Over the last six months a certain topic has come up over and over again. This topic has been brought up on TV shows and there was even a congressional hearing on it. The topic is UFOs. For the Christian, the topic of UFOs can be difficult to examine and even to talk about. Truly, there “seems” to be a large amount of evidence to advance the thesis that UFOs (objects and/or life of an other world origin) are real. But, how do (and should) Christians examine this phenomenon? As you can see, I have entitled this article, “Those Pesky UFOs And The Word Of GOD.” What I will set out to do is examine this topic as well as setting the foundation for all other examinations of topics which can be a challenge to a believer. I hope also to assist you, the reader, with learning how to ask questions, in order to know how to look at GOD’S Word for guidance. Think of it like typing into a search engine; once you know how to phrase the question you can get a better result.
Not too long ago, I was asked by a fellow co-worker, who also professes CHRIST JESUS as LORD, what I thought about UFOs. He, at this point, as far as I know, is still a firm believer in UFOs. From the Word of GOD, I am now even more convinced UFOs are not alien, in nature (i.e. alien life outside our solar system including aircraft also not of this solar system which is not mentioned in GOD’S Word). Before I go further, I want to make clear I am not disparaging my co-worker. I informed him some time ago I would be writing on this topic and showing why UFOs, as the media describes, cannot be. Indeed, the last time I actually had a conversation with someone about UFOs was about 12-13 years ago. I am grateful for him bringing the topic up, because it made me have to go back and re-examine everything so I would know how to articulate clearly on the matter. I will also be sharing this with him, so if I have not represented his position clearly and/or accurately, he can give clarity and I will update immediately. First, his position and then mine:
** He believes UFOs are real due to the vast amount of video and analysis done on those videos, along with other capabilities in tracking and/or identifying objects that have unknown origins. He reconciles GOD’S Word with UFOs by claiming the Bible was only given to men for men. The Bible does not have application or is necessary for those things which lie outside our solar system – really, outside of the earth’s atmosphere. He also believes GOD did create all things. He is clear that GOD has created the universe. He simply believes UFOs are outside of the authority of the bible due to the bible being given to man and not to aliens. **
** I believe that UFOs are not true, in the aspect of there being alien life or technology in the universe which GOD has not disclosed in HIS Word. I also hold and put forth that GOD’S Word is authoritative for all of creation everywhere – that which is seen and unseen. I also hold that GOD does not act in secret towards HIS image bearers – if there is a blessing or judgement to come, or if there are schemes which can be used to lead mankind astray, GOD makes us aware of those things (if not specifically, then in the general broader application). **
Let me begin by sharing a couple of verses from the LORD JESUS.
24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to… (Mark 4:24)
18 “So take care how you listen…” (Luke 8:18)
Do you see the difference in the two verses? However, the two separate books and chapters are the same context. Both of these chapters are dealing with the parable of the sower. Specifically, the general context of the above verses is regarding the lamp being placed on a table (freely sowing the Word of GOD to all). Thus, these two verses give us insight/application, on how we should go about studying and/or examining GOD’S Word, materials, documents, or other items. Look at the first word, “what.” It implies the object of information being presented. If you are in medical school, what you listen to are the teachers and text books etc. It also gives indication that there is a hierarchy of authority and importance in the material you examine. The next word is , “how.” This identifies the process or the mode in your listening. Think of reading the Word of GOD. When you open it up, hopefully, you come in a humble manner and seek to have understanding and grow in CHRIST. Now think of reading a comic book – its a different manner than reading the Bible. These are two very different modes or processes in listening, reading, understanding and evaluating. Both the “what” and “how” then give clarity on how we should process and proceed. With that, let us then proceed on how to address the topic of UFOs.
The first place any Christian should go when seeking to have understanding on a specific subject is the Word of GOD and prayer. Seeking the LORD to give you guidance and clarity in how and where to look in HIS Word is of the upmost importance. The main area to explore is asking the following question, “If GOD has made the universe (everything in it and most importantly), is HE is Sovereign over HIS creation?” Yes, we have to begin with creation. Once you have solidified that first question it becomes apparent there is no other “god” and no other “creator” and everything that has been created and come into being (seen and unseen) is by GOD alone, and for GOD alone. The next question that has to be addressed is, “Is the Bible the ‘actual’ Word of GOD?” Here is where the rubber meets the road. If you answer the bible is not really the “actual” Word of GOD – at best, “it is inspired of GOD, but its the word of man” – then you have no basis for objective certainty and you have made GOD a liar. However, if you do hold to the truth that the Bible is the “actual” word of GOD; then your foundation is solid and you have a basis by which to filter the world/creation and all that is in it. Now that those two base lines have been established, the next area to look into is: “Has GOD said anything directly on the subject (in this case UFO’S)?” If HE has, then great, lets see what it says. What is the context and are there any other sections of Scripture that validate the former? If there is not, does GOD give us any guidance that helps to direct us on the topic? Are there any questions to the character of GOD, contrary to the Word of GOD or call into question the existence of GOD? These are types of questions which would help us to identify a deception or lie by the evil one and/or give clarity. So, with that, it s now time to switch gears and just lay things out.
My friend’s thought that the Bible is only for me and not for what is outside our atmosphere is a flawed thought. Is it true the Bible is a self disclosure of GOD to man? Yes, that assertion is true! My friend has, in that limited respect, answered truly. But, it is the wrong question with the wrong focus. The right question is: “Does the Word of GOD change for anyone?” Is GOD ever changing? Let me put it this way, when GOD said whoever sins will die – are there “any” entities anywhere in the entire creation that are not subject to that? The answer is no. How do I know this? GOD. Is there another sentient creation of GOD that has the capacity to sin? Yes, the angels. What happened to the angels when they sinned? They became demons and are sentenced to an eternity of torment in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. The next consideration is: GOD never changes! So, when GOD declares HIS Word to us, HE is declaring HIS very essence and character – HIS very being – to the extent a creation of HIS can comprehend. Because GOD never changes, HIS Word is authoritative over all that HE has created. Just because GOD disclosed this to us in HIS Word does not mean HIS Word does not have authority over all creation everywhere. GOD simply revealed this part of HIMSELF to us so we might understand HIM more. Look at the following from Psalm 103:
19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
22 Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103:19–22)
The above Scripture clearly indicates that GOD is Sovereign over all, throughout the entire universe – all that is seen and unseen. This means, if there was alien life outside what is disclosed in Scripture, GOD has created it and HE is Sovereign over it. This is an absolute fact according to GOD’S Word. To further expound on this briefly look at the following:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (John 1:1–3)
Now there can be no misunderstanding everything that has come into being has done so by GOD the FATHER, and the agent which manifested it was GOD, the SON – JESUS. Since HE is the CREATOR, all HIS creations are governed by HIS Sovereignty. Next, in GOD’S Word, does GOD warn us of dangers ahead of time to keep us from sinning? Does GOD reveal to us those things which can cause division, call our faith into question, lead us in deception and have us to stumble? Yes. Throughout GOD’S Word, HE has clearly told us and warned us of what happens if we do not obey HIM. Also, GOD has told us of the lies and deceptions of the devil and his demons. GOD has even told us of the deceptions which will occur in the last days (see Matthew 7,24 and Revelation, just to mention a couple). So, it is fair to say, if there was a creation of GOD’S which was sentient and had the capacity and would be used to tempt us, cause us to stumble and sin, GOD would tell us before hand in HIS Word.
Now, the very foundation of alien life, apart from that which GOD has revealed, comes crumbling down. You see, my friend said UFO’s were not bound by the Word of GOD. However, because UFO’s, reportedly, have already interacted with and thus influenced us already – this then calls into question the very existence of GOD and that HE alone is CREATOR – in other words “did GOD say?”. That is the lie the devil has used, literally from the very beginning. There are, as far as I know, only two sections of Scripture that illustrate alien vehicles. First, Elijah in 2 Kings 2 and second in Ezekiel 1. Both of these sections leave open to me our ability to encounter something from the unseen spiritual world and even a vehicle from that realm, if GOD so wanted it. But, it is clear that the life and vehicles encountered are of the LORD and more than that HE has informed us of them in HIS Word. GOD has not left us in the dark on this matter. So, by the Word of GOD I can say there is alien life – angels and demons. One, angels are for our good and used to conform us to the image of CHRIST. The other is fallen angels which are now demons. These are used to deceive and keep people from GOD. But, there is no indication of any other life form which GOD would have to interact with us and which could be for our benefit or our harm. Indeed, there appears to be video evidence of objects we cannot explain. However, before thinking they are alien we should examine the Word. GOD is faithful! HIS unfailing love is everlasting! If GOD had made another life, outside of our earth, which would eventually interact with us – GOD would have revealed that. HE is a good GOD! HIS Word is authoritative over all of HIS creation – seen and unseen. When we first come to the LORD in HIS Word and prayer we become equipped on how to examine and digest what this dark and evil world would throw at us to try and deceive us. When we come to HIM first to seek and understand we honor HIM and thus honor the FATHER. Let whatever we do always be done to bring GOD glory through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.
Shane Sands is the founder and president of United In Christ Jesus, a gospel evangelism missions ministry which began in 2010. Shane is husband to Holly, his godly wife (he defiantly married up). They both live in South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with their ever idiotic cat, Mister Bojangles. Shane has been blessed to travel to numerous countries and states, along with his wife, to preach the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.