As I was studying Hebrews this morning, specifically the faith chapter (chapter 11), one scripture resulted in a very simple exciting thought -- something we've all realized before but may seem to lose sight of at times.  This day, it had a refreshing and renewed impact on me for some reason.  I pray that it blesses you the same!

The scripture I am referring to is...

Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Here's the very simple thought...

Enoch pleased God with His faith.  Enoch had a saving faith where he very simply took God at His word, believed Him, and lived out his faith.  It says nothing about Enoch's works, only his faith.  It is very safe to assume that Enoch had the fruit and works of God that came through his faith, because it is stated in Genesis that he walked with God; but, there was nothing of his own self that saved him.  He pleased God through his faith in God, and thus he did not see death and was taken up.  This is all the Lord has revealed to us in His word about Enoch, so I believe it is safe to assume that Enoch's faith is the clear message.

So, also will it be in the catching away that we eagerly wait upon...  It is the same saving faith that pleases God that will result in our not seeing death, just like Enoch.  It is faith and faith alone; it is not works.  And yes, we all know that faith without works is dead, and any man who has saving faith in Christ will have His works and will walk with God, trusting Him in all things.  The foundational truth, however,  is that it is our faith that saves us, and it is an unwavering faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross that makes us worthy of the rapture and eternal life!

And as a little end-cap and summary... 

According to Hebrews 11:1, "...faith is the substance (or realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (or confidence) of things not seen". 

And...

We know that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and we know that we are told not to cast away our faith, because it carries a great reward (Hebrews 10:35). 

So...

We all have a confidence (an unwavering belief) of things we cannot see (Jesus and His promises) through our faith, and this confidence has great reward -- and the reward is the actual realization of the things we are believing and hoping for, including the rapture!  The key is to not waver or cast off our faith! 

God is so clear to us in His word.  He just wants us to believe that He is who He says He is, His own works eternally saved us from the penalty of sin, and He will start and finish His work in us to conform us into His image -- and then last but not least, He will come to take us away to be with Him in the place He has prepared for us for all of eternity!  He said it, and thus He will do it!!!

This is the best news we could ever share with those who are lost!!

Praise the name of Jesus, who is so very faithful to His word!