Do you think we'll ever know if there's life on other planets? My 8-year-old son (who is fascinated by space travel) asked me this question, but I didn't know how to answer him. Does the Bible say anything about life on other planets? — D.A.

No, the Bible doesn't directly address the question of whether or not there is life on other planets. It doesn't say there is, nor does it say there isn't; it's simply silent on the subject. Instead, the Bible's focus is on this world, and how we can know God's will for our lives right now.

If there is life elsewhere in the universe, then you can be sure that God created it and put it there. It didn't happen by chance -- anymore than life here happened by chance. The Bible's opening words underline this great truth: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Elsewhere, the Bible assures us that Christ -- God's divine agent of creation -- created everything, and "without him nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3). Never forget: You and I (and your son) aren't here by accident. God put us here -- and He put us here for a purpose.

Because of the vast distances that are involved I suspect we'll never know for sure if there is life elsewhere in the universe. But some day we will if we know Christ -- because in heaven all the things we don't understand right now will be revealed.

Encourage your son to explore this incredible world God has given us. But most of all, encourage him to discover the greatest truth of all -- that God loves him, and Jesus Christ wants to come into his life and be his friend.