Hi Oatmeal, here are a few more emails about Enoch that might help.
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,941.0.html ----
Well, I guess then, you have done it--you have found ONE verse of Scripture that literally contradicts HUNDREDS of other Scriptures such as the fact stated by no lesser Authority than our own Creator, Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. You say that Enoch was taken to be with God and never die. God resides in "heaven" and here is what Jesus had to say about anyone (including Enoch) ever being with God in heaven:
"And NO MAN [pay close attention to the phrase "no man," Tim, seeing that Enoch WAS A MAN] has ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the SON OF MAN which is in heaven" (John 3:13).
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,5855.0.html --------
Actually, Heb. 11 is extremely informative. You must read past verse 5, however. Also you statement that Enoch was "taken up" is unscriptural. Nowhere do the Scriptures tell us that Enoch was "taken up." Enoch was translated so that he was not to see death at the location God translated him from. Translated merely mean to be "transported" from one location to another. The same was true for Elijah. He was taken a little more dramatically in a chariot, however, he too was merely transported from one location to another. After this incident, we are told that Elijah wrote a letter (II Chron. 21:12), and assuredly he did not write a letter from God's throne room in heaven.
Likewise, Enoch DIED. The Scriptures plainly tell us this:
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Who are the "these" that "all died" in this verse? Why they are the ones mentioned in the verses above: Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah.
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,4219.0.html -------------
You state that Enoch "was taken into Heaven," and that this is stated in the
verse that I use to show that he died. Here is what is said of Enoch in Hebrews
11:5, "By faith ENOCH was translated [Gk: 'transfer or transport'--from one location
to another] that he should not see death [when he was transported/transferred]; and was not found, because God had translated him [to another location]: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."
Now then, Where do you see anywhere that Enoch "was taken to HEAVEN?" Where?
However, go down to verse 13 and you will read this: "THESE A-L-L DIED in faith, NOT having received the promises...." Yes, these "ALL" died. These "all" included Abel (Ver 4), Enoch (Ver. 5), Noah (Ver. 7), Abraham and Sarah (Ver. 08). And so the Scripture is clear: Enoch "DIED."
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,891.0.html -------
Dear Tim:
I will make a couple COMMENTS in your email..................
Hi Ray,
From what you say, you think that Enock was transported some where else on earth and died later at some point. Where did God relocate Enock? COMMENT: The Scriptures do not tell us where.
Hebrew tells us that God removed Enock from earth COMMENT: Hebrew tells us NO SUCH THING.
because he was pleasing to God. Enock never saw a physical death like we will. COMMENT: Nonsense, of course Enock died: "By faith Able...By faith Enoch...By faith Noah...By faith Abrfaham...Through faith also Sara...THESE A-L-L [including Enoch] DIED in faith, NOT having received the promises..."
The word transported means to take or remove it doesn't mean that God put Enock some where else on earth. COMMENT: The Greek word "metatithemi" means "to transfer--literally to transport..." Strong's Lexicon.
"Transfer" means "To convey or cause to pass from one...to another." And "transport" means "To carry from one PLACE to another [place]..." (The American Heritage College Dictionary).
Enock wasn't seen again on earth as the scripture tells us. COMMENT: That proves absolutely nothing. Lots of people transfer to different locations, and are never heard from again. Does that prove that they all went to heaven and never died?
Hebrew 11:5 states By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.
These verses are pretty clear, COMMENT: Yes they are. Pity you can't believe what they say, however.
"These [including Enoch] ALL DIED in faith, NOT having received the promises...." Pretty clear to me!
God be with you,
Ray