Letter to the Hebrews Volume 122

The Faith of those Elders in Early Human History Part 2

Hebrews 11:5 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. KJV

In the verse of Scripture here today we find the first testimony, that is, the evidence that faith alone saves any sinner from their sin eternally regardless of someone's earthly bloodlines, that is, no matter what belief system or practices of the person's Parents or Grandparents or Great Grandparents and so on back however many generations. The Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Gospel of Grace is continuing to do the same thing today and in every era and generation past and present and that is to save souls born into cults, the occult, false religious systems, satanic spirituality, and every other belief or practice of religion or spirituality that has no connection to the One True God our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) will continue this very same work into the future as far as the future goes before Christ 2nd Coming to the earth (Luke 21:27). Not very much is documented for us in the Old Testament of the Bible concerning the man Enoch, except that he was the son of Cain (yes the same Cain we just saw in verse 4 who murdered his brother Abel). Cain was of the wicked one, that is, the devil, as it is written for us by the Apostle John with these words, "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." (1 John 3:12) (KJV). This testimony concerning Cain is the very testimony of God Himself, for we know that 'ALL' Scripture comes from the heart of God spoken through the men He chose to reveal His Word to humanity, as it is written for us by the Apostle Paul with these words, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) (KJV). Therefore, we understand that Enoch came from a man who belonged to the devil, however, the writer of Hebrews documents for us that this man Enoch (whose days on the earth before he was transposed were 365 years (Genesis 5:23)) came to faith in God and by his faith he pleased God, as it is written with these words, "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." (Hebrews 11:5) (KJV). The English word 'translated' here speaking of Enoch is translated by the Greek word metatithēmi meaning (as used here) to transfer, that is, (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides. Here is what the JFB Commentary says of this, "Faith was the ground of his pleasing God; and his pleasing God was the ground of his translation. Implying a sudden removal from mortality without death to immortality: such a CHANGE as shall pass over the living at Christ's coming."

Here is what Dr. John Gill said of Hebrews 11:5, "Which is to be understood, not of a spiritual translation from the power of darkness, into the kingdom of Christ, as all converted, persons are translated, and doubtless Enoch was; nor of a rapture, or removal from one part of the earth to another, or from one part of a country to another, as Philip was caught away by the Spirit, after the baptism of the eunuch; but of a translation from earth to heaven; and not for a while only, as Paul was caught up to the third heaven; but as Elijah was, there to continue, and as the living saints will be at the last day; and this was a translation of him, soul and body, to heaven, to eternal glory and happiness, by a change from mortality to immortality, which passed upon him; and which is a pledge of the resurrection of the dead, and a proof of the Old Testament saints knowing, expecting, and enjoying eternal life. And with this agrees the sense of some of the Jewish writers concerning this affair. Jonathan ben Uzziel, in his paraphrase on Genesis 5:24 has these words: 'And Enoch worshipped in truth before the Lord; and behold he was not with the inhabitants of the earth, 'he was translated', and ascended to the firmament (or heaven), by the Word before the Lord.' And the Jerusalem Targum to the same purpose; 'And Enoch worshipped in truth before the Lord; and lo, he was not, for he was translated by the Word from before the Lord;' or by the Word of the Lord, which went out from Him; for this translation was of God, as our Apostle afterwards asserts. R. Eleazar says: 'The holy blessed God took Enoch, and caused him to ascend to the highest heavens, and delivered into his hands all the superior treasures, &c' He is said to be one of the seven which entered into paradise in their life; and some of them say, that God took him, body and soul; 'He pleased God, and was beloved of Him: so that living among sinners he was translated.' (Wisdom 4:10) 'Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example of repentance to all generations.' (Sirach 44:16). And this translation is said to be 'by faith'; not through any virtue and efficacy in that grace to procure it; nor through faith, in that particular point; but God put an honour upon the faith of Enoch, and on him as a believer, this way."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…