Are there three heavens?

The Bible speaks often about heaven, but it does not always use the term in the same way. In both the Old Testament Hebrew (shamayim) and the New Testament Greek (ouranos), the word “heaven” can refer to different realms above the earth. Sometimes it means the sky where birds fly, other times it means outer space where the stars shine, and in its highest sense, it means the dwelling place of God Himself.

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:2, specifically mentions being caught up to the “third heaven.” This reference suggests that the biblical writers recognized different levels or dimensions of heaven. By examining Scripture, we can understand that there are three heavens: the atmosphere above the earth, the vast expanse of space, and the eternal dwelling place of God.

The First Heaven: The Earth’s Atmosphere

The first heaven is the firmament, or the sky above the earth where clouds form, rain falls, and birds fly. Genesis 1:6-8 records, “Then God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.”

This is the realm that humanity experiences daily. It is where weather patterns develop, where rain and snow come down from above, and where winds blow. Isaiah 55:10 reflects on this reality: “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater.”

The first heaven sustains physical life. Without its oxygen, clouds, and water cycle, life on earth could not continue. It is also the most immediate expression of God’s creation, reminding people of His provision and care.

The Second Heaven: Outer Space

The second heaven is the place of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. In other words, it is outer space, the realm beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Genesis 1:14-16 says, “Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.”

This second heaven declares God’s majesty in ways that humble the human heart. Psalm 8:3-4, 9 reads, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? … O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!”

The immensity of the second heaven reveals the power and creativity of God. The billions of galaxies, stars, and planets point to His greatness and infinite wisdom. Humanity’s smallness in comparison to the universe makes His love and care for mankind all the more amazing.

The Third Heaven: The Dwelling Place of God

The third heaven is the highest realm, the place where God dwells in glory. This is not merely part of the physical creation but the eternal spiritual realm of God’s throne. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:2, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows-such a one was caught up to the third heaven.”

This heaven is where God’s throne is located. Psalm 11:4 declares, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.” Likewise, Psalm 113:4 says, “The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.”

The third heaven is sometimes described as the “heaven of heavens.” Nehemiah 9:6 states, “You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.” This phrase suggests that above the visible heavens lies a supreme, spiritual heaven-the dwelling place of the Creator.

It is in this heaven that God’s glory shines in its fullness, where angels worship continually, and where believers’ prayers ascend. It is also the place from which Christ now intercedes for His people and from which He will return.

The New Heavens and the New Earth

While God’s throne is now in the third heaven, the Bible promises a time when heaven and earth will be united. Revelation 21:1-3 says, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'”

God’s ultimate plan is not for His people to remain distant but for His dwelling place to be with them. Jesus assured His disciples of this hope in John 14:2-3: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

The future new heaven and new earth will be free from sin, death, and pain. In that world, the redeemed will experience God’s presence in the fullest way, as heaven and earth become one.

The Path to Entering the Heavenly Kingdom

The Bible makes it clear that entrance into the kingdom of heaven requires humility, faith in Christ, and godliness. Jesus said in Matthew 18:4, “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Similarly, Matthew 5:10 promises, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The promise of dwelling with God in His eternal heaven is extended to all who accept His invitation. Salvation is offered freely, but it requires repentance, faith, and perseverance.

Conclusion

The Bible reveals that there are three heavens. The first is the atmosphere above the earth where birds fly and rain falls. The second is outer space where the sun, moon, and stars shine. The third is the dwelling place of God, the heaven of heavens where His throne is established.

While God presently abides in the third heaven, His plan is to bring heaven to earth in the future, creating a new heaven and a new earth where His people will live with Him forever. Until then, believers are called to live humbly, faithfully, and with hope, longing for the day when God’s promise will be fulfilled.