The Bible specifically mentions the “third heaven” in (2 Corinthians 12:2). Seeing as there is a third heaven, we must assume there is also a first and second heaven. The Scripture in Hebrews says Jesus passed through the heavens, meaning there is more than one.
(Hebrews 4:14) Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ESV
The First Heaven – The Earth’s Atmosphere
The first heaven refers to the sky in which we find floating clouds, flying birds, and the rain that falls to the ground.
(Genesis 1:8) And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. ESV
(Genesis 6:7) So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” ESV
(Deuteronomy 11:17) Then the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the LORD is giving you.
(Deuteronomy 28:12) The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.
(Judges 5:4) “When you, LORD, went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water.
(Acts 14:17) Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
(James 5:18) Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
The Second Heaven – Outer Space
The second heaven is where we find the sun, moon , and stars. This area of God’s creation is often referred to as outer space.
(Genesis 1:16-17) 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. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth. ESV
(Deuteronomy 4:19) And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. ESV
(Psalm 19:4) In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
(Psalm 19:6) The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. NLT
(Jeremiah 8:2) They will be exposed to the sun and the moon and all the stars of the heavens, which they have loved and served and which they have followed and consulted and worshiped.
(Isaiah 13:10) The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.
(Mathew 24:29) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ESV
The Third Heaven – The Dwelling Place Of God
While God is not limited to any one place or area, the “third heaven” is considered to be his dwelling place.
(2 Corinthians 12:2) 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.
(Deuteronomy 10:14) To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.
(1 Kings 8:27) “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
(1 Kings 8:30) Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
(Psalm 2:4) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
(Mathew 5:16) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Acts 7:55) But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
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