What does the Bible say about aliens?
It’s one of those topics that sounds more like science fiction than theology, but surprisingly, there’s a lot to dig into. The Bible doesn’t spell it out in modern terms, but it does paint a picture of the universe that leaves room for possibilities. And if aliens are real, what would that mean for faith, for salvation, and for the story the Bible is telling?
Let’s walk through what Scripture does (and doesn’t) say, and how it might shape how Christians think about extraterrestrial life.
What Does the Bible Say About Aliens?
Not a Direct Mention, But Plenty to Explore
Let’s be clear right out of the gate: the Bible doesn’t come out and say, “Yes, aliens exist,” or “No, they don’t.” It’s not a science textbook, and the ancient writers weren’t asking questions about Mars rovers or flying saucers. But that doesn’t mean we should shrug it off. The Bible gives us theological anchors that can help us think wisely about the possibility of life beyond Earth.
In fact, the Bible’s authors were deeply aware of realms beyond the physical. The entire spiritual dimension in Scripture—angels, demons, heavenly beings—is proof that the biblical worldview was never limited to what we see with the naked eye. There are already “non-human intelligences” in the biblical story, even if they’re not what we’d label as aliens.
The Spiritual Universe in the Bible
One of the richest threads we can pull on here is how the Bible talks about the spiritual world. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture describes a universe that’s both physical and spiritual. Angels, for instance, show up constantly—guiding, warning, fighting battles, and even delivering messages. There’s also that enigmatic word “elohim,” used in the Old Testament. While often translated as “God,” it can also refer to gods or spiritual beings more broadly.
In this framework, you could say the Bible already accounts for intelligent beings who aren’t human. They don’t come in spaceships, but they clearly operate on a level we can’t fully comprehend. So when people ask, “Could aliens exist?” a biblical answer might be, “Well, Scripture already talks about beings beyond Earth—just not in the way Hollywood does.”
The Focus on Earth Doesn’t Close the Door
Now, if you flip through Genesis, you’ll notice the creation story zooms in on Earth. Humanity is made in God’s image. The garden is planted. The animals are named. Everything’s local. That focus doesn’t necessarily mean nothing else exists—it just means the biblical story has a very specific starting point.
The Bible’s story is about God’s covenant with humans. Earth is the stage where that story unfolds. But what if God created other life elsewhere? Would that mean they’re part of the same redemption plan? Or would God deal with them in a different way?
These questions aren’t answered outright in Scripture, but they’re worth asking. If there are aliens, they would still fall under God’s sovereignty. He made all things, seen and unseen. That includes the stars and galaxies we haven’t even mapped yet. So it wouldn’t shake the Bible’s truth—it might just broaden our understanding of it.
Aliens and the Gospel Story
Here’s where it gets even more fascinating. Christianity is centered on Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and eventual return. The Bible tells us that Christ came to save fallen humanity and reconcile creation to God. So if aliens exist, do they need saving too? Did they fall like we did? Is Christ’s death on Earth enough for the whole universe?
Some theologians have speculated that if other intelligent beings exist, they might not be fallen like humans. Maybe they’ve lived in obedience where we didn’t. Or maybe, just maybe, they’re part of God’s redemptive plan in a way we don’t fully grasp. After all, Colossians says Christ is before all things and that through Him, God is reconciling all things to Himself—whether on Earth or in heaven.
So the Gospel might not just be about humanity. It could be about cosmic reconciliation. And that’s a huge idea. It wouldn’t change the Gospel—it would only show how big it really is.
What About the Weird Stuff in the Bible?
If you’ve read through Scripture, especially the Old Testament or Revelation, you’ve probably run across some strange descriptions: wheels within wheels, giant beings, creatures covered in eyes, or a “firmament” separating the waters above from the waters below. Scholars debate these passages endlessly, but some wonder—were these supernatural visions, symbolic imagery, or literal encounters with otherworldly beings?
Take Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of God, with its bizarre chariot of fire and living creatures. Some fringe theories claim it sounds like a UFO encounter. Most biblical scholars would caution against that interpretation, but it does highlight something important: the Bible isn’t afraid to describe things beyond our experience.
These passages show that the universe of the Bible is vast, strange, and full of mystery. In that kind of world, aliens aren’t automatically ruled out. The cosmos, as Scripture describes it, is teeming with life—just not always the kind we expect.
Discerning the Times and Deceptions
There’s another layer here that deserves attention. The Bible talks a lot about deception in the last days. It warns that signs, wonders, and false miracles could mislead even the elect. In some Christian circles, this idea has sparked theories that alien encounters could be part of future deception—something spiritual dressed up as scientific.
While we don’t need to jump to conspiracy theories, it’s true that the Bible encourages spiritual discernment. Not everything supernatural is from God. If people do start reporting credible alien contact, Christians will need to test the spirits, so to speak. Is this science? Is it spiritual deception? Is it something else entirely?
The end times, as described in the Bible, are filled with upheaval, confusion, and the unveiling of hidden realities. If aliens were ever part of that unfolding, they’d still be under God’s rule—and the church’s job would still be to stay faithful, not fearful.
The Silence Isn’t a Rejection
Just because the Bible doesn’t mention aliens directly doesn’t mean they’re ruled out. Scripture is focused on God’s covenant with humans and the redemption of our world. But the Creator of that world also made galaxies we’ll never reach and stars we’ll never name. If He created life elsewhere, it wouldn’t contradict the Bible. It would simply expand our sense of God’s creative power.
And let’s be honest—if tomorrow we found microbial life on another planet, most believers wouldn’t panic. The Bible already teaches that God’s creation is bigger than us. And if intelligent alien life were found, Christians would simply have to ask how that discovery fits within the bigger story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
The Bible doesn’t answer our alien questions in the way a science blog or a telescope might. But it gives us the tools to think about them through a theological lens. It shows us a universe ruled by a good and sovereign God. It describes unseen beings and spiritual realities that go way beyond our daily experience. And it gives us hope that whatever is out there—visible or invisible—falls under the Lordship of Christ.
In the end, the real question isn’t just “Do aliens exist?” It’s “If they do, what does that say about God?” And the answer might be: He’s even bigger than we thought.
Verses about aliens:
Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Colossians 1:16, "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."
Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."
Job 38:4, "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding."
John 10:16, "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."
