Biblical Reason & Revelation

  🌟 “Taken Up vs. Assumed: Why Enoch and Elijah Are Not Where Mary, Mother of God, Is” --- 📖 Introduction Throughout Scripture, we encounter extraordinary accounts of individuals taken up by God: Enoch in Genesis, Elijah in Kings, and later, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mother of God in Catholic tradition. At first glance, these events may seem identical — but a closer look reveals profound differences. Understanding these distinctions not only clarifies Scripture but also deepens our appreciation of Christ’s unique role as the mediator between humanity and the Father. --- 📖 Enoch: Walked With God • Genesis 5:24: “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him.” • Hebrews 11:5 adds: “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death.” • Yet Hebrews 11:13 later says: “All these died in faith,” suggesting Enoch’s “taking” was mysterious, not full glorification. • Interpretation: Enoch was preserved by God, but Scripture does ...

  “Messianic Jews: Fulfillment, Not Conversion — How Jewish Identity Continues in Christ” For many Christians, the idea of a Jew accepting Jesus as the Messiah raises an immediate question: Do they stop being Jewish? Do they convert? The New Testament gives a clear and surprising answer: No. A Jew who accepts Jesus does not abandon Judaism — they recognize the fulfillment of the covenant story that began with Abraham, Moses, and David. This is not a modern idea. It is the pattern of Scripture itself. --- 1. The First Christians Were Jewish — and Remained Jewish The earliest followers of Jesus: • attended the Temple • kept the feasts • observed the Sabbath • lived Torah‑shaped lives Yet they believed Jesus was the promised Messiah. Scripture records this plainly: “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed; they are all zealous for the Law.” — Acts 21:20 These Jewish believers did not abandon their identity. ...