How Many Heavens Are There?

# The Three Heavens: Unveiling Biblical Cosmology and Common Misconceptions

Have you ever gazed at the sky and wondered what lies beyond? The concept of heaven has fascinated humanity for millennia, and the Bible offers a unique perspective on this celestial realm. Let’s embark on a journey through the three heavens mentioned in Scripture, exploring their significance and what they reveal about our universe and faith.

## The First Heaven: Our Atmospheric Sky

The first heaven is the one we experience every day – the sky above us. It’s where birds soar and clouds drift, the realm of weather and wind. This heaven is a reminder of God’s sovereignty over our immediate world and His provision for our daily needs.

**”And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.” (Genesis 1:20 KJV)**

## The Second Heaven: The Cosmic Expanse

Beyond our atmosphere lies the second heaven – the vast expanse of space. This cosmic realm includes the sun, moon, stars, and planets. This heaven speaks to God’s creative power and the incomprehensible scale of His creation.

**”And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” (Genesis 1:14 KJV)**

It’s important to note that while magnificent, these first two heavens are not eternal:

**”But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10 KJV)**

## The Third Heaven: God’s Dwelling Place

The most intriguing of all is the third heaven, mentioned by the Apostle Paul. This is the spiritual realm where God dwells, often equated with Paradise. It’s a place beyond human comprehension, representing the ultimate destination for believers – the very presence of God.

**”I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.” (2 Corinthians 12:2 KJV)**

For believers, this heavenly dwelling is eternal and assured:

**”For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1 KJV)**

## The Significance of the Three Heavens

Understanding these three heavens offers us a richer perspective on our faith and place in the universe. It reminds us of God’s omnipresence and gives us hope, knowing that there’s a realm beyond our current experience where God’s presence dwells in fullness.

**”The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1 KJV)**

## Consider This: Common Misconceptions About the Third Heaven

As we delve deeper into the concept of the third heaven, it’s important to address some common misconceptions:

1. **Physical vs. Spiritual:** Many believe the third heaven is purely spiritual, but the Bible often describes it in physical terms, suggesting it has tangible qualities.

**”And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.” (Revelation 4:6 KJV)**

2. **Immediate Access for All:** The misconception here is that everyone goes to the third heaven immediately upon death. In truth, only believers in Jesus Christ go to be with the Lord in the third heaven upon death. Those who have not placed their faith in Christ do not enter heaven, but face eternal separation from God.

**”Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)**

For believers, this transition is immediate:

**”We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)**

3. **Nature of Existence:** Contrary to the idea of existing as disembodied spirits, the Bible teaches that believers will have resurrected physical bodies in the third heaven.

4. **Equality of Rewards:** While some assume all rewards in the third heaven will be equal, Scripture suggests they may differ based on one’s earthly actions and faithfulness.

5. **Exclusivity of Access:** Biblical teachings emphasize that access to the third heaven is exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ, countering the notion of multiple pathways.

6. **Final State:** Some theologians argue that the current third heaven is not the final eternal state, but that the ultimate heaven will be a new heaven and new earth.

**”And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1 KJV)**

This new heaven will include the New Jerusalem:

**”And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2 KJV)**

7. **Level of Activity:** Far from being a place of eternal boredom, Scripture indicates the third heaven will be full of joy, activity, and fulfillment.

As we contemplate these heavens and address common misconceptions, we’re drawn into a sense of wonder at the vastness of God’s creation and the intimacy of His presence. From the air we breathe to the stars we see and the paradise we hope for, each heaven tells a part of God’s story and our place in it. How does this expanded understanding of the three heavens and the true nature of the third heaven impact your view of the world and your faith?