The Bible does not explicitly mention the existence of extraterrestrial life or UFOs. However, there are some biblical principles that can guide our thinking on this topic.
God is the Creator of all life
The Bible teaches that God created the heavens and the earth, and everything in them (Genesis 1:1). He created the sun, moon and stars (Genesis 1:16). He created the birds of the air, the fish in the sea, and every living creature on earth (Genesis 1:20-25). As the sovereign Creator, God has authority over all He has made.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16 ESV)
So if there is life on other planets, God created it. But Scripture does not definitively state whether God has created physical or spiritual life anywhere else in the universe. The Bible’s focus is on God’s relationship with humanity on earth.
Humanity is unique among earthly creatures
According to Scripture, human beings are distinct from the rest of earthly creation because we are made in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). We have a spiritual component that allows us to relate to and worship God in a way that animals cannot. We are also given a mandate to exercise stewardship over the earth (Genesis 1:28).
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26 ESV)
So while alien life could potentially exist, it seems unlikely there are other “humans” on other planets made in God’s image. Humanity’s image-bearing status appears unique to earth.
The gospel is for all of creation
The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ is extended to the entire cosmic order, not just earth. Christ’s death and resurrection reconciles all things to God.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20 ESV)
So Christ’s redemptive work has implications for the entire material universe. Theoretical alien life on other planets would not be excluded from the offer of salvation, if they have fallen into sin.
Angels exist in the spiritual realm
Even if alien life does not exist elsewhere in the physical universe, the Bible affirms the existence of intelligent, non-human spiritual beings. Angels are servants of God who sometimes interact with the physical world (Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:14). They are organized, have different roles, and are more numerous than humanity (Luke 2:13-15; Romans 8:38).
Angels were created by God to serve and worship him. But some rebelled under Satan’s leadership (Revelation 12:7-9). Demons are understood by most Christians to be these fallen angels. So the spiritual realm certainly contains intelligent, powerful beings other than humanity.
God reveals what we need to know
Ultimately, questions about extraterrestrial life are speculative. The Bible does not give clear answers about life on other planets because it is focused on revealing God’s relationship with human beings on earth.
As God’s special creation, humans are called to trust him and obey his Word. Speculation about aliens or UFOs should not distract us from what God has clearly revealed in Scripture about his purposes for humanity and all of creation.
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV)
God knows all. And he has revealed what we need to know in order to be reconciled to him through Christ, and to live on mission for him on earth. We can trust that God’s purposes encompass the entire cosmos, even if parts remain a mystery to us during this life.
UFO sightings have natural explanations
There have been many alleged UFO sightings over the decades. Some of these can be explained as experimental aircraft, weather phenomena, or astronomical objects. They do not necessitate the existence of alien visitors. In other cases, UFO reports have been shown to be hoaxes or misidentifications of mundane objects.
As far as legitimate unexplained sightings, Christians differ in their views. Some see them as evidence of supernatural demonic activity deceptively impersonating “aliens.” Others simply reserve judgement, acknowledging that no definitive proof of extraterrestrial intelligence has been found.
Either way, God encourages us not to be distracted by sensational claims, but to focus on what we can know for certain from Scripture. We can be confident in God’s wise and loving purposes, even if parts of the cosmos remain mysterious to us.
Speculation should not replace Scripture
When it comes to aliens and UFOs, there is room for debate among Christians. But we must be careful not to dogmatically assert speculative beliefs that go beyond Scripture.
Some “ancient astronaut” theories propose that aliens visited earth in biblical times, or even created life here. But these ideas directly contradict the biblical account of God’s creative and redemptive work.
Other Christians see an openness in Scripture to extraterrestrial life, without compromising key doctrines. But even this openness must be held tentatively. Definitive proof remains elusive.
In the absence of clear biblical teaching, speculation about aliens should be held loosely. We should avoid dogmatism either for or against their existence. Scripture alone is our trustworthy guide.
We are called to faithfulness on earth
Questions about hypothetical alien life should not distract us from clear biblical instruction about how we are to live. We are called to seek Christ, grow in godliness, share the gospel, and serve God’s kingdom purposes with our lives.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)
Rather than obsessing over speculative ideas about aliens, we honor God by focusing on the identity, responsibilities and hope He has graciously revealed to us in Scripture. Our calling is to live for Christ right here on earth.
Christ’s return will bring new creation
When Christ returns, he will usher in the new creation – a glorious, eternal reign of peace, justice and joy in God’s presence. The whole creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:18-22).
If alien life exists elsewhere, we can trust that God in his wisdom has also prepared a way of redemption through Christ. One day, the new creation will encompass far more than we can imagine.
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— (1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV)
Until then, we walk by faith and not by sight. Our hope is anchored in Christ and the gospel, not hypothetical discoveries about life in distant galaxies. With expectant hearts, we look ahead to the day when all God’s mysteries will be unveiled.