Beginning of the End

Enoch Is Translated to Heaven

The people of that generation had laughed at Enoch because he did not seek to build up possessions here, but his heart was upon eternal treasures. He had seen the King in His glory in the midst of Heaven, and his mind and his way of living were in heaven. The greater the existing iniquity, the more earnest was his longing for the home of God. BOE 33.8

For three hundred years Enoch had walked with God. Day by day he had longed for a closer union; nearer and nearer had grown the relationship, until God took him to Himself. Now the walk with God, which he had so long pursued on earth, continued, and he passed through the gates of the Holy City—the first from among earth’s inhabitants to enter there. BOE 34.1

His loss was felt on earth. Some, both righteous and wicked, had witnessed his departure. Those who loved him searched diligently for him, but without success. They reported that he “was not,” for God had taken him. BOE 34.2

By the translation of Enoch the Lord designed to teach an important lesson. There was danger that men and women would yield to discouragement because of the fearful results of Adam’s sin. Many were ready to exclaim, “What good is it that we have feared the Lord and have kept His laws, since a heavy curse is resting upon the race, and death is the reward of us all?” Satan was urging the belief that there was no reward for the righteous or punishment of the wicked, and that it was impossible for human beings to obey the divine statutes. But in the case of Enoch, God shows what He will do for those who keep His commandments. People were taught that it is possible to obey the law of God, that they were able by grace to resist temptation and become pure and holy. His being taken to heaven was an evidence of the truth of his prophecy concerning the hereafter, with its award of immortal life to the obedient and of condemnation and death to the transgressor. BOE 34.3

By faith Enoch “was taken away so that he did not see death, ... for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness that must be attained by those who shall be “redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3) at Christ’s second advent. Then, as before the Flood, sin will prevail. Many will rebel against the authority of Heaven. But, like Enoch, God’s people will seek for purity of heart and conformity to His will until they shall reflect the likeness of Christ. Like Enoch they will warn the world of the Lord’s second coming and by their holy example will condemn the sins of the ungodly. As Enoch was translated to heaven, so the living righteous will be translated from the earth before its destruction by fire (see 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). BOE 34.4