (7:19-20). This really isn’t unrealistic, considering the earth’s surface is currently 75% water and that if you leveled out all the topography, there is enough water to cover it to a depth of 2 miles. There are ocean trenches deeper than the height of the tallest mountains.
This cataclysmic event completely rearranged the earth’s surface and buried everything and everyone outside of the ark under many layers of sedimentation and locked most of them into fossils all over the earth – exactly what we see today. A common misconception is that fossils are created over a long period of time. However, fossils require rapid burial of an organism within certain substances. If an animal dies and is not buried, it will decompose with even the bones breaking down into dust. A global flood, as described in the Bible, would first bury simple organisms and eventually more mobile animals as they climbed to avoid the ever-rising water. This is strikingly what the fossil record usually shows.
Genesis chapter 8 tells of the end of the flood where Noah, his family and the animal kinds exit the ark (8:18-19). They then built an alter and sacrificed the “clean” animals that God ordered extra, 7 of each, to be taken on the ark (7:2-3, 8:20). The man and animal survivors repopulated the earth (9:1, 7), although some of the animal kinds died out afterward, becoming extinct just as some even have done in recent times. Several species with varying traits descended from the original created “kinds”, but were still the same type of animal. While the animals were apparently docile on the ark (6:20-21), possibly some even in a hibernating state, at this point God said, “The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given unto your hands. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything” (9:2-3). Hence animals became wild and skittish, though still tamable, and God now permits animal-meat eating since death is now a part of life.
It should also be noted that while mankind originally had “dominion” to “rule over” the animals at creation, after sin and death entered the picture, everything changed. “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay” (Romans 8:20-21). As a result, man can no longer always “rule” every beast in the same sense. Not to mention, as noted above, that animals now have the “fear and dread” of man, often times attacking in fearful reaction returning the fear and dread to man.
After the flood, God said, “This is a sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds… Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life” (9:12-13 & 15). However, God still must judge everyone’s sin to maintain His justice, but He won’t use water; the Bible says He will use fire (2 Peter 3:3-9). Thankfully, the Bible also tells us that God has other attributes alongside His justice.
Animal Sacrifices
The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, mentions “clean” and “unclean” animals. The ceremonially clean animals were those that were acceptable as sacrifices and sometimes defined as those that were allowed for eating. The unclean were not. Sacrificially, these designations were more for teaching God’s people. Regarding food, in His wisdom, God disallowed certain animals such as scavengers and carrion that could transmit disease and still others just to teach His people (Deuteronomy 14:1-22).
By today’s standards, animal sacrifices may seem barbaric. However, in Biblical times, they were intensely significant. Animal sacrifices were just one type of offering that were burnt on an alter to God to make payment for sins and express gratitude (Leviticus 1:1-7:38). The animals could be from a herd (cows or oxen), from a flock (sheep or goats), or doves or young pigeons. They were not just any animals, but the herd or flock animals were to be “male without defect” (Leviticus 1:3 & 10, 5:15 & 18) – the very best had to be given to God. Many times, they were the peoples’ prized assets. This was very costly and showed them the seriousness of sin, perhaps making them think twice before another offense.
The animals were not just crudely tossed on a bonfire for a senseless ritual. God provided specific instruction on how to cut and skin the animal, washing and burning certain parts (Leviticus 1:6-9 & 12-17). Additional portions of meat were given as the priests’ share for food (Leviticus 7:28-34). However, the blood was the most important part, but was forbidden for anyone to eat (Leviticus 17:12).
Leviticus 17:11 states “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the alter; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” The blood from the sacrificed animals was carefully and precisely sprinkled around the alter (Leviticus 4:5-7). The shedding of blood meant the loss of life for that creature and held a spiritual significance. The cost of sin is death (Romans 6:23), so the sacrifice was the sinners physical recognition of their sin and its consequences.
The cost of sin is high. The Bible tells us that sin is breaking the law (1 John 3:4); not just any law, but God’s law. The Old Testament has hundreds of laws for various reasons, but let’s just look at the most famous – the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20).
It’s understood plainly from Scripture that all people are sinners, but if anyone wants to verify this, all they have to do is look at the 10 Commandments and ask some questions: Have I ever told a lie, no matter how small or how long ago? Have I ever stolen anything? The Bible says (Matthew 5:22, 1 John 3:15) that if we hate someone, it’s the same as murder in our heart – Have I ever hated anyone? Jesus says (Matthew 5:28) that if we look at someone with lust, it’s the same as adultery in our heart – Have I ever lusted? Have I ever wanted what someone else has? Have I always honored my parents? Have I ever used the Lord’s name as curse word to express disgust? Do I set aside time to worship God? Do I love other things more than or equal to God? Do I turn God into something He’s not (a form of idolatry)?
The point is this: everyone who has lived from creation until now has missed one or more of these. James 2:10 states “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” The Bible says that these sins require punishment – “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). Because God, the Lawgiver, is morally perfect & holy (Leviticus 11:44, Exodus 19:10-16) and cannot tolerate sin, and because He is just (Psalm 9:8, Revelation 19:11-13), He must punish sin – violation of His law.
Due to the seriousness of our sin to God, eternal punishment in hell awaits us all. However, while God must satisfy His justice and holiness, He is also loving, merciful and gracious. The only way He made possible for us to be spared was to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed on the cross. The choice everyone has to make is to either take their own punishment in hell forever; or trust that Christ’s sacrifice alone was for the punishment of all their sins, turning from sin (repenting) and receiving God’s eternal forgiveness (1 John 1:9) to go on and live with Him forever.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”, Jesus said in John 3:16-18.
While God setup the animal sacrifice system to teach His people about the cost and seriousness of sin, He intentionally left it incomplete (Hebrews 9:9-10, 10:4) to foreshadow the necessity of the ultimate sacrifice (Galatians 3:24) – “He (Jesus) sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself” (Hebrews 7:27).
Organizations like HSUS would have been at odds with God’s Old Testament animal sacrifice system, but it was graciously and effectively replaced forever through Jesus’ blood about 2,000 years ago.
Worship Of Created Things
One sin that animal rights extremists are violating is worshipping created things instead of the Creator. Romans 1:20-22 states “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew (about) God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts became darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.”
While God has given mankind an awesome environment with many intriguing animals, we should consider that the One who created them is greater than all that He created (Hebrews 3:3-4). He is the only One that is worthy of worship. There is nothing wrong with studying or working with animals as long as God remains a top priority, followed by people (Matthew 22:37-40).
Flowing from a viewpoint that equally values people and animals, comes the fact that some extremists will even kill or harm people in an effort to same animals. One of the 10 Commandments forbids murder of people (Exodus 20:13) and the consequence was the death penalty (Exodus 21:12). However, the Bible treats someone’s animals as personal property and if someone’s animal is killed or stolen, restitution or repayment was required just like any other property, but the crime wasn’t punishable by death (Exodus 22:1-4).
Two more of the 10 Commandments factor in as well. One sin is to worship & elevate other “gods” in addition to the true God of all creation with greater or equal priority in one’s life; Exodus 20:3 states “You shall have no other gods besides me”. When serving & promoting one’s own agendas above God’s, that commandment gets violated. Jesus reinforces this when He says that “No servant can have two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Luke 16:13).
Another sin is to try to distort one’s view of God to make it please one’s self; Exodus 20:4 commands “You shall not make for yourself an idol”. An idol is usually thought of as a physical object, but can be an ideology. In Biblical times, many people wrongly did make physical objects that represented what they wanted God to be so they could justify their sin instead of being accountable to the real God who defines right and wrong. People still do this today, but they may not necessarily make a physical “idol”. Idols can take various forms such as false religions, money, power or extremist causes that can harm others, but mainly they are all in opposition to God and His truth. It is all about one’s level of priority, respect and love for God and other people.
God will indeed hold each one accountable for these and all sins (Romans 3:19). The result either will be judgment and punishment if the Gospel is neglected (John 3:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 19:11) or forgiveness and life if the Gospel of Christ is accepted (John 3:16 & 14:19, 1 John 1:9 & 5:11-12).
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” – 2 Peter 3:8-9.
Animal Examples
Apart from the fact that God instructed mankind to “rule over” all the animals (Genesis 1:28), the Bible also speaks of animals as property. As noted before, this concept can be seen in Exodus 22:1-15 that discusses the consequences of various property loss scenarios, mainly involving animals among other goods and property. For stealing, which implies initial ownership, the thief is to make restitution by paying back 4 or 5 times, depending on the animal if it is unrecoverable (slaughtered or sold), but if it is still alive, he still must pay back double. In other cases mentioned of illegal possession; silver, oxen, donkeys, sheep, garments and other lost property are all treated the same, but none are comparable to the consequences of harming or killing people.
Again, Psalm 8:6-8 proclaims “You made him (man) ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, all the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim in the paths of the sea.” Jesus even rode a donkey (Matthew 21:1-7); and He used fish on many occasions.
Many of the disciples that Jesus chose were fisherman (Matthew 4:18-22). They realized He was more than just a man when they followed His instruction and supernaturally caught so many fish their boats started to sink (Luke 5:1-11). Jesus miraculously fed over 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and even had leftovers (Luke 9:13-17). A similar, but different event took place with about 4,000 people using 7 loaves and a “few small fish” (Mark 8:5-9). In order to avoid false accusations, Jesus provided a coin from the mouth of a lake fish to pay for taxes (Matthew 17:26-27). When Jesus’ disciples thought He had died permanently after the crucifixion, they went back to fishing in their boat and caught nothing. However, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to them on the shore while cooking fish over a campfire, and told them to cast their net one more time, but on the other side of the boat. After doing so, they caught 153 large fish – enough to amazingly fill the net, but not break it – similar to their first meeting with Him. Jesus then offered the crew some of His fish to eat (John 21:1-14).
Jesus used a parable about fishing to teach about the end times (Matthew 13:47-50). Similarly, the Bible uses many parables and analogies about other animals to explain things. Christians are compared to sheep, while Christ is the Shepherd (John 10:11). Jesus is called both a lion and a lamb – the first to symbolize His authority and power, the second to stress His sacrifice (Revelation 5:5-6). False teachers are compared to wolves (Matthew 7:15) and the wicked are likened to vipers (Matthew 12:34), just to name a few.
Furthermore, there are many other analogies and object lessons that God teaches through his creatures. The Scriptures say that those who have their hope in God will renew their strength like an eagle (Isaiah 40:31). Christians are to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). The devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8), speaking of his ferociousness. Proverbs 30:24-28 states that “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; coneys (badgers) are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” The behemoth, a brontosaurus-like animal, is used to show the power and creativity of the Creator (Job 40:15-24) – too large to be an elephant or hippopotamus (40:23), and not to mention has a tail like a cedar tree (40:17). Additionally, the leviathan is given as another magnificent dinosaur specimen (Job 41:1-34) that God used to teach humility.
Another important instance to note, is when Jesus drove out several demons from a man and sent them into a herd of pigs (Mark 5:1-20). The pigs then ran into a lake & drowned. The point is that Jesus cared more about the tormented man than He did about the 2,000 pigs. Also, when Jesus teaches us about God’s care for us in Matthew 10:29-31, He says “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
All these things should be a reminder that God is extremely creative, wise and compassionate. He has made this world and all that is in it. And even after a few thousand years of sin and its affects wearing on everything, He still is able to use it for His glory (Psalm 104:1-35) and to make all men aware of His “eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20). Then, He went on to further reveal Himself and His way of salvation in His Word.
Conclusion
The Almighty God of the Bible is the only God there is and He is the Creator of all. He is eternal, all-powerful, holy, majestic, all-knowing, wise, loving, patient and just. Mankind is sinful, rebelling against God’s holy standard; yet people are the most valuable creation in His sight. Physical death is the consequence of sin and affects all living, created things. All living things we know die. All mankind is accountable to God. Due to His justice, God must punish sin. Everyone has the option of taking the punishment themselves in eternal hell; or they can accept God’s loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, who took on the sins of the world. Christ’s dying for all man’s sins is the only way to eternal life with God and an ultimate display of His love for people and their value. Those that reject Him will all the more justly receive punishment. Those that accept and trust in Him will all the more justly receive life that is truly life.
Placing a higher or equal value on animals compared to any person is sin against God. When it results in harming people or their property, it is still a sin against God and also those people. This, not limiting, can take the form of lying, stealing, hating, prioritizing a cause above a relationship with God or making a “god” that will support a cause; and can occur whether they or anyone else knows it, because God always knows.
God wants people to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). He invitingly says “Come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). People are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) with a mind that sets them apart from all other creation. However, even if one doesn’t consider the wisdom of Scripture, they can rationalize that such extreme behavior and activism as that of HSUS, PETA, ALF and the like, are ludicrous and ultimately futile and draining of their own resources and those of society.
Such organizations should be of some concern and kept in check. However, it would seem that they are against the majority. And while they may wield large amounts of money, they are in opposition to some very large industries and public and governmental agencies, some of which include: hunting and fishing industries, sporting stores and mail order companies, weapon and ammunition manufacturers, fishing tackle and boat manufacturers, state and government agencies that benefit from licenses and fees and taxes, farmers, ranchers, restaurants, supermarkets, zoos, aquariums, veterinarians, pet stores, pet and veterinarian supply manufacturers and anything or anyone that supports them in any fashion.
There is a saying “What would Jesus do?” Would He oppose the laboratory use of animals? Would He think that circus’s are inhumane? Would He think sport hunting is wrong? Well, asking those questions is approaching things from the wrong end. God does not align Himself with human agendas. People must align themselves with His. Jesus’ agenda is to glorify His Father (John 14:13) and to “seek and save” people who are eternally lost (Luke 19:10).
God says that “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord” (Proverbs 21:30) and “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Therefore, whether any extreme activist group or anyone appears to succeed from an earthly standpoint, they will ultimately appear before God (Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 20:11-15). God is patient, but He does have limitations of justice. Life on earth is short. Eternity is forever. Revere God.