Would proof that aliens exist impact the Christian faith?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In the beginning, God created everything that exists (Genesis 1:1). This includes water (v. 7), land (v. 9), plants (v. 11) and animals (v. 20-25). In addition, He is recorded to have made two sentient classes of beings with a spiritual awareness: angels and humanity. Some of the angels rebelled and followed Lucifer and are now without the hope of reconciliation (Genesis 3:14; Hebrews 6:4-6). Humanity rebelled as well, but they were given the offer of grace and redemption (Genesis 3:15, 21).

Both angels and humanity were created with the freedom of choice. We might assume this freedom would also have been given to extraterrestrials, with the same possibility of disobedience. However, Christ’s shed blood for mankind might be ineffectual for them, as aliens may not have been made in His image. What redemption, if any, God would offer to intelligent life on other planets is not discussed in Scripture. Proof that aliens exist would therefore have little to no bearing on the Christian faith.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God is directly recorded as creating two classes of beings who were aware of His presence: angels (Psalms 103:20) and humans (Genesis 1:26-27).
• Only humans are explicitly said to be made "in the image of God" (Genesis 1:27).
• Some of the angels rebelled and were condemned (Genesis 3:14).
• Mankind rebelled and was promised redemption (Genesis 3:15, 21).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Christ came to bring humanity back to the Father (Mark 10:45; Luke 15:20, 23:34; John 14:6; Romans 5:8, 6:23, 8:1; Ephesians 2:13).
• Angels were not given this option of salvation and are described as longing to look into God’s plan of redemption (1 Peter 1:12).
• The rebellious angels have no hope of redemption (Hebrews 6:4-6).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

If we accept the Bible's account of creation, the discovery of alien life would be an extension of God's creation. There is no mention of extraterrestrial life in the Bible. That silence does not rule out the possibility of life on other planets. What we do know is that God made the way possible for us to be saved. The Bible tells us to call on the name of the Lord and we will be saved (Romans 10:13). While thinking about aliens is interesting, we cannot exchange what we do not know for what we do know. God made His redemptive plan clear to humanity, and He made it clear that not all beings He created—i.e. angels—are part of redemptive plan. Therefore, the Christian faith would not be impacted negatively even if proof of aliens was found. It would not change the relationship between human beings and God. Further, no such proof has yet been discovered.

UNDERSTAND

• We know for certain that God created two classes of sentient beings: angels and humans. Both were given the ability to choose obedience or rebellion. We are not explicitly told that these are the only two classes that exist in the universe.
• Humans are unique because they were created "in the image of God," and while both angels and humans rebelled, only humans were offered redemption through Christ's sacrifice.
• Christ's salvation was specifically for humanity. Angels, including those who rebelled, do not have the option of redemption. Extraterrestrial life may or may not be covered by Christ's sacrifice, or some other form of redemption.

REFLECT

• How does the concept of humans being uniquely created in God's image shape your understanding of your own worth and purpose?
• What does the fact that humanity and angels both were able to choose between rebellion and obedience to God but only humanity was given salvation teach you about God’s redemptive plan?
• Consider the text's stance on Christ's redemption being solely for humanity. How does this affect your perspective on your role in sharing the gospel?

ENGAGE

• If we discovered intelligent alien life, how might it challenge or reinforce our interpretation of scripture and our understanding of God's creation?
• Aliens, if they exist, may or may not be part of God's redemptive plan. How does this impact our approach to potential interplanetary missions or contact with extraterrestrial life?
• How can we remain open and interested in new discoveries while not straying from what we do know according to the Bible?