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50
The Beginning of the End
greater the existing iniquity, the more earnest was his longing for
the home of God.
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.
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.
By the translation of Enoch the Lord designed to teach an impor-
tant 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.
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,