Why is it that some prophets like Elijah went to heaven alive while others died and were buried?
The Bible does not tell us specifically why God translated Elijah. However, of Enoch, who was also translated, it is said in Hebrews 11:5, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Though all reasons for the translation of these two men of God cannot yet be known, it appears likely that such was done, at least in part, to provide evidence to those living during the Old Testament period that a future state of existence with God through faith was a reality, in spite of the fact that “it is appointed unto men once to die” (Hebrews 9:27)! These actions were, as well, recorded for those of us who live under the New Testament (Romans 15:4). Therefore, these actions, in addition to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, bear witness to the fact that from the beginning it has been the intent of God that all who are faithful to Him can be assured
