Does Scripture Refer to Life in Outer Space?

Some people think that the Bible records that spirit beings, both good and evil, are to be found in space. Ephesians 6:12 refers to "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," and Daniel 10:12-13 gives us a glimpse of the warfare that goes on in high places. Beyond this, selected Scripture verses are sometimes also quoted in support of physical beings in space as distinct from the spirit world:

• "Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you." (Deuteronomy 30:4)
• "And the multitudes of heaven worship you" (Nehemiah 9:6)
• "In that day the Lord will punish the powers in the heavens above" (Isaiah 24:21)
• "And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens" (Mark 13:27)
• "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also" (John 10:16)

It is important to notice that several of these references could well refer to angels. The verses could also describe different groups of people scattered across the earth. Finally, we must note that the term “heaven” is a term whose definition is dependent upon its context. It can mean: outer space, the sky, the general direction of “up,” a paradise, or the abode of God. Therefore, these texts are not evidence of extraterrestrial life. In contrast, Scripture in general indicates the uniqueness of the earth as a sustainer of life.

• "The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to man" (Psalm 115:16)
• "He who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited" (Isaiah 45: 18)

Does the Bible teach that there are other alien life forms?

The idea of alien life forms has become very popular today. Unfortunately, many Christian men and women have been caught up in the frenzy as well and have begun to try to find vague allusions in the scripture to alien life forms. The sad truth is that any belief in alien life forms is founded on the assumption that evolution is true. If evolution is not true however, then the hope and belief in alien life forms quickly vanishes.

Some would say that God could have created aliens. Of course God could have done that, but in the Bible it is very clear that he did not. Remember that all of the celestial objects, including the sun, moon, planets, and ALL OF THE STARS in the universe were created for signs, seasons, days and years. The question is this: signs, seasons, days and years for whom? They were created for signs, seasons, days, and years for the inhabitants on Earth. Therefore, any other galaxy, star system, or celestial object which would "harbor life" would be FOR US (humans on earth) and not for any other creature or life form. Two other scriptures really eliminate the idea of alien life:

Psalm 115:16 "The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men." The heavens belong to God and not to alien life forms.

Isaiah 45:18 "For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else." He created the earth to be inhabited, not other planets.

Someone would then ask, why then did he make the universe so big? The answer again is simple: to declare his glory, to show his power, and to give you a revelation of his love for us. Only when you gain a revelation of the enormity of the universe can you then state what the Psalmist stated:

Psalm 8:3-4 "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"

The sad truth is that nearly all belief systems in alien life forms ultimately end up undermining the word of God and destroying people's faith.

This article adapted from the book,
The Bible and Astronomy
written by Dr. Donald DeYoung.