If no one goes to Heaven when they die, where did Enoch and Elijah go?
While the Bible clearly teaches that everyone sleeps in the grave until the return of Jesus, there are a couple exceptions. The Bible says Enoch was taken away by God so that “he did not see death” (Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5), and that Elijah never died but was taken to Heaven by God in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). And while Moses died and was buried, he was resurrected by Michael the Archangel sometime after his death (Jude 9). This becomes even more evident when Moses and Elijah are seen transfigured with Christ on the mountain (Matthew 17:1–3). So we can be certain that there is enough biblical evidence that Enoch, Moses, and Elijah are in Heaven with Christ.
As to why God made exceptions to the general rule for these specific individuals, the Bible simply does not say. Many Bible students believe that Elijah and Moses are model examples of how God will indeed receive His people at the end of time.
Like Enoch and Elijah, there will be many people alive when Jesus returns that will never see death; these special people will be transformed and taken to Heaven with Jesus. But like Moses, many saints sleeping in their graves will be resurrected, given new bodies, and taken to Heaven with Christ (Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
This is further confirmed by Jesus who stated to His disciples just before the transfiguration:
“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:27–28
Just six days later “some” of the disciples—namely Peter, James, and John saw Christ glorified with Moses and Elijah, and heard God’s voice speaking to Christ from a “bright cloud.”
God’s glory, the bright cloud (representing angels), Moses (representing those to be resurrected from the dead), and Elijah (representing those who are alive at Christ’s return) all point to the kingdom of Christ that is to come. Through this experience, the favored three saw Christ come in His kingdom. May we choose today to be part of that kingdom by God’s amazing grace.