I recently was in a conversation about Aliens and the enquirer was curious to know if they exist. I decided to be coy and asked “And what if they do, how would this affect one’s faith?”
The bible records the creation of angels in the heavenly realms (Ps. 148:2, 5; Neh. 9:6). These ministering spirits (Heb 1:14) have visited the earth to execute God’s will (Heb. 13:2, Gen. 18:2, 19:1) and there are those thathave fallen from their spiritual position in heaven (Is. 14:12, Luke 10:18). There is no implicit mention of other extraterrestrial beings in the bible. However, the Bible is very clear that what was written is for our learning (Rom 15:4) and we have all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).
The Bible did not tell us in details of other planets, how many there are, what is in the core of the earth but it informs us of what is essential to mankind’s salvation. The truth of God’s word is not changed by discovering new species of marine life in the depths of the ocean or a new planet. Neither should one’s faith be changed by our findings in space, under the sea or under the earth.
I am intrigue with Science fiction films and Hollywood makes a lot of business with the curious subject of Aliens and UFOs. They feed off the inquisitive minds of the audience and their interest in the subject of extra terrestrial life bypromoting the popular notion “Do you really know if we (earth) are alone?”. This mysterious feeling of “uncertainty” adds to the ticket sales and interest in the movie genre. There are also religious fanatics who try to use the Bible to prove Aliens exists and misapply the proper context of passages. A case in point is the literalinterpretation of Ezekiel’s visionin Ezekiel 1 to be that of him seeing a UFO rather than as the scripturessays a Godly vision with Biblical figurative languages and symbolism.
Col. 2:8 warns us to not be captured by vain philosophy and 1 Tim. 1:4 reminds us not to be caught up with things that does not advance the work of God. The message of Aliens should not deter you from the establish message and harmonious truth of God & Jesus Christ. As Paul encouraged the Galatians church in Gal 1:8-9 any message spoken by any being (angels, humans or otherwise) that is in conflict with that which isrecorded should be tossed away!
Based on the internal & external evidences of the Bible, I stand, just like the apostle Paul, resolute in my conviction that
What we should be concerned about is being prepared for the last day when this universe (Alien or no alien) will be no more! (Matt 24:35, 2 Pet. 3:7-12, Rev 21:1)
Angel Brown is our web administrator. He has been working with the church for practically all his life. He has held the positions of Sunday Teacher, Bible Class Teacher and Youth Leader for the local congregation he attends.
Angel Brown
March 1, 2017