WE ARE NOT ALONE

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

                A quick search on the internet reveals that there are many people who believe that we are not alone in the universe. A National Geographic poll reported that 36% of Americans, about 80 million people, believe UFOs exist. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that approximately 65% of Americans concur that extraterrestrials exist. Another poll found that almost two-thirds of Americans believe that there is alien life beyond earth.

                Although many people refuse to believe in God or in a spiritual dimension that is parallel to our physical dimension, they readily embrace the idea of life in the universe beyond earth. Ironically, the most common concept of this “alien” life is that they are more advanced and more intelligent than we are, and that they are probably a threat to humanity.

                The Bible clearly states that indeed we are not alone in the universe. There is a spiritual realm that co-exists with our physical realm. It is inhabited by spiritual beings, some of whom are servants of God and some of whom are in rebellion against God. For centuries, the reality of these beings was accepted by the majority of people. Today, in our sophisticated, scientific world, the majority of people have rejected the idea of spiritual beings. Yet, they are willing to embrace the existence of beings from another planet.

                The way the Bible depicts these spiritual beings, in many ways, parallels the way many people think of aliens. These spiritual beings are more powerful than we are, and in some ways have more knowledge. Some of these spiritual beings are a direct threat to humanity. They have the ability to invade a person’s mind and body and cause them to act in destructive ways toward themselves and others. The story of the demon-possessed man in Luke 8 is a prime example. In other cases, these spiritual beings cause sickness to invade a person. Luke 9:37-45 records the experience of a boy who had a demon that caused him to convulse and often cast him into the fire.

                On the other hand, the Bible also talks about spiritual beings who are God’s messengers to specific people. These messengers are there to assist and sometime protect individuals. We see examples of this in the story of Abraham, Jacob, Joshua, Daniel, Elijah, Mary, Joseph, Peter, and Jesus. Jesus specifically mentions the work of angels with regard to children. “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:10 (NIV) Hebrews talks about angels assiting people in the course of their life’s journey. Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)

                It is clear from the Bible that we are not alone in the universe. There is a spiritual realm that exists in tandem with our physical world. These spiritual beings, from time to time, reveal themselves to humans in a physical form. This could be as a messenger from God or as an evil spirit. It would not be surprising if the UFOS that people are obsessed with are not evil spirits manifesting themselves in a tangible form to lead people away from belief in God.

                There is no doubt that the spiritual realm interacts with our physical realm. Although many people do not want to acknowledge the spiritual realm, none the less, we can see the negative influence of rebellious spirits in the crime, violence, greed, and arrogance of our world. Satan cannot directly attack God, but he can attack those who God loves the most, humanity. He is a master of disguise and so he shields people from seeing the truth that lies just behind the curtain.

                The good news is that Jesus has already defeated the rebellious spirits in the heavenly realms.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

                Although these rebellious spirits continue to fight against Him, their fate is sealed. There is a day coming when Jesus’ rule will become a tangible reality for all of creation. We are not alone in the universe. There is a spiritual realm all around us that one day will become one with us as we stand in awe before the throne of God.

Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.

 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.

 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.
Psalm 148:1-14 (NIV)