Life-supporting planets?

“Scientists using NASA’s Kepler space telescope have found the best candidates yet for habitable worlds beyond the solar system, including a pair of potentially life-friendly planets orbiting the same star” (Reuters, April 18, 2013).  These planets, 1,200 light years from earth, are believed to be located in the “habitable zone” of the star, where temperatures are warm enough and cool enough for liquid water.  Technology cannot yet determine for sure whether or not water exists on planets that are so distant (ibid.).  One scientist has speculated, “If there’s life at all on those planets, it must be very advanced,” due to the age of the planets (Associated Press, April 19, 2013).

Could advanced forms of life exist on these planets?  While many think so, the Bible indicates that God is developing human beings as the “firstfruits” of His creation (James 1:18), and they are developing right here on the earth, not elsewhere.  Jesus Christ will soon return to earth and make His headquarters in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4, 24:23).  Ultimately, the Father will place His very throne on the earth—not on another planet (see Revelation 21).  It is from planet Earth that God’s creation and plan will ultimately expand—conceivably to encompass the universe!  God may be preparing planets for future habitation (see Revelation 2:26-28), but at this point in His plan, the earth is the only planet that we know of that supports life!  

For more on this exciting topic, please review our booklet Your Ultimate Destiny.