Moses and Elijah, just as it is true of all who came before Christ sent the Holy Spirit and provided the means by which we may be born again of the spirit of God...they were and are, "in Christ." These are "the dead in Christ" which take part in "the second resurrection." These are the first who are last. Elijah did not see death, but was taken up. He was "transfigured", changed. Nevertheless, he is in Christ whom did see death, and takes part in the second resurrection.
Scott you said, "Elijah did not see death?". that's an error, Elijah as well as Enoch died here on the earth, as well as Moses. only Elijah and Enoch was translated/
transported to another place on the earth in order to escape death at the time where they was at. the word translated is transported, scripture, 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". and notice Enoch died. here's the proof, just keep on reading here in Hebrews 11 until you get to verse 13, "
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth".
Now Elijah, 2 Kings 2:1 "And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into
heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal". Elijah was not taken to the third heaven. the word heaven here is the Hebrew word,
H8064 שָׁמַיִם shamayim (shaw-mah'-yim) n-m.
שָׁמֶה shameh (shaw-meh') [unused singular]
1.
the sky (as aloft).
not the "heaven
s", but the heaven, sky.
also a letter came to Jehoram the king, from Elijah after his been taken up, 2 Chronicles 21:12.
this is nothing new as to people being transported to another part of the planet. example Acts 8:39 "And when they were come up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch
saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing".
I suggest you study translate, and heaven more.