Introduction
The Bible speaks of “heaven” in different ways, referring to more than just the place where God dwells. In fact, Scripture describes three distinct heavens, each representing a different realm of existence. Understanding these three heavens helps us grasp the glory of God’s creation, the spiritual reality beyond what we see, and the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed.
Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the three heavens:
- The First Heaven – The Atmospheric Heaven (The Sky)
- The Second Heaven – The Celestial Heaven (Outer Space)
- The Third Heaven – The Dwelling Place of God
I. The First Heaven – The Atmospheric Heaven (The Sky)
A. The First Heaven is the Sky, Where Birds and Clouds Exist
Scripture often refers to the sky and atmosphere as “heaven.” This is the realm where clouds form, birds fly, and weather occurs.
- Genesis 1:6-8, ESV – “And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ And God called the expanse Heaven.”
- Isaiah 55:10, ESV – “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven.”
- Matthew 6:26, ESV – “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”
✅ The First Heaven refers to the sky and atmosphere, where birds fly and weather patterns exist.
🚩 How often do you take time to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation? Share your thoughts in the comments!
II. The Second Heaven – The Celestial Heaven (Outer Space)
A. The Second Heaven is the Universe, Where Stars, Planets, and Galaxies Exist
The Bible also speaks of heaven as the vast expanse of space, where the sun, moon, and stars reside.
- Genesis 1:14-17, ESV – “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night… And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.”
- Psalm 19:1, ESV – “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
- Deuteronomy 4:19, ESV – “And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, you be drawn away and bow down to them.”
✅ The Second Heaven refers to outer space, where celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars exist.
🚩 How does seeing the stars at night remind you of God’s greatness? Let us know in the comments!
III. The Third Heaven – The Dwelling Place of God
A. The Third Heaven is God’s Eternal Home
The Bible describes a third and highest heaven, which is not part of the physical universe but is the dwelling place of God. This is where believers will be in eternity.
- 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, ESV – “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven… and he heard things that cannot be told.”
- 1 Kings 8:30, ESV – “Listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”
- Revelation 21:1-3, ESV – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.’”
✅ The Third Heaven is where God dwells and where believers will spend eternity.
🚩 Are you certain that you will dwell in the Third Heaven with God? If not, keep reading!
IV. How Do the Three Heavens Relate to Eternity?
The First and Second Heavens are part of the current creation, but they will eventually be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth:
- Matthew 24:35, ESV – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
- Revelation 21:1, ESV – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”
✅ Only the Third Heaven is eternal—will you be there?
Conclusion: Where Will You Spend Eternity?
- John 14:6, ESV – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Romans 10:9, ESV – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
🔴 The invitation is open—will you accept it?
📣 Join the Discussion!
What did you learn about the three heavens? Let us know in the comments below!