Walking with God

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What does it mean to walk with God? The Bible says Enoch and Noah did it.

Scripture states that the patriarch Enoch began his walk with God starting at age sixty-five. It was the same year he had his first son Methuselah (who would become the oldest living human ever). He is the first person the Bible mentions as having a walk, or close relationship, with his Creator. This kind of quality interaction lasted for three hundred years (Genesis 5:22, 24).

The other person you mentioned as experiencing a walk with our Creator is Noah (Genesis 6:9). Noah was born around 2913 B.C., which is more than four hundred years after the birth of Enoch. The Bible, however, does list others as enjoying a special relationship with the Lord.

And he (the patriarch Israel) blessed Joseph and said, "May God, before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked . . . (Genesis 48:15, HBFV)

The book of Hebrews offers some vital information regarding what it means to have a close relationship with our Maker. Hebrews 11:5 states that before Enoch was taken (see our article showing Enoch was not taken to heaven but away from those who hated him) he pleased the Eternal. Verse 6 states that whoever wishes to please Him must know he exist and that he rewards those who do his will. Noah is also mentioned in the same chapter and is commended for his faith and willingness to do what he was told.

People panic as the flood waters rise
People panic as the floodwaters rise

By faith Noah, after being divinely instructed by God about the things he could not yet see, was moved with fear and prepared an ark for the salvation of his house; through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith (Hebrews 11:7, HBFV throughout).

Enoch and Noah believed (had faith in) the Eternal and what he said. Anyone who believes and obeys Him has a special relationship with him. Obedience is evident when one lives by His commandments. If we do not obey them, we do not have true faith. The New Testament makes it abundantly plain about what it takes to know, love and walk with our Maker.

And by this standard we know that we know Him: if we keep His COMMANDMENTS . . . Anyone who claims to dwell in Him is obligating himself also to walk . . . (1John 2:3, 6)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto the good works that God ordained beforehand in order that we might walk in them (Ephesians 5:10).

My brethren, what good does it do, if anyone says that he has faith, and does not have works? Is faith able to save him? . . .

In the same way also, faith, if it does not have works, is dead, by itself. But someone is going to say, "You have faith, and I have works." My answer is: You prove your faith to me through your works, and I will prove my faith to you through my works (James 5:14, 17 - 18).

Christians who obey God, and spend their lives in a close and personal walk with him, are promised never to be condemned. The Bible states, "Consequently, there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who are not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1, HBFV).

Recommended Articles
Timeline of the Old Testament
What Is Blasphemy?
What Are the Seven Heavens?
Where Did the First Christians Live?
Why Is Love Greater Than Faith?
How Can a Christian Become Anathema?
Why Isn't Paul in Heaven?