Many people in our churches have noticed the recent increase in news stories, government hearings, military footage, and online discussions regarding UFOs-UAPs/aliens. Add to that the recent (unverified) report of a “Pastor’s meeting” with government officials discussing these topics, and it is understandable why some believers are taking notice—especially those who hold to a biblical view of the rapture of the church and the return of Christ. I have personally awaited this day to begin addressing UFOs/aliens out of necessity and not speculation.

An often overlooked historical detail is the timing of modern UFO fascination, which began alongside a major prophetic event. In 1947, the world witnessed two significant developments happening almost simultaneously: First, the modern state of Israel began re-emerging on the world stage following the United Nations partition plan, leading to Israel’s rebirth in 1948—a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy concerning the regathering of Israel (Ezekiel 36-37). At nearly the same time came the famous Roswell incident in New Mexico, which helped launch modern UFO culture.

Many believers, understandably, see these parallel developments as (more than) noteworthy. Scripture teaches that Israel would play a central role in end-times events, and today we are watching not only the continued preservation of Israel, but also a dramatic worldwide rise in antisemitism, as prophesied in Scripture. Across Europe, American universities, social media, and political movements, hostility toward the Jewish people has sharply increased.

Scripture warned long ago that Jerusalem would become a burdensome stone to the nations: “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (Zech 12:3).

At the same time, the world is becoming increasingly fascinated with the supernatural. Interest in UFOs, aliens, paranormal encounters, mysticism, psychedelic drugs, witchcraft, and the occult (even in the church) has exploded in mainstream culture. What was once fringe is now openly discussed in entertainment, academia, and even government circles.

One important observation made by both secular researchers and Christians is the repeated connection between UFO encounters and occult involvement. Many researchers have noted that those deeply involved in spiritism, channeling, occult practices, and paranormal experimentation are those who frequently report UFO-related experiences. Academic studies examining UFO belief systems have also found overlap with mystical and paranormal beliefs.

Many non-Christian UFO researchers have acknowledged that many encounters seem more spiritual than scientific. Reports often involve fear, paralysis, telepathic communication, altered consciousness, and deceptive experiences that resemble occult phenomena more than contact with physical beings from another planet—the same experiences people report with demonic experiences! Some individuals have also testified that frightening encounters ceased when they called upon the name of Jesus Christ. Such testimonies are consistent with the biblical understanding that spiritual deception is real.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is against unseen spiritual forces. 2 Thessalonians 2 warns that deceptive signs and wonders will characterize the last days. Jesus Himself repeatedly warned against deception preceding His return.

Because of this, Bible-believing Christians should view the UFO phenomenon not as evidence of benevolent extraterrestrials, but as part of a larger spiritual deception preparing the world for the end times. 

Could such phenomena eventually help explain away the rapture of the church after millions of believers suddenly disappear?  Wouldn’t this be ideal for the Evil One to keep the focus from turning to Christ and instead to national governments or maybe a world leader, i.e. antichrist? 

Scripture does not say directly, but it is not difficult to imagine a world searching for answers and embracing spiritual deception. For believers in Christ, the answer is not fear of the darkness, but confidence in the One who has overcome it. 

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

John Rodrigues serves as senior pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational rural church in Whitmore, California.