Chapter 15

Is there life on Mars or other Planets ?

What does the Bible say ?

As to specific Scriptures, as far as I am aware the Bible is silent on the point. It certainly says nothing about life on Mars or other planets. On the other hand there is no specific Scripture saying that there is no life on them. From this it could be argued that whether or not life is found on Mars Scripture would not be found to be at fault. However this is not all that can be said about the matter.

We know of course that there are angels in heaven (Matthew 22:30). However these are in the presence of God. He does not dwell in the atmospheric or stellar heavens for they were created and did not always exist as God does. In any case no trace of God's dwelling or that of angels has been found by using either telescopes or space probes. Even if life were found on Mars or the other planets no one would think it paradise. The most that is expected is some 'primitive' form of life. So much for the abode of angels!

God normally makes a selection from a large number or a large area. He planted a garden in Eden eastward (Genesis 2:8). There was only ONE garden, not many. Note that the garden was not just in Eden but in Eden eastward. Then we find that God chose Abraham and his seed to bless them in a peculiar way. He did not choose more than the nation of Israel: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth" (Amos 3:2). Again, we find in the New Testament that there is only one faith (Ephesians 4:5), all others are false (Galatians 1:6-9). Christ's Assembly is the only true Assembly (see, for example, Ephesians 1:22/23). God does not recognise the Moslem or other religions and their assemblies. It would not therefore be surprising to find that God has not created life other than upon one planet - this earth.

The evolutionist on the other hand is desperate to find life other than upon this earth. This is because, according to his theory, life should occur spontaneously wherever conditions are suitable. However, there is no evidence that life does appear spontaneously anywhere.

Another thought, there is always a reason for what God does. The evolutionist can give no real reason for the existence of anything. This is because according to him everything is just a matter of pure chance. Since the fall of man God has been working to bring back man to Himself. The animal and vegetable creations are maintained by his power, but his real interest is in mankind. If life were to be found elsewhere than on this planet there would have to be a reason for it - it would have to serve a purpose and Scripture certainly does not suggest one, so on this ground alone a Christian would not look for life except on this earth.

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