Enoch is said to have walked with God. The biblical account notes that he ceased to be physically seen because God took him away (Genesis 5:24). Similarly, Jesus assured those who believed in Him, demonstrating it by applying His teachings. In conversing with Martha, Jesus stated that those who lived by believing in Him would not die (John 11:26). This is just as He had stated in John 8:51: “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death” (NKJV). Paul extensively expressed that physical death occurs at baptism; while the body dies, the Spirit lives forever for those who truly believe in Jesus.
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:9-17 NKJV).
“Walking with God” refers to a spiritual connection with God and does not necessarily mean physical walking with God. Jesus spoke of those who hear the voice of the true shepherd of the flock (John 10:9-12). Such individuals demonstrate that walking with God is not confined to a specific time or place but a continuous pursuit of a deeper relationship with Him. In the Bible, several individuals are described as having had a close relationship with God, characterized as “walking with God.” Here are some notable examples:
Genesis 5:24 is recorded: “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Nothing more is recorded of Enoch, except that he walked with God, who later took him away, suggesting that Enoch was in God’s favour. The first man recorded as having pleased God is Abel, who was later killed by his brother, Cain. The common problem with most people is assuming that the significance of being human lies in the physical condition. Because Cain killed Abel, most people assume that this spelt the end of Abel. However, as revealed by Jesus, the significance of humanity is in the spirit. Therefore, while Cain thought he had eliminated his brother, God took him to paradise.
Noah is recorded as having pleased God, signifying his selection for being saved with his family, including two of every kind of animal from the great flood. From a human perspective, it is possible to conclude that Noah was granted the privilege of being taken to Heaven after his death, like Enoch. However, there is no certainty regarding this possibility. Noah was physically saved from the flood and lived for some time before dying. The question of whether he continued to walk with God after the flood is not revealed. Without biblical confirmation from God, nothing supports this reality.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations” (Genesis 17:1-5 NKJV).
Scriptural references indicate that Abraham met God’s expectation of walking in His ways, thereby being taken to Heaven, like Enoch. “But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:21-32 NKJV). This confirms that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob walked with God and are therefore in Heaven. Nevertheless, the apostle Paul affirms this as confirming what sustains the fate of Christians after passing on.
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29 NKJV).
Jesus provided the most notable assurance of what happens to those who walk with God, even in this life. This should serve as a reminder for those who believe that Enoch was special, being taken to Heaven before dying. For those doubting the possibility of walking with God, Jesus serves as the perfect example. In Chapter 14 of the Book of John, Jesus clarified what would transpire and what would happen to His disciples. John recorded Jesus’ words during His conversation with His disciples before His crucifixion.
“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves” (John 14:10-11 NKJV)
The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals who exemplify walking with God. Five characteristics describe those who walk with God, as evident in those individuals. Evaluating these characteristics can assist anyone who genuinely desires to align with the Lord, especially in these modern and perilous times. How can one be certain of walking with God? The most important aspect suggests that the affirmation does not necessarily come from fellow humans. Jesus was not readily recognized as walking with God by the people of this world. The same applies to Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham.
Faith is the first of these attributes. It involves believing and trusting God’s promises and provisions without any doubt, assured of God’s divinity. Hebrews 11 describes several characters who displayed some commitment to believing in God, even under the most trying experiences. Each Christian has been tested, one way or another, having to choose between physical opportunities and God’s way of life. Interestingly, the test does not have to be Biblically accurate.
I recall when God revealed His presence in my life. I lost my job because I refused to work on Saturdays. I currently hold a different understanding, believing I didn’t need to subject myself to that stress. God rewarded me with a better job afterwards. The point of faith was that I lost my job out of my full conviction that God required me to keep the Sabbath. Hence, I can never despise those fully convicted of keeping the Sabbath.
Consider Abraham, who was also tested to sacrifice his son. Anyone committing themselves similarly to what Abraham did, today, would probably face the wrath of the law. How could the man of God contemplate sacrificing his son and be free from God’s wrath? This is even more worrying, as nothing shows that he sought to negotiate this arrangement with his wife, Sarah. This could be the subject of an interesting drama if Abraham had decided to divulge such an apparent evil act.
The second principle is obedience: it is impossible to obey without faith. Therefore, obedience can be linked with faith. This necessitates strictly following God’s commands and guidance. By interlinking with faith, obedience requires doing what God commands, even when considered physically inconvenient. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son, Isaac, demonstrating his commitment to obey God, even when it did not make sense according to human reasoning. He was inspired by his conviction to obey God, valuing that God is above everything.
Righteousness entails living a life of moral integrity and justice. Although this concept can be subjective, the ultimate fulfilment of righteousness is achievable when committed to the previous two attributes. “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3 NKJV). In this world, there is no absolute rightness. Therefore, living a life of moral integrity and justice creates problems, one way or the other. For instance, I may not want to be tainted with corruption and end up disappointing my relatives, although that may earn me being viewed as of high moral integrity, by others.
The fourth attribute is intimacy, which describes cultivating a close, personal relationship with God. This includes an unceasing prayer life, enabling making judgments according to God’s viewpoint. Such a person enjoys studying the Bible and evaluating Biblical texts by authors or preachers. The evaluator is not necessarily concerned about the backgrounds of authors or preachers. This describes a person who does not waste time considering the background of fellow humans’ profiles. There cannot be quality material that is not endorsed by God. Even a wicked person can convey God’s message to someone who is connected to Him. Only demagogues assume they are perfect in divine matters.
Lastly, we bring up humility, but probably the most important of them all. The apostle Paul profoundly stressed that knowledge puffs up. It can be easy for a person used by God to assume being ahead of everyone. Such a person may be unwilling to evaluate what comes from others. To fulfill the condition of humility one disregards the idea of owning the truth. Truth is a pristine quality that stands on its own. Humility is the only attribute that seals the person, among other attributes for those walking with God.
One might be tempted to suggest that the absence of this attribute has let down great men of God, throughout the ages. When humbly maintaining dependence on God and submitting to His will without introverting, the other attributes just flow. In other words, this describes a person who is not estranged from other believers. He seeks to correct others but is willing to also be corrected. When guided by God’s word at all times, one cannot offend another person or be offended by anyone.
A person can be a genius in understanding a particular aspect of Scripture but be a cropper in other areas. Any person can easily fail, although having fulfilled other conditions of Godliness, due to lacking humility. In Christianity, none is greater. The ability to fulfil all conditions of Christianity does not grant a license to be wiser. Regardless of the level of understanding, a person falls headlong on the test of humility. This may be the only reason Jesus taught against leadership structures in Christianity.
But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:8-12 NKJV)
The essence of Christianity begins and ends with Jesus. Everything is tailored to the service of Jesus. One must disregard individual achievements and focus on Christ as the ultimate focal point when contributing to the reformation of Christianity. No one is wiser than Christ in this life. The privilege of understanding things ahead of others should be seen as a responsibility that demands physical sacrifice.
One cannot walk with God and be proud simultaneously. This is why Jesus advised being glad when persecuted rather than offended. Only proud people feel offended when demeaned. Those who constantly walk with God realize that Christ is the one being downgraded. We must obey and follow spiritual direction without rancour. Physical protection is not a priority for those walking in the light of God.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99