Most theologians believe the original animals that populated the Garden of Eden were not hostile, dangerous, or predatory. The book of Genesis says, "Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field" (2:19–20).
There's no suggestion any of the animals were dangerous or that Adam was afraid of them. But after Adam and Eve sinned, a curse fell over the earth that affected the totality of creation. The Bible says, "Creation was subjected to frustration" (Romans 8:19–20 NIV). The curse spread among the animals like a plague, upsetting the tranquility of nature.
However, when Jesus sets up His Golden Age, the world of animals will be transformed.
Creation Liberated From Bondage
The restoration of the animal kingdom in the Millennium is in keeping with the overall redemption that Christ will accomplish when He returns. As Paul made clear, "The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God (Romans 8:21, NIV).
The prophet Ezekiel adds a word about this from the Lord: "I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods" (34:25).
Hosea 2:18 says, "In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, with the birds of the air, and with the creeping things of the ground."
Even the animals will feel the warmth of the power of Jesus Christ. He will revolutionize their temperament and return them to their former state in the Garden of Eden.
Think of this wonderful new world!
Even the animals will feel the warmth of the power of Jesus Christ. He will revolutionize their temperament and return them to their former state in the Garden of Eden.
Predator and Prey in Harmony
In Isaiah 11:6, we are told that during the Millennial reign of Jesus on earth, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."
A similar scene is painted later in Isaiah 65: "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox" (v. 25). This indicates predatory animals will no longer be carnivores. They won't hunt other animals for food.
Perhaps the most shocking picture is in Isaiah 11:8: "The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den." Imagine toddlers playing with cobras and vipers the way they'd play with a puppy or a set of building blocks. It's hard to envision, but Isaiah was using vivid images to make a point. Nature will be different. Animals will be kind. The curse will be lifted. During the Millennium, you'll be able to enjoy most any animal on earth as a pet without fear.
During the Millennium, you'll be able to enjoy most any animal on earth as a pet without fear.
The Animal Kingdom Rejoicing
Not only will animals continue to exist during the Millennium, but they will also continue to perform their created purpose—namely, worshiping God.
Even now, there's a sense that animals live to praise God. Psalm 148 says, "Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths . . . beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl. . . . Let them praise the name of the LORD" (vv. 7–13).
Can we not feel the way nature's beauty and incredible diversity seem to join in praise of its Creator? If the world of nature sings God's praises now, imagine how loudly that voice will ring during the coming Golden Age.
Animal Sacrifice Renewed
The bible prophecies that during the Millennium, animal sacrifices will once again take place at a Jewish temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 43:13-17). This may seem surprising, given that Jesus has already fulfilled the significance of the Old Testament sacrifices by offering Himself on the cross.
The book of Hebrews tells us that Christ put an end to all sacrifices for sin. This is one of the major objections to believing in a literal Millennial reign of Christ among some church branches. They believe mentioning animal sacrifices in prophetic passages must mean Millennial prophecies aren't pointing toward our future.
Dr. Dwight Pentecost explained the reason for the resumption of this sacrificial system, writing, "The sacrifices will be memorial in character."1 In other words, animal sacrifices will be a teaching tool to show the people of Israel the vital importance of what Jesus did in shedding His blood for them on the cross.
In the Millennium, animal sacrifices will be a teaching tool to show the people of Israel the vital importance of what Jesus did in shedding His blood for them on the cross.
The Scriptures and prophecies help us to envision a future where the animal kingdom is restored to a state of harmony and peace, serving as a powerful reminder of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. It is through the understanding of God's Word we are offered hope for a remarkable future characterized by tranquility, praise, and coexistence.
1J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1958), 525.
