Are We Really All Alone?

Famed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking has recently been evaluating the age old question, are we alone in the universe? His conclusion: “Probably not”. He also addressed the possibility of other life in the universe being intelligent life. To that loaded question he said, "Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is fairly rare. Some would say it has yet to occur on earth."

The scientist also addressed the question of aliens, while saying that reported abduction claims are unlikely. But he did state that eventual contact with alien life might be dangerous, since humans could be infected with a disease or which they have no resistance. Hawking’s statements were made at George Washington University where a celebration to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA was held.

Mr. Hawking has perhaps unknowingly touched on several key topics that will be familiar to students of the Scriptures. First, his reference to aliens might remind the Christian of his early ancestors in Hebrews 11 who suffered as aliens in distant hostile lands. Verse 13 reads, “They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.”

But this rather grim picture is balanced in Ephesians 2 with the glorious contrast related in verses19-20. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,”

As far as man being alone, that may or may not ever be answered as it relates to alien life on distant planets. But the God who knows that answer, and who made all life in whatever form it exists, has ensured that those in His family have the answers they need and are never alone.

While speaking to a worried group of early followers, Jesus explained His logic for leaving them alone. It was anything but what it seemed on the surface. In John 16:7-9 He revealed, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” Then Matthew’s gospel chapter 28 adds additional support in the Lord’s famous parting words in verse 20. “And lo, I am with you always , even to the end of the age." While confined on earth to a physical body, He could never be with everyone at once. But becoming freed from that limitation would allow His Spirit to be equally present with all true believers at all times.

Finally there is the question of ‘intelligent’ life in the universe. That, too, is addressed in the biblical text. Not only does Scripture confirm the existence of an all-powerful and all-knowing creator, it relates that His race of men can share in some of His divine attributes. In the first chapter of Corinthians 2, Paul shares how God’s Spirit reveals certain supernatural wisdom to His people. This includes the staggering words found in verses 15-16. “But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Are we alone in the universe? Are there real aliens? And if we are not alone, can other life be as intelligent as we are, or more?

Those questions, and many more, may well remain mysteries for the race of natural men. But for those who have been supernaturally infused with the power of the Creator God, their answers will be not only different and confident, but uniquely comforting!

Bill Breckenridge