But let us view this event,
II. As an instruction to us —
Two things it obviously teaches us :
1. That there is a future state of existence, both for our souls and bodies —
<= Gene V. 22, 24. ^ Jam. ii. 23. ^ John xiv. 21—23.
f Rom. viii. 15, 16, s Jam. iv. 8. '' 1 John i. 3.
* Ps. iv. 6. 1^ Rom. v. 5. l 1 John v. 10.
m 2 Kings ii. 10, 16. 17.
[It is clear that the future judgment was known to Enoch ; and therefore it is most probable that he was informed as to the resurrection of the body. But, at all events, his translation gave to those of his day, and to all future ages, an evidence, that the body was capable of participating in all the glory and felicity of the soul. Of course, some change was made in him, even as there shall be in those who shall be living at the time of our Lord's advent to judge the world. At that time, all who are alive *' will be changed in a moment, in the twink- ling of an eye, at the last trump : for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality "." But it was essentially the same body, even as that of our blessed Lord was at the time of his ascension to heaven " : and, though our bodies shall be consumed by worms, yet shall they be raised again, and be the subjects either of happiness or misery, according as they were employed, either in the service of God, or in rebellion against him p.]
2. That those who have pleased God in this world shall assuredly dwell with God in the world to come —
[The eminent piety of Enoch was well known. What, then, did his translation announce, whether to that or future generations? God said by it, ' Behold how I will act towards those who serve and honour me : I will not leave you to guess at it, as a matter above your comprehensions : ye shall see it ; ye shall have it brought so manifestly before your eyes, that you shall have no doubt whatever respecting it. Did he be- lieve in me ? Did he serve me ? Did he walk with me ? Did he, in the whole of his life and conversation, strive to honour me? In a word, did he " please" me? See then, in him, the felicity that awaiteth you : for I have set him forth as a pattern to all future ages, and as a pledge, that " whoso honoureth me, shall be honoured by me^;" and that " to him who ordereth his conversation aright, I will shew the salvation of God V"]
What now shall I add ? What, but these two
things ? Learn —
1. What must be your aim in life —
[You have seen what it was in Enoch that pleased God :
you have seen, that he really " believed" in God; and that
his whole life was one continued walk with God. " He walked,
not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth the reins." So walk
ye, and ye shall please him too; yes, and shall have such
n 1 Cor. XV. 51—53. ° Phil. iii. 21. p Dan. xii. 2.
q 1 Sam. ii. 30. ' Ps. 1. 23.