What is life? Put this question to a biologist and he responds: Ask me another. Ask a chemist and he might provide the inquirer with an obtuse mathematical equation. Ask an astronomer about the source of life and he might point to the stars. There is documented evidence that Earth has in fact been visited by beings from beyond our world. Even though this evidence is of a superior quality, it is not the kind of evidence for life among the stars that is taken seriously or sought after by public promoters and researchers who have spent countless millions of dollars in their search for extraterrestrial life. Furthermore, there is not even a qualitative consensus among scientists as to what, by definition, life truly is. In the Bible, which tells us much about life, God is clearly revealed as the giver of life. Dissenters will argue that this is not the kind of life that should be discussed. Notwithstanding, all life does indeed come from the Creator, thus it has a definite source, abode and purpose.

Probably the greatest and strangest mystery of our present time is that of UFOs (”unidentified flying objects”) and related phenomena. By definition UFOs include phenomenon found among reports of aerial objects, lights, beings, or physical effects that are regarded by witnesses as anomalies because of their peculiar behavior. Included in these are the infamous “flying saucers.” Certainly these phenomena present a serious challenge to our understanding. After years of studying case reports and eye-witness accounts involving these anomalous occurrences, leading researchers have admitted they have no truly adequate explanation. Since the modern era of UFO sightings began after World War II, reports of unidentified flying objects have steadily increased in numbers. Until only recently such reports were usually discounted as natural phenomena or explained away as erroneous sightings due to poor observations. Because of the enormous increase in the numbers of these reports in the past five years there has been a major shift in public awareness, interest, and opinion about these strange apparitions, so much so that even the skeptics are now left with the burden of proof for their insistence that UFOs do not exist. Rather than just being relegated to obscure and incredulous fringe groups of eccentric followers whose sanity was often questioned, the UFO phenomenon has gained such widespread popular interest that people from all walks of life and social
classes are involved, including quite respectable middle and upper class professionals. Furthermore, UFOs have reportedly been spotted by a number of our cream-of-the-crop American heroes, the astronauts. Even former presidents have filed reports. Such seemingly incredible sightings have caused many to believe that Earth is being visited by aliens from a distant planet. As a cultural reflection of this belief, theatres now abound with motion pictures carrying themes of UFOs and alien visitations, mutilations, peculiar geographical markings, strange vampire like creatures, and other paranormal topics. Television and radio is rife with entire programs and features presenting evidence of these extraordinary UFO occurrences. Meanwhile, workshops, encounter groups and major conventions are springing up in many places offering a forum for the exchange of information and for the consolation of people who have been directly or indirectly affected or victimized by these bizarre occurrences - occurrences often accompanied by terrifying consequences. This world wide fascination with UFOs and related phenomena has reached an all- time high in our present day. A UFO sighting occurs somewhere on Earth every three minutes. Recent surveys indicate that approximately half of Americans believe UFOs are real and that they represent alien space craft. Many millions claim to have seen a UFO at one time or another, and, according to a recent estimate, nearly one million Americans claim to have been abducted by aliens. It is evident that something very significant is occurring and that it is a serious problem which is not going to diminish soon. Like every other “new thing” that confronts us it certainly demands an explanation.

Since all truth, authority and power rests in the Almighty, it is clear that only the discerning Christian community, equipped with the resources of Holy Writ, has the ability to provide a systematic, sensible, and truly Biblical solution to this perplexing dilemma of UFOs and alien visitations now so widely reported. Since God created all things, it is obvious that His word must apply, either directly or indirectly, to all of life's concerns. Hence, this must include our present inquiry into this intriguing matter. It is increasing clear that the prevalent rationalistic world views held by modern science, astronomy, politics, and other involved disciplines are not able to provide a satisfactory answer to this perplexing question. The inability of even our government to make a definitive diagnosis of the UFO phenomenon has led to a variety of hypothesis. Two interpretive models, although, dominate as a public explanation: the Naturalistic-Technologic Hypothesis, (NTH) and the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). Following a brief evaluation of these two hypotheses, a third, or Biblical Hypothesis is described.

The NTH explains UFOs as being produced by natural effects or man-made objects. Until recently, this has been the predominate view in the scientific community. Natural effects may include unusual cloud formations and atmospheric phenomena, mirages, bright stars and planets, meteors, inversions, “swamp gas” and so on. Technologic effects may include satellites, rocket launchings or re-entries, airplanes or obscure and unusual aircraft, weather balloons and other types of IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), and the likes. Closer examination of these explanations, which have long been offered up as “official,” have consistently betrayed very serious deficiencies. A case in point is the well documented account of an experienced pilot and survivor of many World War II missions who flew in pursuit of “an enormous metallic object” moving at great speeds and up to great heights. The object was fruitlessly chased by several other pilots as well. The war veteran died in a crash as a result of his pur suit. The public explanation given was that the pilot had been pursuing the bright planet Venus, lost consciousness at great altitude, and then perished in the crash of his plane. The fallacy of this explanation became apparent when it was pointed out that this incident occurred, during broad daylight, when Venus was so obscure that it would have required a careful search of the skies in the right area by an experienced observer with acute vision in order to see the starlike point of light. One suggestion offered for such habits of misinformation is that of policies surrounding issues of national security and the protection of classified projects. Many nations around the world have officially or secretly engaged in serious UFO investigations at the governmental or military level, yet the United States government has consistently denied the existence or danger of UFO's and extraterrestrials. Secret government projects involving bizarre and exotic experimental technologies have often been suggested as an explanation for UFO reports. These may exist to some extent, yet even these possibilities inherently leave a trail of unanswered questions.

Hoaxes have played their part, as well, in the case lists of sightings. Of interest is the fact that many falsified photographs have been made of UFOs, and in particular, flying saucers. Some of these have been very convincing and when they are dumped into the information channels it only makes for greater difficulty in separating thewheat from the chafe. There is, although, something important to be remembered about such falsifications; whenever one finds counterfeits that in itself is a vital indication of a real and authentic original counterpart. As in any discipline, if it were not for the original there would be no idea for the derivative imitation. Anything worth an imposture is almost certain to exist in its ultimate reality as a genuine fact. This is the often overlooked principle of imitative correspondence, since imitations are inherently subsidized by the real. This is just as likely in the UFO arena as in any other pursuit.

The ETH explains UFOs as representing alien spacecraft occupied by beings conducting an exploration of our world and its life forms. There has been a dramatic shift in popular opinion in recent years from the NTH to the ETH. There are, although, serious inherent deficiencies in the ETH just as there are in the NTH. At the outset, it should be noted, there is an intimate and traceable connection between the expectation of life in outer space and the theory of evolution. Also significant is the fact that the physical structure or appearance of observed aliens is usually quite ”humanoid” rather than strictly “alien.” This should stand out as a conspicuous coincidence and strange effect, considering the unique adapta tions of life within an alleged evolutionary construct, especially in a context cosmic in scale. Given the narrow parameters required for the development of life in outer space, coupled with the exceedingly harsh environments encountered there, there is an inherent statistical unlikelihood of any planet capable of producing life which could develop intergalactic travel. Even the distance of the nearest star to Earth would represent an 80,000-year round trip journey given our present technology. One highly respectable source reported that it is unlikely that any star within 100 light years from Earth is stable enough to support biochemical evolution. The vast distances between improbable candidates would seem to negate the possibility of extraterrestrials visiting our world from outer space. The hard fact is that recent “discoveries” of planets in space and “life” on Mars, for instance, remain unconfirmed and speculative at best, if not downright unprovable. Furthermore the number and variety of alien encounters being reported far exceeds that required for a sensible exploration of our Earth. Noteworthy is the fact that leading UFO researchers admit that there seems to be no evidence that these strange effects originate from outer space.

Even though the UFO phenomenon remains largely unexplained, it has become a well established and very credible phenomenon accompanied by very real and measurable physical effects as substantiated by a great number of reliable witnesses and investigators. The question then remains, if UFOs are not natural or technically induced illusions and if they are not extraterrestrial in origin, then what are they? A few researchers who have offered up a rather vague, somewhat psychological, if not downright mystical suggestion that the phenomenon is a “physical manifestation of an interdimentional paranormal consciousness that has the ability to manipulate the collective human consciousness and perception, as well as matter and energy.” UFOs are characterized by their ability to violate the known laws of physics when maneuvering in the atmosphere, and they are usually very elusive. Unless they are the products of some long standing well kept technological secret, they seem to represent an intervention by unseen intelligent powers who can manipulate or transcend the laws of nature at will. The former seems incredible given the improbability of human nature, en masse, for maintaining secrets in the aggregate for any length of time. The latter possibility, although, seems much more likely based on the observed facts, and especially on what we know from Scripture. Many who claim to have had encounters with UFOs have reported that these objects seem to be more alive and in telligent than just mechanical craft. Given the obvious deficiencies by which both the NTH and the ETH are plagued, we have yet another model with which to explore this problem, a solution which has been largely overlooked if not simply ignored, namely, the Biblical Hypothesis. The model demonstrated here is not only consistent with the known facts but has a sound Scriptural basis as well. Thus it becomes rather ostensible that the “aliens” are none other than the fallen angels or demons mentioned in Scripture.

One of the greatest enigmas of life is the issue of human suffering. It is, although, well known that the scriptures make an ultimate connection between suffering and original sin. It is also evident from Scriptural implications that the mystery of iniquity started with an insurrection among the ranks of the host of heaven. This iniquity was soon transferred to man at his fall in Eden. Satan had the power to intervene and modify physical reality from the beginning, hence his appearance to our first parents in the form of a serpent. It is evident that throughout history he has repeatedly demonstrated this power through his agents, those diabolical leagues of demons, who share this supernatural power to materialize in a variety offormidable apparitions and manifestations. The most atrocious historical incidence of this invasion was the episode of extraterrestrial or “alien” visitations to Earth as recorded in the sixth chapter of Genesis:

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:1-4).

It is therefore apparent that there is a much deeper, more profound, and diabolical meaning to what is occurring in the UFO phenomena today than what is being suggested through semi-scientific explanations. There is strong evidence that this phenomenon is an important aspect of what the Bible discloses as spiritual warfare. Given that our atmosphere is literally swarming with advocates of “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2; 6:12) it should come as no surprise that there might be an occasional visible manifestation, or materialization, of such a presence and perversion of God's created order. It is increasingly evident that there is a strong connection between the UFO phenomenon and the culting of our modern world. Christian UFO researchers have noted a very high incidence of prior involvement in the occult by individuals who have been contacted or abducted by UFOs. It is also evident that UFOlogy - the fascination with UFOs and alleged space creatures - has precipitated squarely into the midst of the New Age movement of which advocates increasingly deny man's evolutionary ascension from an elementary organism in a primordial soup in favor of his supposed regal origin in the stars. Many of these people claim that “we are not alone” and that ex traterrestrials have visited Earth in the past. Some even advocate that we were “planted” here and that these creatures have returned to further ”cultivate” us. The “proof” of this is seen in the current alien abduction epidemic. The “aliens,” which are often described as insect like creatures with almond-shaped eyes, thus engage themselves through weird nocturnal kidnappings during which they conduct crude and grotesque ”examinations” and surgical procedures, often sexual in nature, and reminiscent of medieval tales of encounters with demons. Many people have, through hypnosis and other means, claimed to receive revelations or messages from extraterrestrials, the so called “space brothers.” These messages typically come through occultic means such as channeling (spiritism), automatic handwriting, or other paranormal means. It is also apparent the aliens seem intent on accelerating human evolution into the ”Aquarian Age” when there will be ultimate human “unification and harmony.” There is, although, nothing in the UFO phenomenon that leads to belief in the one true God. The “visitors” thus appear to be in tune with what has come to be known as New Age religion, including eastern mysticism, astral projection, and harmonic convergence, and so on. None of these are in harmony with Jesus Christ. They are moreinterested in steering us away from the one who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” to fool mankind about Bible prophecy, and even to falsify His coming in the very era of Christ's return. The messages seem to be a counterfeit parallel to Christianity and their agenda seems to include, at one point, a massive evacuation or “rapture” of sorts for the ”qualified” and “in tune” element, or remnant, of the population prior to a disastrous armageddon-like epoch which, in turn, is to be followed by a blissful New Age. All of this has the potential of a monstrous and unprecedented deception, of which the paradigm shift in our own day is but a preparation. The Bible tells us that the fallen angels have shadowed humanity ever since Satan deceived our first parents in Eden. Even though this fact is discounted by modern day rationalists who reject the supernatural, the Christian must not forget that the creation of the heaven and the Earth was a supernatural beginning, that the inspiration of the Word of God was a supernatural process, that the coming of Christ was a supernatural event and finally, the Christian's own personal salvation is a present and ongoing supernatural act of God in the fullest sense. It is clearly an odd contradiction, especially for the believer, to discount the supernatural quality of his or her faith. By the same token, the supernatural element of reality is a dynamic ingredient within the heinous ac tivities of the fallen angelic host as well. It is a comfort for the believer to know that meanwhile God's Holy angels, in even greater numbers, continue to engage themselves as ministering spirits on behalf of God's people (Hebrews 1:4). The same also signal the ultimate victory of good over evil. It is thus evident that the paranormal attributes, especially of the visiting abductors, seem to correspond to those of angelic beings, particularly fallen angels or demonic agents, whose abilities to effect physical reality are already established in Scripture.

Many, if not all, of the UFO cases involve sinister activities and messages which are decidedly anti-Christian. In light of these messages it is virtually senseless to think that alleged extraterrestrials would travel millions of light years simply to teach New Age philosophy, deny Christianity, and promote the occult when there is already a preponderance of such activity already occurring in our world. The UFO apparitions appear intelligent in themselves if not controlled by some mysterious intelligence. Discerning Christians have suggested that those involved with these apparitions are not in contact with extraterrestrials but with demonic spirits intent on driving people away from Christ. It is evident that the same entities who operate in haunted houses are likely the same agents that are at work propagating the UFO and relatedphenomenon, with some likely technical assistance from misguided and depraved humanity, quite possibly a demon possessed segment of human collaborators. Again, considering the issue of possible intelligent life on other planets is the question of how unfallen beings, assuming that ”aliens” are unfallen, could share the same universe with fallen creatures, i.e., humans, considering that the effects of original sin seem to pervade the entire universe (Roman 8:19-22).

Regarding it as too incredulous some theologians have argued that the original Hebrew rendition of Genesis 6:1-4, “doesn't allow” for actual demonic interbreeding or “marriage” with men (women). It is instead declared that the “sons of God” were godly “Sethites” who intermarried with the ungodly “Cainites” (The mere consideration of the “godly” marrying the “ungodly” is a patent practical contradiction in itself), or that angels “have no flesh,” they are spirits. Yet we find that the Hebrew does allow for it, the Sethite argument does not hold up, and that angels can indeed assume human form of which a classic example is given in Genesis 18 and 19 where angels took on human form in its fullest anatomic sense and undoubtedly with complete human bodily capabilities. A popular argument which construes that angels have no sex is taken from Matthew 22:30. Such a statement, however, is never made in the passage. The verse only says that they do not marry; it comments neither on their ability to marry, nor specifically on the status of disobedient fallen angels, since only the good angels are mentioned. Genesis 6:1-4 records nothing less than a profound and startling intervention of certain fallen angels into the affairs of humanity before the flood and once more in the land of Canaan pending the arrival of the Israelites to that promised land. These had the audacity to fabricate a “virgin birth” in the most preposterous manner imaginable. Thus we can see an historic precedent to the current alien abduction invasion in their unlawful tamperings with mortal man in these last days. “And, as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” -Luke 17:26
Our Lord has declared that an epoch of worldliness similar to that which occurred before the Flood will at length exhaust the forbearance of God toward the present dwellers upon the Earth, and cause Him to come with fire, and with chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire; to plead with all flesh by fire and by His sword (Isaiah 66:15-16; II Thessalonians 1:6-12). It becomes, therefore an obvious duty to consider the progress of wickedness and corruption among the antediluvians, so far as it has pleased God to inform us of it;to acquaint ourselves not merely with the sowing but also with the watering, the growth, and the ripening, of that hideous crop against which the gleaming sickle of the Almighty at length flashed forth from heaven; to note the various incentives to evil as they successively appeared, and to observe the particular influence of each upon the rapidly decomposing masses of society. For by doing we shall arm ourselves against the errors and temptations which are daily multiplying around us, and be able to discern the threatening signs of our own times (Matthew 24:37-39; Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10:11; II Timothy 3:16-17; I John 5:13). Many false prophets have arisen to proclaim the imminent end of the world and their word has gone without effect. With the advent of the turn of the millennium there undoubtedly will arise a similar sensation. Yet, it is quite likely that Satan has already long effected our calendar to where even the year 2,000 is obscure. If the awe of that imminent year comes and goes without the sensation they sought it is likely that many will “go back to fishing” saying “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (II Peter 3:4) for it is written, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

The fearful phenomenon of demonic “taking” or “abduction” and ”habitation” of human bodies has been repeated many times throughout history, although never on the global scale of which Satan attempted in the days of Noah, with one possible exception, now. Just as world conditions in the days before the Flood pre-staged that early catastrophe, so will world conditions in the last days of this age foreshadow a potentially greater disaster. This would also include a preponderance of the occult and of extraterrestrial or trans-dimensional demonic intervention (Genesis 6:2; I Timothy 4:1; Revelation 9:1-11). We see clear evidences of this today in a varied form under the guise of “UFOs” and “aliens from another world” who come to deceive, kidnap and possess humans in a godless deception perfectly tailored to our modern technological age. Evidence from the Bible indicates that it is very real but, in reality, it is not what it is purported to be and is not what most people thing it is. ”...in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (I Timothy 4:1)

It is apparent that UFOs represent an intelligence that has interfaced with humanity and has assumed varied forms from the beginning. It is doubtful that theseintelligences come from outer space. Giving no hint of ”life” existing elsewhere, Scripture points to the centrality of the Earth in the creation account, the work of God's salvation, and in the promises of future cosmic restoration. On Earth God presents Himself in solemn covenants and Divine appearances. On Earth the Son of God became man, and on Earth stood the cross of the Redeemer. Even the physical centrality of the Earth is implicit in the creation account from the fact that God created the Earth before he created the Sun, Moon and stars. Reckoning the principle of correspondence, of which the Scripture is abundant, even the astute cosmologist must ask himself, what was the station of the Earth “revolving” around before the Sun was created days later. All of the factors surrounding the UFO and related phenomenon corresponds with warnings issued in the Bible against these very ”principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places” who “left their own habitation.” They along with their unchained cohorts have left a trail of deception and atrocity throughout history. Against these, our only reliable answer, recourse, and sanctuary is God's Holy word of truth and righteousness. His glorious Person and finished work constitute the only but all-sufficient ground of deliverance from the baleful power of supernaturalism. He is “the Way,” leading out of darkness; “the Truth,” protecting from error; and “the Life,” delivering from death (John 14:6). In Him there is full redemption; apart from Him, unalleviated woe. According to a recent survey of several hundred people who claimed to have been abducted by aliens, there were no true Bible believing Christians found among the interviewees. Thus we find another “red-flag” indicator that this phenomenon is decidedly demonic. Dear reader, are you a born again Christian? One of Christ's great comforts to the believer is the Biblical declaration that “...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” ( I John 4:4).

In due process Earth has proven to be unique as an abode of living creatures and a most suitable place for such inhabitants including man, as it is written: “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain (waste), he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord and there is none else” - Isaiah 45:18. Thus the earth is disclosed in Divine revelation to be a unique place insofar as human, animal, and plant life is concerned. It is God Himself with his angels, fixed and fallen, not “men” from another planet who represent life in outer space and which are often associated with the stars in Scripture, and who have their probable habitation among the stars(planets) and who are the visiting advocates of Earth. These beings, as examined in the light of man's definition are not even alive. The very author of life Himself does not metabolize, reproduce, or even grow. Then, of course, the ultimate visitation from that realm “not of this world” was Christ Himself who died at Calvary. Amen.

References:

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Furnas, C. C., The Next Hundred Years: The Unfinished Business of Science, Reynal & Hitchcock, New York, 1936.
Gaverluk, Emil, Did Genesis Man Conquer Space, Thomas Nelson Inc., New York, 1974.
Morris, Henry M., The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1976.
Pember, George Hawkins. Earth's Earliest Ages, Hodder and Stoughton, London, England, 1876
Pozos, Randolfo Rafael, The Face On Mars: Evidence for a Lost Civilization? Chicago Review Press, Chicago 1986.
Randles, Jenny, UFOs and How to See Them, Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., New York, 1992.
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Unger, Merrill F., Biblical Demonology: A Study of Spiritual Forces at Work Today, Scripture Press, Wheaton, Illinois, 1963.
Unruh, J. Timothy, Phaeton the Lost Planet, Ruhe Co., Rocklin, California, 1995.