Christian scripture describes several figures who did not experience earthly death. Enoch, taken by God according to Genesis 5:24, and Elijah, ascended to heaven in a whirlwind as recounted in 2 Kings 2:11, are prominent examples. The most significant instance, however, concerns the ascension of Jesus Christ after his resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian belief. These narratives frequently symbolize divine favor, reward, and the promise of eternal life.
The concept of bypassing death holds profound theological implications. It underscores the power of God over mortality and offers a glimpse into the hope of eternal life offered to believers. These accounts have shaped religious thought for centuries, serving as sources of comfort, inspiration, and theological debate about the nature of the afterlife and the relationship between the earthly and divine realms.