The Three Heavens: The concept of heaven is far more nuanced than many realise. Scripture presents a multifaceted picture of the heavens that goes beyond simple celestial imagery. The Bible reveals three distinct heavens, each of which gives us profound insights into God’s magnificent creative design and spiritual architecture.

This perspective invites us to probe deeper into the biblical understanding of the heavens as far more than mere physical spaces, and as deliberate expressions of divine wisdom and order.

 

THE FIRST HEAVEN: THE ATMOSPHERIC REALM

The first heaven represents the immediate atmospheric domain surrounding our earth—the realm of clouds, wind, and precipitation. This celestial layer is no mere meteorological phenomenon, but a testament to God’s continuous providential care. The Scriptures repeatedly highlight this realm as a direct channel of God’s interaction with creation.

In Deuteronomy 11:11, Moses describes the Promised Land as a place “watered by rain from heaven,” illustrating how the first heaven is instrumental in sustaining life. Psalm 104:12 poetically captures this realm’s vitality: “The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.” These passages reveal the first heaven as more than atmospheric—it’s a dynamic space of divine provision and creative ecosystem.

The Puritan theologian Thomas Watson beautifully articulated this perspective: “God’s providence is a golden thread which runs through the whole web of human affairs.” In the first heaven, we see this providence manifested through rain, wind, and the intricate balance of atmospheric systems that sustain terrestrial life.

 

THE SECOND HEAVEN: THE CELESTIAL DOMAIN

The second heaven encompasses the vast expanse of outer space—the realm of stars, planets, and cosmic bodies. This celestial domain reflects the immeasurable grandeur of divine creation, inviting believers to contemplate the astronomical majesty orchestrated by an infinite God.

Psalm 8:3 captures this sense of wonder: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…” This verse underscores the second heaven not merely as a physical space but as a canvas displaying God’s artistic and mathematical precision. Isaiah 13:10 further emphasises the celestial realm’s significance, describing the astronomical bodies as integral to divine communication—even judgement.

Reformed theologian Abraham Kuyper powerfully expressed this perspective: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” In the second heaven, we witness this sovereign claim manifested through the intricate dance of celestial bodies.

 

THE THIRD HEAVEN: THE DIVINE DWELLING PLACE

The third heaven represents the ultimate spiritual realm—God’s sacred dwelling place, transcending physical comprehension. This is the most profound and mysterious of the heavenly domains, and is described in Scripture as the very throne room of divine majesty.

Hebrews 7:26 captures the sublime nature of this realm, describing it as “exalted above the heavens,” while Revelation 11:19 provides a splendid glimpse of its glory: “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant.” Matthew 6:9 further reinforces this understanding through the Lord’s Prayer, which positions heaven as the primary residence of divine sovereignty.

The renowned Reformed pastor R.C. Sproul articulated this transcendence beautifully: “God is not only holy; He is holiness itself. He is not merely good; He is goodness itself.” The third heaven embodies this absolute perfection—a realm of unmediated divine presence and eternal worship.

 

THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

The study of the three heavens reveals profound truths about God’s character and His relationship with creation.

• God’s Sovereignty Over All Realms: The three-fold nature of the heavens demonstrates God’s complete dominion over every dimension of existence. As Calvin emphasised, “There is no corner of the universe, no atom of matter, which does not display some spark of His glory.”
• The Interconnectedness of Divine Creation: Each heaven serves a distinct purpose yet operates in perfect harmony with the others, revealing God’s masterful design.
• Human Limitations in Comprehending Spiritual Dimensions: Our finite minds can only grasp shadows of these celestial realities, teaching us humility and dependence on divine revelation. As Thomas Boston wisely noted, “Man’s mind cannot comprehend the things of God until God’s Spirit enlightens the darkness.”

 

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Understanding the three heavens should transform our daily walk and eternal perspective.

Worship and Reverence:

Recognising God’s Majesty Through Creation: When we observe the weather patterns of the first heaven or gaze at the stars in the second, we’re called to respond in worship. As John Owen wrote, “The foundation of true worship is a right understanding of the divine character and excellency.”

Understanding Our Place in God’s Cosmic Design: The vastness of the heavens puts our existence in proper perspective, fostering both humility and dignity as image-bearers. Richard Baxter captured this tension: “Man’s nature, if it lies under the light of divine truth, will aspire to the highest place of which it is capable.” Though we’re wretched sinners, we who’ve trusted in Christ know we’re forgiven—and reconciled with the Father. After all, as the Puritan Richard Sibbes reminds us, “There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us.”

Spiritual Perspective:

Heavenly Focus Versus Worldly Distractions: Knowledge of the third heaven should orient our affections toward eternal realities rather than temporal concerns. Thomas Watson counselled, “A soul heaven-born rises heaven-ward.” Consider also Jonathan Edwards’ perspective: “The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.”

Hope in the Eternal Divine Realm: Understanding the reality of God’s dwelling place strengthens our hope in our eternal destiny. As John Flavel encouraged, “They that know God will be humble, they that know themselves cannot be proud.”

 

CONCLUSION: THE THREE HEAVENS

Understanding the three heavens is more than an academic exercise—it’s a profound spiritual journey. Each realm reveals different aspects of God’s character: His providential care, creative majesty, and ultimate sovereignty. By contemplating these celestial dimensions, believers are invited to expand their theological imagination and deepen their reverence for the divine architect.

As we marvel at these heavenly realms, we’re reminded that our understanding is limited, but our wonder need not be. The heavens continue to declare the glory of God, inviting us into a lifetime of spiritual discovery

 

THE THREE HEAVENS—RELATED FAQs

Are the three heavens mentioned explicitly as a group anywhere in Scripture? While Paul mentions being caught up to the “third heaven” in 2 Corinthians 12:2, Scripture doesn’t explicitly list all three heavens together. However, the threefold distinction emerges from the different contextual uses of “heaven” throughout Scripture and was widely understood in ancient Near Eastern cosmology.

• Can angels move between all three heavens? Scripture indicates angels can traverse between the heavens as God’s messengers. We see examples in Daniel 10 where angelic beings move through the atmospheric and celestial realms to reach Earth, and in Revelation where angels descend from God’s throne room to deliver messages.
• What’s the relationship between the firmament in Genesis 1 and the three heavens? The firmament (raqia) mentioned in Genesis 1 primarily corresponds to what we understand as the first and second heavens. It encompasses both the atmospheric expanse where birds fly (first heaven) and the space where God placed the celestial bodies (second heaven).

Does Satan have access to all three heavens? Scripture suggests Satan has access to the first and second heavens, and temporarily to God’s presence (as seen in Job 1-2). However, after his rebellion, his access to the third heaven appears limited—for there is no record of a subsequent visit.

• Why do some cultures traditionally have seven heavens instead of three? The concept of seven heavens appears in some Jewish apocalyptic literature and Islamic tradition, representing a more detailed subdivision of the celestial realms. The biblical three-heavens model focuses on functional distinctions rather than numerical layers.
• What happens in the first heaven during the new creation described in Revelation? According to Revelation 21:1, the first heaven (along with the first earth) will pass away and be replaced. This suggests a complete renewal of the atmospheric realm as part of God’s cosmic restoration, creating a new environment perfectly suited for eternal life.

How does our modern scientific understanding of space align with the biblical concept of the second heaven? The biblical description of the second heaven remarkably accommodates our expanding scientific knowledge of space. Scripture’s broad categories of “sun, moon, and stars” can encompass our modern understanding of galaxies, nebulae, and various celestial phenomena while maintaining its theological significance as part of God’s created order.

 

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