The Faith of Enoch…2 Heb. 11:5, 6 (144)
A life of faith is, being lifted above the things which are seen, and being occupied with those things which are unseen. It is for the affections to be no longer set on things on the earth, but to have them fixed on things in Heaven. We should note: “because God had translated him.” It is his bodily removal to Heaven; or nothing more than a type and pledge of the Rapture—the fulfillment of 1Thess. 4:16, 17: that is the prophetical significance; but there are spiritual meaning and practical application. Rom. 8:8, 9, 1Thess. 2:4, 1Jn. 3:22.
- Enoch’s translation to heaven was a miracle, and a supernatural experience. The whole Christian life, from start to finish, is a supernatural thing. The new birth is a miracle of grace, for one who is dead in trespasses and sins can no longer regenerate himself than he can create a world. A spiritual repentance and spiritual faith are imparted by “the operation of God” Col. 2:12, for a fallen creature can no longer originate them. To have the heart divorced from the world, to be brought to hate the things we once loved and to now love the things we once hated, is the alone the all-mighty work of the Holy Spirit. Only God can daily wean our hearts from the things of this world of death and bring us into real communion with the Prince of Life. Pink A. W.
- Moreover, observe well the next words: “before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” There must first be the daily, diligent, prayerful striving to please Him in all things; this is essential if we are to enter the experience of the translated life. “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh… To execute judgment upon all…” Jude 14, 15. This is a life of pleasing God, of walking with Him, of the heart being lifted above the world. The same divine grace is as potent today as it was then. “Before his translation… he pleased God.” Do I? Do you? “That servant which knew his Lord’s will, and prepared not himself… shall be beaten with many stripes” Lk 12:47. God will not be mocked. “God had translated him.” God always honors those who honor Him…” 1Sam. 2:30. While we gratify the flesh, the blessing of the Spirit will be withheld. While our hearts are so much occupied with the concerns of earth, He will not make the things of Heaven real and efficacious to us. “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death.” “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing…” Rom. 10:17. Faith must rest on the foundation of the word of Him that cannot lie. God had spoken, and Enoch believed. God declared that Enoch should be removed… without passing through the portals of the grave. Enoch believed God, and His promise was fulfilled. Pink A. W.
- Let us also note these other points in this verse. 1. God is not tied to the order of nature: Gen. 3:19 was set aside in the cases of Enoch and Elijah. 2. God puts great outward differences between those equally accepted by Him: He did so between Abel and Enoch. 3. To exhibit the world’s enmity God suffered Abel to be martyred, to comfort His people God preserved Enoch. 4. What God did for Enoch He can and will yet do for a whole generation of His saints 1Cor. 15:51. 5. There is a future life for believers: the removal of Enoch to Heaven plainly intimated this. 6. The body is partaker with the soul in life eternal: the corporeal translation of Enoch showed this. 7. The godliest may not live very long: all mentioned in Gen. 5 stayed on earth a much greater time than did Enoch. 8. They who live with God hereafter must learn to please God ere they depart hence. 9. They who walk with God please Him. 10. They who please God shall not lack testimony thereof. Pink A. W.
