What does it mean to walk with God?

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Question: What does it mean to walk with God? The Bible says Enoch did it. What does this mean?

Answer: The first place in the Bible where it names a person who walked with God is in Genesis:

"After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years . . . and he was not, for God took him." (Genesis 5:22-24, NKJV throughout)

The quick answer concerning whether he died or not is in the book of Hebrews. In Hebrews 11, after listing Enoch along with Abel, Noah, Abraham and others as examples of great faith in God it states:

"These ALL DIED in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them . . ." (Hebrews 11:13)

Enoch, like Abraham, experienced death. They are awaiting the resurrection of ALL the saints at the return of Jesus.

There is quite a bit of misinformation and misunderstanding in the world regarding whether HEAVEN exists or not, how does God decide who goes to heaven, is there anyone in heaven RIGHT NOW and so forth. To further study about heaven, please read What happens AFTER we die?

"This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)

"By faith Enoch was taken away . . . for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

"By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." (Hebrews 11:5-7)

Enoch and Noah BELIEVED (had faith in) God and what he said. Anyone who believes and obeys Him walks with him. Obedience is evident when one lives by His commandments. If we do not obey, we do not have faith. The book of 1John makes it abundantly plain about what it takes to know, love and walk with our Creator:

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a LIAR, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to WALK just as HE walked.

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. For THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are NOT burdensome." (1John 2:3-6, 5:2-3)

Thank you for asking about what it means to walk with God.