0933. Enoch, or the Faith That Sees the Rapture

Enoch, or the Faith That Sees the Rapture

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God" (Heb_11:5)

The faith of Enoch continues as a well-placed example of the faith that gives substance to things hoped for, and holds convictions as to the things not seen.

The faith of Enoch, who was translated that he should not see death, looks onward toward that translation which awaits those who, like Enoch are walking with God.

This was a far-away vision for Enoch's faith, but it was not an impossible vision. Does not the Holy Spirit bear witness concerning apostate teachers who deny the only Lord God and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and who blasphemously say, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (See the parallel passage in 2Pe_3:1-4) that "Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of all these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints" (Jdg_1:14)?

Surely Enoch by faith saw the raptured saints and the returning saints as well. He believed the Word of God and he pleased God.

Many ages have passed by since Enoch testified and was translated. Enoch died not having received the promise; but he saw it afar off and was persuaded in his own mind. God did miraculously catch Enoch up, that he should not see death; and Enoch became a true type of the rapture that awaits the saints.

Surely we who live on the very threshold of the hour when the Lord shall descend with a shout, and when the dead shall be raised and the living caught up together with them to meet the Lord, in the air, surely we should not be lacking in the faith that anticipates the rapture.

One thing is certain: Those who do not have this faith cannot please God.

The faith of Enoch saw the hour

When Christ would come in mighty power,

Translating all who know the Lord,

Who walk with Him, obey His Word.

Thus, God translated Enoch, too,

A type, a picture ever true

Of those caught up to Christ on high,

Of living saints who'll never die.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR