The concept of different levels of heaven is found throughout the Bible. While the descriptions are not always clear or consistent, there does seem to be biblical support for the idea of three distinct heavens.
The First Heaven
The first heaven is most commonly understood as the sky or earth’s atmosphere. Several verses refer to birds flying in “midheaven” (Revelation 8:13, 14:6) across the expanse or face of the sky (Genesis 1:20). This first heaven surrounds the earth and contains things like clouds, birds, vapor, and oxygen.
The first heaven is accessible to humans and was created by God on the second day when God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water” (Genesis 1:6-8). The “waters above” likely refer to clouds and moisture in the sky.
The Second Heaven
The second heaven is best defined as outer space, or the universe beyond earth’s sky and atmosphere. It includes the sun, moon, planets, and stars. This is the expanse that God filled with “lights” on the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14-19).
The second heaven is the home of the “host of heaven,” a phrase used in several places in the Old Testament (1 Kings 22:19, Nehemiah 9:6). This likely refers to the angels of God. Jesus made reference to “the sign of the Son of Man” appearing in heaven (Matthew 24:30), most likely referring to the second heaven.
The second heaven is perhaps what Paul had in mind when he referred to being “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2). If the third heaven is the dwelling place of God, then the second heaven would be the universe beyond earth’s sky.
The Third Heaven
The third heaven is defined as the abode of God. The apostle Paul states that he was “caught up to the third heaven,” and while in this paradise, “heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter” (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). This description makes it clear the third heaven is different from the first two. It is a place beyond earth, beyond space, the dwelling place of God.
When Jesus promised to go prepare a place for believers in His Father’s house, this is likely a reference to the third heaven (John 14:2-3). Multiple passages also connect heaven with the throne of God (Isaiah 66:1, Acts 7:49).
The book of Hebrews describes heaven as the “heavenly Jerusalem” and “city of the living God” inhabited by “innumerable angels” and “the assembly of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:22-23). It is spiritual realm unlike anything we have experienced on earth.
One Heaven or Three Heavens?
While the Bible does speak of three distinct heavens, they are not always clearly distinguished. Genesis refers to God creating “heaven” singular, not “heavens” plural (Genesis 1:1). God is declared to be the possessor, maker, and dweller of “heaven” (Deuteronomy 10:14, Psalm 115:16).
In other places, however, the word “heaven” does seem to include multiple realms. Heaven and heavens can refer to “the highest heavens” and “all their starry host” (Nehemiah 9:6), as if speaking of both the second and third heavens together.
Jesus promises His disciples He will return “from heaven” (Matthew 24:30). Here too, heaven seems to be inclusive of all realms beyond the earth. So while it’s possible to distinguish three biblical heavens, sometimes the word “heaven” includes all the realms together.
Are the Heavens Physical Places?
While the first two heavens clearly refer to the physical sky and universe, some debate whether the third heaven should be understood as a physical place. The Bible depicts heaven as a city with walls, gates, and precious materials (Revelation 21). But these could be analogies for a spiritual realm.
Heaven is described as the dwelling place of spiritual beings like God and angels. After death, Christians will have spiritual bodies like Christ (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This implies heaven is fundamentally spiritual, even if it contains some physical characteristics.
The three heavens can be distinguished in the Bible, but there is some fluidity between the meanings of “heaven” and “heavens.” And while the first two heavens are undeniably physical places, the third heaven is best defined as a spiritual realm beyond the physical universe.
Characteristics of the Third Heaven
Here are some key things the Bible tells us about the third heaven:
- It is paradise and a place of rest for departed believers (Luke 23:43)
- The Father’s house with many mansions (John 14:2)
- A better country designed and prepared by God (Hebrews 11:16)
- The location of God’s temple and throne (Revelation 16:17)
- The home of angels and heavenly servants (Luke 2:13-15)
- Contains the tree of life and river of the water of life (Revelation 22:1-2)
- A place of supreme glory, perfection, beauty, and joy (Revelation 21:4, 21:27)
Heaven is a physical place in the sense that it is the abode of resurrected believers who will have new bodies. But it is fundamentally spiritual in that God is spirit, and those who dwell there will not be hindered by the limitations of our current physical form (1 Corinthians 15:35-49).
The Heavenly City
The book of Revelation provides an extended description of the New Jerusalem that will descend out of heaven in the future. Some key features include:
- Walls made of jasper and pure gold (Revelation 21:18)
- Twelve gates consisting of single pearls (Revelation 21:21)
- Streets and city made of pure gold (Revelation 21:18,21)
- The glory of God illuminates the city (Revelation 21:23)
- The river of life and tree of life within the city (Revelation 22:1-2)
- The inhabitants of the city will see God’s face (Revelation 22:4)
While these descriptions likely employ figurative language, they paint a glorious picture of heaven’s beauty. The precious stones and metals convey the amazing splendor of God’s dwelling place and the city. Heaven is a place of incredible beauty, yet its glory stems from the radiant presence of God Himself.
The Intermediate Heaven
The current heavenly realm where believers go after death is sometimes called the “intermediate heaven.” This refers to the heaven where Christians dwell now in God’s presence after death, before the future establishment of the new heavens and new earth.
When deceased believers are absent from the body they are home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). This intermediate heaven still fulfills many of the purposes depicted in descriptions of the final heavenly city. But it is a temporary dwelling until the resurrection.
The intermediate state is conscious fellowship with Christ for believers who have died. But it anticipates the future resurrection and the physical new heavens and new earth. The intermediate heaven is the present dwelling place of believers between death and resurrection.
Will There Be Levels of Rewards?
While the Bible depicts heaven as a place of comfort, beauty, and fellowship with God, it does seem to suggest that not all believers will have the same experience. There are some indications of levels of reward:
- Jesus speaks of least and great in the kingdom (Matthew 5:19)
- Works will be revealed by fire and some burned up (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
- Varying numbers of cities awarded by the master (Luke 19:11-27)
- Reigning with Christ is connected to enduring and suffering (2 Timothy 2:12)
These imply degrees of reward and responsibility in heaven based on faithfulness of service on earth. Yet all believers will experience joyful fellowship with God. The crown of righteousness is given to “all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
Will There Be Three Distinct Heavens Eternally?
The Bible indicates that God will one day create a “new heaven and new earth” (Revelation 21:1). This is when the New Jerusalem will descend from heaven to the new earth. The dwelling place of God will be united with the dwelling place of humanity.
This implies that the first two heavens (the atmosphere and universe) will be done away with and recreated. It will be a merging of the third heaven (the abode of God) with the domain of mankind. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be united in the new creation (Revelation 22:3).
So while biblical evidence points to three distinct heavens now, these distinctions may not exist eternally. God’s dwelling place and man’s domain will be joined together on the new earth, along with direct access to God’s presence.
Heaven Is a Place of Great Joy
The glimpses of heaven throughout Scripture paint a beautiful picture of a glorious realm where God dwells. It is a place of comfort, beauty, reward, and joyful fellowship with God. While many details are shrouded in mystery, we can look forward to eternal life in the presence of God.
Heaven is primarily about dwelling with God. He Himself is the great joy and reward of heaven. As Augustine stated, “He who has God has everything.” Heaven will be a place of perfect fellowship with God, unhindered by the limits of this present life.