The life and ministry of Enoch is fascinating. Enoch was a significant player in recording the events that preceded the Flood. His writings have given us the historical background needed to have an in-depth understanding of why the Flood was God’s only solution to purge the earth from the unredeemable creation — tainted beyond God’s ability to restore. Through Enoch, we have a much fuller picture and greater context that increases the appreciation of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:37-40, which compares the days of Noah with what we will see just before the Lord’s return. 

But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 

— Matthew 24:37-40

It’s important to make it clear that we believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of Almighty God. We must never treat the Bible as a mere history book or guide to moral living. No —  the Bible contains the divine life and essence of God within its pages. It’s a living book that, if received and acted upon, has the power by which anyone can experience eternal life, along with God’s blessings here on Earth — peace, joy, health, provision, protection, wisdom, and guidance. In other words, nothing can take the place of the Bible. It’s uniquely in a category of its own — a book unlike any other. There is nothing else in print that compares to the brilliance that came from the inspiration of God Himself. It was penned by men at the direction of the Holy Spirit and remains incorruptible to this very day, despite many attempts throughout generations to either destroy it entirely or dilute its power by compromising its message. 

As we consider the Book of Enoch, it’s important to keep this at the forefront of your thinking. Although there is more than sufficient evidence to prove the validity of its contents, it is not considered “inspired” in the traditional sense of how we judge the Scriptures and was excluded from the Holy Bible as we know it. Nevertheless, we can learn many things as we study the Book of Enoch, just as respected historians, church leaders, scholars, and laymen have through the years. The Book of Enoch can help us piece together the account of those events detailed in Genesis by giving us a more detailed account of part of human history that most are unfamiliar with. 

The following is an excerpt from Rick Renner’s newest book, Fallen Angels, Giants, Monsters, and the World Before the Flood:

Adam’s descendants were a prophetic family, and as each new significant player in God’s plan was birthed into the world, a new piece of the prophetic picture was given. From at least the time of Jared, Noah’s family was aware of the vile spiritual things that were occurring and had a keen understanding of a coming judgment. With each subsequent generation, God continued to alert them that longsuffering toward the evil interaction between fallen angels and mortal women would soon end. Of all the pre-Flood patriarchs, Enoch held a very specific and unique role. He walked closely with God and is considered the first Old Testament prophet who spiritually saw the Second Coming of Christ. Although Enoch’s prophetic ministry was more than 5,000 years ago, as a teacher of truth, his divine insights continue to teach people today. He is believed by some to be the author of the earliest parts of the Book of Enoch, which is not Scripture, but it is nevertheless a document that was very respected in the intertestamental period and in the First Century.

The Book of Enoch reveals many insights into longstanding mysteries, but it also poses mysteries of its own — questions that remain difficult to answer. But the mere fact that Jude quotes directly from it and Peter refers to it speaks volumes about its need to be considered. In addition to Jude and Peter, church leaders and historians such as Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Eusebius, Jerome, Hilary, Epiphanius, and others referred to it. 

Regardless of its origins, Jews and early Christians highly regarded The Book of Enoch and viewed it as a serious commentary on events related to activities that preceded the Flood, especially about the fallen angels and their prophesied judgment. Many concepts expressed by Jesus and Jude (Jesus’ half-brother who authored the New Testament book of Jude(are directly connected to terms and ideas found in The Book of Enoch. Hence, it is a logical conclusion that Jesus and His natural family deemed it so serious that He and Jude (and Peter) adopted and elaborated on many important points in The Book of Enoch. 

As with anything we see and hear, especially in these days, discernment is needed to help us understand and interpret information that we are presented with. Anything you give your attention to must be received through the filter of God’s Word and the discernment you have developed within your heart. You might be interested in digging further into the topics discussed in The Book of Enoch and Fallen Angels, Giants, Monsters, and the World Before the Flood. It is a wonderful thing to be provoked to study these topics, but always remember that your eyes and ears are gates that allow access to your heart. So be wise, follow what the Scripture says in Proverbs 4:23, and guard it!

There are many voices and influences in the world today, so it’s best to keep a strict watch over what you listen to and allow into your life. You cannot afford to take what you hear at face value. Use God’s Word as your standard and measure everything by what it says. Receive that which aligns with the truth and disregard what doesn’t. This is one of many reasons RENNER Ministries places such an emphasis on the Bible and strong biblical doctrine. We know that it is only through the Word of God that we can keep our lives free from the entanglement of error and deception that are so prevalent on this earth. There is nothing more important than fulfilling our God-appointed races and walking in the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives without obstruction or hindrance, especially in these strange end-time days. 

Blog by Devin Howard