Bible Verses About 3 Heavens

In the Bible, the concept of “heaven” is mentioned in several contexts, and there are references to three distinct heavens. Each of these heavens reflects different aspects of God’s creation and His divine presence. From the physical sky to the spiritual realm, and ultimately, the eternal dwelling place of God, the Bible offers rich insights into the nature of these three heavens. In this post, we will explore Bible verses that speak about the three heavens, shedding light on their meaning and significance in our faith journey.

Bible Verses About 3 Heavens

The Bible presents the idea of three heavens, each with a distinct meaning and purpose. Here are Bible verses that refer to the three heavens:

The First Heaven – The Sky or Atmosphere

The first heaven refers to the physical sky; the atmosphere where birds fly and clouds form, as well as where the sun, moon, and stars are located.

Genesis 1:20
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”
(The “sky” mentioned here refers to the atmosphere, the first heaven.)

Psalm 104:12
The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.
(The birds live in the first heaven, the sky above the earth.)

The Second Heaven – Outer Space

This is the realm beyond Earth, where the stars, planets, and galaxies are. This realm is referred to as the “heavens” where the sun, moon, and stars are set.

Genesis 1:14-17
And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.
(This describes the second heaven, the expanse of space where celestial bodies are positioned.)

Jeremiah 8:2
They will be exposed to the sun and moon and all the starry hosts of the heavens, which they have loved and served and followed and consulted and worshiped.
(This verse refers to the second heaven, where stars and the moon reside.)

The Third Heaven – The Dwelling Place of God

In the Bible the third heaven is also referred to as the highest heaven. It is the spiritual realm where God resides, and where believers will ultimately be with Him in eternity.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.
(Paul refers to being caught up to the third heaven, also described as paradise, where God’s presence is.)

Hebrews 9:24
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.
(This verse speaks of the third heaven as God’s true sanctuary, where Christ intercedes on our behalf.)

Revelation 21:1-2
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
(This passage refers to the third heaven as the eternal dwelling place of God and His people.)

These verses highlight the three distinct “heavens” in Scripture. The first being the physical sky and atmosphere. The second referring to outer space, and the third representing the divine and eternal presence of God. Each heaven has a specific role in God’s creation and plan for the world.

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