The scientific world has been abuzz with excitement recently with the “possible” discovery of life on Mars. Scientists believe they have found evidence of biological organisms on a Mars meteorite suggesting that life existed there some four billion years ago.
Many people are intrigued with the idea that we are not “alone” in the universe. Their idea of life in the galaxies does not include the concept of God, only of extraterrestrial life. Since 1960, scientists in America have been searching for extraterrestrial intelligence. Some years ago, Dr. Carl Sagan and Dr. Frank Drake were asked by NASA to design an interstellar communication system for the purpose of letting extraterrestrials know that we are here. Thus far, there has been no word from “E.T.”
Why is there such an interest in life in outer space? Is there anything beyond the curiosity factor? Indeed! There are those who believe that if life evolved on earth, it not only could have evolved elsewhere, but must have done so. Again, some evolutionists feel obliged to believe in some form of life in space because they are convinced that this (if proven) will sound the death knell for the idea of creation. One writer said, “Religions which contend that God made man in His own image could be severely shaken if we found another intellectual race made in a different image.” (Ian Ridpath, Signs Of Life, p. 13).
The Bible student is aware of the silence of the Scriptures on this particular matter. The Word of God does not suggest the existence of extraterrestrial life, nor does it deny such, but the evidence is strongly against such a notion. The earth has been appointed a unique role in the universe: “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men” (Psalm 115:16). There are celestial bodies mentioned in Scripture — sun, moon and stars (1 Corinthians 15:40-41), but the earth alone is said to be a dwelling place (Acts 17:26). It is a dwelling place created uniquely for mankind. The redemptive efforts of the God of heaven are limited to earth and the men of earth:
- God’s love was directed to this world in the giving of “his only begotten Son” (John 3:16).
- It was on the earth that God became flesh “and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-14).
- It was on the earth that Christ “went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil” (Acts 10:38)
- In his death, Jesus was lifted up between heaven and earth (John 12:32).
- It was on the earth that Jesus died for the sins of men (Hebrews 2:9)
It seems that some are more interested in a life that may be than in the life that now is and is to be. The abundant life eludes them. An imagined life engrosses them. Sad!
