ENOCH TAKEN TO HEAVEN

Because Enoch spent much time talking with God he became more holy in character. After talking with God his face shone with a holy light. That bright light was still on his face as he taught the truths God had given him. The people were amazed when they saw Enoch looking so holy and dignified.SRme 1.186

The Lord loved Enoch because he obeyed God and hated sin. Enoch wanted very much to know more of God's will so he could follow God's will perfectly. Enoch longed to be united more closely to God. He loved and respected God, and enjoyed being with Him.SRme 1.187

God did not allow Enoch to die. Instead, He sent His angels to take Enoch to heaven. The righteous people and the wicked saw Enoch taken away. People who loved Enoch thought God might have taken him to some special place on earth to talk to him. But after trying to find him, they gave up and told everyone that Enoch was not on the earth because God had taken him to heaven.SRme 1.188

By taking Enoch to heaven God has taught us a most important lesson. Sinners who have faith in the sacrifice of Christ and who obey God's commandments will be taken to heaven too.SRme 1.189

Two classes of people who will live on this earth until the second coming of Christ are represented by Enoch's experience. In one group are the righteous, who are loyal to God. In the other group are the wicked, who rebel against God. God will watch over the righteous. Because of what His dear Son has done for them, God will give them eternal life. But the wicked, who disobey His commands, will be destroyed. They will be just as though they never had been born.SRme 1.190

Before Adam sinned he was perfectly happy. But after he sinned Adam became sad and miserable. All the sinful people were discouraged. They asked, "What's the use of doing what He [God] says or of trying to show the Lord Almighty that we are sorry for what we have done?" (Malachi 3:14, TEV). They were discouraged because of the heavy curse of sin that brought death on the human race.SRme 1.191

But the promises God gave to Adam, that were repeated by Seth and shown in Enoch's life, brought hope to people who were discouraged. The people understood that death came through Adam. They understood that eternal life and victory over death would come through Jesus Christ. Enoch's experience taught people that they could obey God while living among sinners who hated God their Creator. By faith in Jesus they could be just as righteous as Enoch. Finally the righteous people would be taken to heaven to live with God and to reign with Him on His throne.SRme 1.192

Enoch separated himself from the wicked people and spent much time meditating and talking with God. Enoch represents God's people in the last days who will separate themselves from the world. Before Jesus comes again there will be great wickedness. People will do everything they can think of to show disrespect to God and to rebel against His authority. God's people will separate themselves from the wicked practices of those around them. God's people will pray for purity of thought and will seek to live exactly as God wants them to live. Then, God's holy character will be seen in their lives. Then, they will be ready to be taken to heaven, the same as Enoch.SRme 1.193

God's people will do their best to teach and warn the world but they will not allow themselves to be influenced by the evil habits of the world. The holy lives and godly example, of God's people will condemn the actions of the wicked.SRme 1.194

Enoch's translation to heaven happened just before the world was destroyed by the Flood. His translation represents the translation of all the living righteousSRme 1.195

from the earth just before the earth will be destroyed by fire. The wicked hate the righteous because they obey God's commandments. But the wicked will see the saints honored by God and taken to heaven.SRme 1.196