“The planet, known as Kepler 186f, named after NASA’s Kepler planet-finding mission, which found it, has a diameter of 8,700 miles, 10 percent wider than Earth, and its orbit lies within the ‘Goldilocks zone’ of its star, Kepler 186 – not too hot, not too cold, where temperatures could allow for liquid water to flow at the surface, making it potentially hospitable for life.” – “Scientists Find an ‘Earth Twin,’ or Maybe a Cousin” by Kenneth Chang.

Why is there so much focus on finding a new planet to call home? People want assurance that there is somewhere else to go when earth is no more. Christians have the same idea. However, the place we want to go is not a physical dwelling. Nor is it yet to be discovered. While we can’t fully comprehend heaven, we know it’s there, and we are promised a place there if we love God (cf. James 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:8). Heaven is an eternal, and incorruptible dwelling place.

“It’s a progression,” said a member of the discovery team. What he doesn’t realize is that the “progress” is in vain. When earth is destroyed, it will be by the power of God, and inescapable. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10). Trying to find an “Earth Twin” is a waste of time. Instead, prepare to meet your maker!