Enoch's Ascension into Heaven The Book of Enoch chapter 70
### Document 1: The Book of Enoch and the Symbolic Last Days
The Book of Enoch is often seen as a prophetic work, but it is crucial to understand its symbolic nature, especially from a perspective that avoids supernatural interpretations. The opening of Enoch 1:3 sets the stage for understanding this book as a "parable," emphasizing its metaphorical and allegorical content, rather than a literal narrative. The passage reads: *"Concerning the elect I said, and took up my parable concerning them but not for this generation, but for a remote one which is for to come (in the Last Days)."* This indicates that the vision presented is for a future time, yet it is not to be understood through literal, chronological events but through the unfolding of spiritual insight.
The concept of the "Last Days," particularly in John 6:39-40, is reinterpreted here as the last stage or degree of spiritual understanding. This aligns with a metaphysical approach where "day" is understood as a state of mind dominated by intelligence, while "night" represents ignorance. Thus, the "last day" signifies the highest level of spiritual insight or enlightenment that one can achieve. It is the final phase of spiritual evolution, where material conditions are transcended, and one enters a state of spiritual consciousness. This is not a literal apocalyptic event, but a metaphor for the ultimate realization of divine truth.
In line with this symbolic framework, the concept of the "day of judgment" is interpreted as the moment of personal realization, when one's thoughts and actions bring about consequences in their life. Judgment is not an external event but an internal transformation where the old, material ways of thinking are cast aside, making room for spiritual renewal. This reflects the broader teaching found in I Peter 4:7, which states: *"The end of all things is at hand."* In this view, the end is not a literal destruction but the dissolution of material consciousness, making way for spiritual enlightenment.
Chapters 70 and 71 of Enoch describe the ascension of the prophet and his experiences in the heavenly realm. However, even these passages can be understood symbolically. Enoch's ascension is not a physical event but represents a shift in consciousness. He is "raised aloft on the chariots of the spirit," symbolizing the elevation of his mind to a higher spiritual state. The "place for the elect and righteous" is not a literal location, but the attainment of spiritual consciousness, where one is in harmony with divine principles.
The imagery of angels, fire, and heavenly structures in these chapters further emphasizes the metaphorical nature of the text. The "holy sons of God" stepping on flames of fire, the "streams of fire" surrounding the heavenly house, and the countless angels are not descriptions of a physical reality but of spiritual truths. Fire often symbolizes purification and transformation, and the angels represent divine messengers or higher states of consciousness.
The appearance of the "Son of Man" in these chapters also carries deep symbolic meaning. This figure represents the ideal state of righteousness and spiritual purity, one who embodies the divine attributes and serves as a model for those seeking spiritual transformation. The Son of Man’s association with "righteousness" and the "Head of Days" points to the ultimate goal of spiritual evolution, where one attains peace and harmony in alignment with divine will.
Thus, the Book of Enoch, particularly in its closing chapters, presents a deeply symbolic narrative of spiritual ascent. It describes the journey from material consciousness to spiritual enlightenment, using vivid imagery and allegorical language. The "Last Days" are not to be feared as an impending cataclysm but understood as the final stage of personal and collective spiritual growth.
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### Document 2: Enoch as a Symbol of Spiritual Ascension
Enoch, a figure of great significance in both the biblical and apocryphal traditions, represents a profound symbol of spiritual ascent and transformation. The name Enoch itself means "founder," "instructor," or "one trained up," suggesting that he is not merely an individual historical figure but a representation of what humanity can achieve when aligned with divine principles. Enoch’s life and "translation" into heaven can be understood as an allegory for the spiritual journey that each person is destined to undertake.
In the context of Hebrews 11:5, Enoch is described as one who "was translated that he should not see death." While this could be interpreted literally, a deeper, symbolic understanding emerges when we consider Enoch as a metaphor for spiritual ascension. His "walking with God" reflects a state of harmony with divine will, and his translation into heaven symbolizes the attainment of spiritual consciousness. This is not about escaping physical death but about transcending the limitations of the material world and entering a state of spiritual enlightenment.
Enoch’s journey into heaven, particularly as described in the Book of Enoch, can be seen as a precursor to the ascension of Jesus, who was "taken up in a cloud" after his resurrection. Both ascensions symbolize the ultimate goal of spiritual evolution: the transition from a carnal, material state of mind to a spiritual one. The "whirlwind" that takes Enoch into heaven represents the transformative power of the Spirit, which lifts the individual out of worldly concerns and into a state of divine peace and harmony.
Enoch's ascension, much like that of Jesus, is not a physical journey but a transformation in consciousness. It marks the point at which one moves from a purely carnal or mental state to a spiritual one. Enoch represents the "gateway" into a new state of thought, one that is characterized by spiritual understanding and Christ-consciousness. In this sense, Enoch’s translation into heaven is the final step in the believer’s journey towards divine union.
This symbolic interpretation of Enoch's ascension aligns with a broader metaphysical framework, where heaven and earth are understood as two states of mind. Heaven represents the Christ consciousness, a state of harmony with Divine Mind, while earth represents the manifestation of material conditions. According to this view, Revelation 21:1’s "new heaven and new earth" is a metaphor for the transformation of consciousness, where old, material ways of thinking are replaced with new, spiritual ideals.
Enoch, as a symbol of spiritual ascent, also teaches that humanity is destined to rise above the angels. While angels represent messengers or intermediaries of divine will, Enoch’s journey suggests that perfected humanity, fully aligned with the Christ consciousness, is superior even to these celestial beings. This is a profound insight into the potential of human spiritual development, where man is not limited by his material nature but is capable of reaching the highest levels of divine union.
In conclusion, the figure of Enoch serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual journey. His translation into heaven represents the final stage of spiritual evolution, where the believer transcends material consciousness and enters into divine peace and harmony. The Book of Enoch, in this light, is not a literal account of supernatural events but an allegory of the soul’s ascent to God, offering profound insights into the nature of spiritual transformation.
3. Concerning the elect I said, and took up my parable concerning them but not for this generation, but for a remote one which is for to come. (in the Last Days)."]
The Book of Enoch chapter 70
1. And it came to pass after this that his name during his lifetime was raised aloft to that Son of Man and to the Lord of Spirits from amongst those who dwell on the earth.
2. And he was raised aloft on the chariots of the spirit and his name vanished among them.
3. And from that day I was no longer numbered amongst them: and he set me between the two winds, between the North and the West, where the angels who measured for me the place for the elect and righteous.
4. And there I saw the first fathers and the righteous who from the beginning dwell in that place.
The Book of Enoch chapter 71 1. Afterwards my spirit was concealed, ascending into the heavens. I beheld the sons of the holy angels treading on flaming fire, whose garments and robes were white, and whose countenances were transparent as crystal.
The meaning of Enoch
Enoch, means--founder; teacher; instructor;. One Trained Up; Inaugurated that is, dedicated, initiated
Enoch was the man who walked with God and was translated, so has not to see death but that does not mean that he did not die (Heb. 11:5).
Enoch is symbolic of that which each of us can become, and for which all humanity was destined from the very beginning
The name Enoch means "founder," or "instructor," Enoch walked with God. He was translated into the spiritual consciousness. Enoch represents the gateway into and instruction in the new life in Christ.
In the book of Enoch we should understand Enoch's ascension into heaven has a state of of peace and harmony which is symbolised by heaven;
Enoch is the gateway into and instruction in a new state of thought, or understanding. In the case of Enoch who walked with God, the new state of thought would be spiritual consciousness, the new life in Christ.
Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham are represent states or conditions that are higher in the scale than the purely carnal or fleshly. By faith they all made connection with the abiding realities of the Gospel.
Enoch symbolises the highest or climactic point of the ascent for which man is destined to strive, and in this refined image perfect man is superior to the angels.
ascension--The ascending or progressive unfoldment of a believer from the carnal to the spiritual. It is measured by three degrees or states of consciousness: first, the carnal; second, the mental; and third, the spiritual. Enoch first manifested Himself as the man on the physical plane, from which He was translated to the mental; from thence He ascended to the spiritual. The ascension is the final step in the attainment of the Christ consciousness.
Why was “Enoch” taken up by a whirlwind into heaven? The ascent of Enoch was a precursor of the experience that Jesus went through, when at the ascension he was “taken up in a cloud.”
Enoch was taken by a whirlwind into heaven: that is the positive or dominant element of the mind of Enoch must be taken by Yahweh into a state of peace and harmony which is symbolised by heaven;
What is the meaning of the taking of Enoch into heaven in the chariot of spirit? It represents a change that takes place in consciousness,
The carnal mind of Enoch is lifted up in Spirit,
the place for the elect and righteous is the spiritual consciousness which is symbolised by heaven;
The Book of Enoch chapter 70
1. And it came to pass after this that his name during his lifetime was raised aloft to that Son of Man and to the Lord of Spirits from amongst those who dwell on the earth.
2. And he was raised aloft on the chariots of the spirit and his name vanished among them.
3. And from that day I was no longer numbered amongst them: and he set me between the two winds, between the North and the West, where the angels who measured for me the place for the elect and righteous.
4. And there I saw the first fathers and the righteous who from the beginning dwell in that place.
The Book of Enoch chapter 71 1. Afterwards my spirit was concealed, ascending into the heavens. I beheld the sons of the holy angels treading on flaming fire, whose garments and robes were white, and whose countenances were transparent as crystal.
The meaning of Enoch
Enoch, means--founder; teacher; instructor;. One Trained Up; Inaugurated that is, dedicated, initiated
Enoch was the man who walked with God and was translated, so has not to see death but that does not mean that he did not die (Heb. 11:5).
Enoch is symbolic of that which each of us can become, and for which all humanity was destined from the very beginning
The name Enoch means "founder," or "instructor," Enoch walked with God. He was translated into the spiritual consciousness. Enoch represents the gateway into and instruction in the new life in Christ.
In the book of Enoch we should understand Enoch's ascension into heaven has a state of of peace and harmony which is symbolised by heaven;
Enoch is the gateway into and instruction in a new state of thought, or understanding. In the case of Enoch who walked with God, the new state of thought would be spiritual consciousness, the new life in Christ.
Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham are represent states or conditions that are higher in the scale than the purely carnal or fleshly. By faith they all made connection with the abiding realities of the Gospel.
Enoch symbolises the highest or climactic point of the ascent for which man is destined to strive, and in this refined image perfect man is superior to the angels.
ascension--The ascending or progressive unfoldment of a believer from the carnal to the spiritual. It is measured by three degrees or states of consciousness: first, the carnal; second, the mental; and third, the spiritual. Enoch first manifested Himself as the man on the physical plane, from which He was translated to the mental; from thence He ascended to the spiritual. The ascension is the final step in the attainment of the Christ consciousness.
Why was “Enoch” taken up by a whirlwind into heaven? The ascent of Enoch was a precursor of the experience that Jesus went through, when at the ascension he was “taken up in a cloud.”
Enoch was taken by a whirlwind into heaven: that is the positive or dominant element of the mind of Enoch must be taken by Yahweh into a state of peace and harmony which is symbolised by heaven;
What is the meaning of the taking of Enoch into heaven in the chariot of spirit? It represents a change that takes place in consciousness,
The carnal mind of Enoch is lifted up in Spirit,
the place for the elect and righteous is the spiritual consciousness which is symbolised by heaven;
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