Pastor Robert Hammond. June 2021 (Updated December 27, 2024)
A disclaimer: My desire is to be obedient to avoid “foolish questions” (Titus 3:9) and “profane and vain babblings” (1Ti 6:20). That said, it is wise to be prepared to give biblical answers to legitimate questions regarding this topic.
Background: In December 2024, residents of New Jersey and other states reported seeing large number of drones or drone-like craft in the night sky. Three years earlier, in June 2021, the Pentagon released a report regarding more than 100 sightings of so-called “unexplained aerial phenomena.” Earlier that year, several related videos were published by major media outlets. Government officials reportedly verified the authenticity of some of these videos.
What Are Some Possible Explanations for Unexplained Aerial Phenomena (aka UFOs)?
Natural phenomena. Some of the observations may be explained by natural atmospheric phenomena. Certain observations might be explained by so-called parallax — the optical effect whereby the size, position or speed of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions, e.g. through the viewfinder and the lens of a camera.
Undisclosed domestic or foreign military technology. Certain observations might be explained by undisclosed foreign or domestic technology — including rapidly-developing drone technology. However, a number of military and governmental officials have suggested that the apparent capabilities of the vehicles recorded in some videos are inconsistent with any known technology. In a May 2021 CNN interview, Sean Cahil, a retired US Navy Chief Master-at-Arms stated that it would likely require “between 100 and 1,000 years” for known U.S. technology to achieve the performance characteristics observed in some of the more extraordinary videos.
Foreign or domestic activity designed to deceive adversaries. It is possible that a government desires to create the illusion of possessing technology that is superior to its adversaries. This effort might be deployed as a strategy to deter an attack.
Extraterrestrial Technology. Some have argued that the recent videos serve as evidence of alien life. It is true that the Bible does not explicitly rule-out the possibility of life existing elsewhere in God’s creation. However, a variety of biblical revelations arguably render alien life extremely unlikely. For example, the Genesis account of creation gives special priority to the earth — as having been created first — and arguably placed at the center of God’s creation. Further, we must note that God has not explicitly revealed the existence of extraterrestrial life in the Bible.
Demonic Activity. Demons have a demonstrable interest in mocking the LORD, his nature and his program of future events. Given Satan’s clear interest in mocking the nature of God and various aspects of his echatalogical program, we would not be surprised to observe demonic activity aimed at mocking the rapture by creating an illusion of alien spacecraft (which would provide a basis for the future claim of mass alien abduction).
And so it is biblically plausible that at least some of the unexplained aerial phenomena are, in fact, visible manifestations of demonic activity, i.e. demons may be working to create the illusion of highly-capable aircraft that are operated by extraterrestrial beings. In the view of some theologians, these craft are real only in the sense that demons are working supernaturally to create the illusion that aliens and alien spacecraft are real. It is conceivable that the LORD may allow this as a component of the “strong delusion” that he will send upon those who reject Christ (2 Thes. 2:11).
Additional biblical observations that are consistent with the theory that some UFO sightings may be demonic in nature:
If Ephesians 2:2 may be understood literally, the LORD is currently permitting demons to act with a degree of power in the atmosphere:
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Satan has an interest in deceiving the “whole world.”
Re 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The theory of demonic activity is consistent with the demonic deceit, “signs and lying wonder” and “strong delusion” that is prophesied to occur in the future Tribulation Period:
Mt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
2Th 2:9 (Regarding the Antichrist) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Broad belief in aliens and alien spacecraft would provide the antichrist with an explanation for the rapture, i.e. the mass disappearance of believers might be explained as a mass abduction by aliens. This would also serve a demonic interest in mocking the rapture - at which time we will “meet the Lord in the air” rather than aliens or demons!
How should Christians respond to this topic?
Bear in mind that we may not fully-understand this topic until we are home with the LORD;
Remember that there’s no revelation regarding UFOs or alien life that will change the truth of Scripture. Our God is the “LORD God of Truth” (Psalm 31:5). And his “truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
Remember that we are in a spiritual battle with an enemy who desires to deceive and to distract:
(Ephesians 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(1 Peter 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith...
Refuse to be distracted. Rather than allowing distractions to occupy our minds, choose to remain focused on the truth that is revealed in Scripture. So-called UFOs may be a conspiracy of governmental, demonic or other origin. Or they may be explained by a natural phenomena that is terrestrial in nature. As in the case of other possible conspiracies, we won’t likely know the truth until we are home with the LORD!
Refuse to devote inordinate time to this topic. We are called to avoid “profane and vain babblings” (1Ti 6:20). And we are called to give Christ the preeminence (Col 1:18).
Refuse to allow this issue to cause strife between believers
(Proverbs 17:14) The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
(Proverbs 26:17) He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Remain focused on our God-given ministry and carrying-out the Great Commission. There’s little doubt that Satan desires to distract us from Christ, our ministry and the Great Commission.
Pray that the current attention to this topic will not discourage lost people from hearing the gospel.
Continue to walk in close fellowship with Christ and with faithful believers.
Remain faithful to your local church - which is the Lord’s “pillar and ground of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 10:25).