Heaven and the Heavens

Is there life on other planets? Many research organizations are dedicated to finding extraterrestrial life—beings that do not originate on earth. Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence—SETI, for short—is a collective name for several groups who use the latest technology to monitor the skies for transmissions from civilizations on other worlds. So far, the results have been dismal.

However, the Bible seems to hint about life on other worlds. In fact, Hebrews 11:3 tells us that “the worlds were framed by the word of God.”

Some people find the passage “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) to be confusing. What does it mean by “the heavens”? It could possibly be our own solar system, but notice that the verse doesn’t include a timeline, so it’s also possible that verse 1 is an opening statement broadly identifying God as the Creator of all things— the entire universe. It isn’t necessarily saying that the whole universe was created during the six days of Creation.

We see another clue in the book of Job when we read how “the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord” (1:6). Just as Adam was a “son of God” who represented our world—and eventually gave up that position to Satan—so there are other “sons of God,” representatives from other planets, who apparently gathered for the divinely called assembly described in Scripture.

It appears that for a time, Satan had some access to a place in the heavens. Even the devil’s own evil spirits appear to have been able to approach God. (See 1 Kings 22:19–21.) But when Christ secured the salvation of the world, “the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night” was “cast down” (Revelation 12:10).

Someday there will be a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1) and our enemy will no longer have dominion over this world, for “the ruler of this world is judged” (John 16:11).

Apply It:

Imagine visiting other worlds in the universe. What would you expect to find?

Dig Deeper:

Hebrews 1:2; Exodus 20:11; Revelation 14:7

Key Bible Texts

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (Job 1:6 KJV)