For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Victor Stoc
The Bible says, "Elijah went up in whirlwind into heaven." (2 Kgs.2:11); Enoch was translated by God (Heb.11:5); and Moses appeared in the transfiguration with Christ (Mt.17:3). Do these scriptures prove that the three were in heaven while Messiah was alive on Earth? No!
Jn.3:13 - "And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, the Son of Man." These words were spoken by Jesus himself in regards to being "born again" or resurrected from the dead (v 3-12). These words cannot be denied or misunderstood.
We also have the Apostle Paul's witness; Col.1:18 - "that in all things he might have the pre-eminence." Jesus had to be the firstborn from the dead; the first to be resurrected unto eternal life; the first to ascend into heaven and stand before God. If anyone proceeded him then he wasn't the firstborn from the dead. Since some people believe Enoch and Elijah did not die, but that Moses did die, then that would mean Moses had the pre-eminence over Messiah.
In light of these two powerful verses, Jn.3:13 and Col.1:18, how can we explain what happened to Enoch, Elijah and Moses?
Shirley H
This is all fascinating to me. All I know is one day we will have all the answers to all our questions. However, I guess that then it will not matter anymore!