Throughout the bible, heaven is the antithesis of hell; a beautiful paradise where God, his angels, and his holy temple abide, “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven” (Psalm 11.4 KJV bible), “I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left” (2nd Chronicles 18.18 KJV bible), “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6.9-10 KJV bible).

In the scriptures, however, heaven not only refers to Paradise as we understand it, but can also mean sky (atmosphere), or outer-space. For example, the expression “birds of the heavens” appears frequently, and clearly refers to the sky or atmosphere, not spiritual heaven, “he who dies in the field the birds of the heavens will eat” (1st Kings 14.11 NASB bible). Also, heaven is spoken of as the domain of the sun, moon, and stars, “And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven” (Deuteronomy 4.19 KJV bible). So biblical heaven can refer to either the sky, outer-space, or Paradise depending on the context in which it is used.

Even though the bible generally identifies all three distinct locations (sky, outer-space, and Paradise) as heaven, it does not teach that they are all the same thing. Instead, it testifies to the existence of different types or levels of heavens, “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD's thy God” (Deuteronomy 10.14 KJV bible), “But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee” (2nd Chronicles 6.18 KJV bible), “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.” (Ephesians 4.10 KJV bible). The bible identifies various levels of heavens that are distinct and unique from eachother.

We are given further insight into this subject when Paul tells us of how he was taken up to the "third heaven", in 2nd Corinthians 12, “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven…How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2nd Corinthians 12.2-4 KJV bible). Paul identifies the place that he was taken up to as Paradise, indicating that the third heaven is Paradise.

If Paul regards spiritual heaven or Paradise as the third heaven, then what are the first and second heavens? Most likely the sky or atmosphere is the first heaven, and outer-space is the second heaven. So while the bible accurately describes the natural world, it remains that we must use context and common sense to determine what is meant by the word heaven(s) in a particular passage.

Do believers go to heaven when they pass on?

Comments

Cheryl 10 Nov 2009, 18:04

We, as believers are caught up in the third heaven when we die. Paul says, in to be absent in the body, is to be present with the Lord. I believe it is found in 2 Corin 5:

Doug Buckley 11 Nov 2009, 12:48

Yes, the third heaven is where believers go when they die, "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (2nd Corinthians 5.8 KJV bible).

Rob 16 Nov 2009, 08:13

I have been trying to decide which version of the bible to read so I bought a KJV/NIV parallel bible yesterday. In the KJV (I am in Genesis) the word is heaven (singular). But, in the NIV the word is heavens (plural). Can someone explain this or give a reference that explains this? I have read the article above about the 3 heavens but would like to know more. Will I read about this more later in the bible? Thank you, this is my first time reading the bible and it has been a few years since I regularly attended church.

Doug Buckley 16 Nov 2009, 19:42

Hi Rob,
Congrats on getting back into the Word, and I will try to answer your question as best I can. In the OT, the Hebrew word for heaven is "shemayim". Strong's lists this as the dual of an unused singular. This means that the Hebrew word for heaven in the bible is like the English word "glasses", it is always plural, regardless of whether it means one or more of the heavens. Translators generally use either "heaven" or "heavens" based on context, and what sounds more correct in English.

In the NT, the Greek word for heaven is "ouranos", and it can be either singular or plural. However, it is generally translated as "heaven" or "heavens" based on context and what sounds right in English. I don't know enough about Greek to tell you why the translators don't translate the Greek more strictly, but the Greek singular and plural does seem to support the teaching of the three heavens. You might want to think about getting something like an interlinear at some point.

Dr. Maxcina Gadsden 18 Feb 2010, 10:12

Tell me more

Doug Buckley 18 Feb 2010, 13:12

Hi Dr. Gadsden,
Those are pretty much the main points. The bible does not teach that the sky, outer-space, and heaven are all the same thing, but that there are three heavens. It is the third heaven that is the "spiritual heaven" we associate with the word heaven.

Jeanette Deleon 16 Aug 2010, 02:27

I had no idea about the bible has 3 heavens till I ran across this topic with someone I know. It made me curious. I just want understanding and education for this topic. How can I get this information? I'm not sure I'm at the right link to post this. It's my first time and I'm very interested on finding out about the 3 heavens.

Doug Buckley 17 Aug 2010, 03:49

Hi Jeanette, thank you for visiting,
There really isn't a whole lot when it comes to the three heavens. Basically, the writers of the bible used the same word to describe the sky, outer space, and spiritul heaven. One word, three different places.

Paul calls spiritual heaven the "third" heaven in 2nd Corinthians 12, which gives us the teaching of the three heavens. Sky is the first heaven, outer space the second, and spiritual heaven is the third heaven.

Clay 08 Sep 2010, 19:27

I have found the three heavens to be a major point in the CJCLS. I've now been engaged with someone who strongly believes there are three distinct heavens. What is that about? Is it a positive that the 1st and 2nd are the sky and outerspace? Just curious as the TORAH reads "When God began to create heaven and earth" in Genesis 1:1 yet they use the KJV and NKJV as differing points on the plural.

Doug Buckley 09 Sep 2010, 14:18

Hi Clay, good to hear from you
I'm positive that Paul mentions the three heavens in 2nd Corinthians 12. After that I'm just inferring what the first and second heavens are, since they aren't really identified as such in the bible. When it comes to the translation of heavens vs heaven, I really don't know. I believe that the Hebrew for "heaven" is inherently plural, and the Greek word for "heaven" can be in either a plural or singular form. However, there likely other grammatical rules and issues of context that override this, and lead the translators to render it differently.

robert gonzales 21 Oct 2010, 04:51

my question is, Is there people in heaven now?

Doug Buckley 21 Oct 2010, 11:22

Hi Robert, yes there are people in Paradise or the third heaven right now. See ch.4 Souls in Heaven, on the right.

Scott Whicker 11 Nov 2010, 13:51

I, like someone's previous post, heard of the 3 heavens today from a friend. I was curious, so I Googled it and found this website. Thanks for the explainations.

I am a "new Christian" and at age 44 just starting to seriously study the Word of God. God has given me a thirst for learning more and more of His word. Having said that, I do try not to over complicate things and over think things. Someone once told me to try and live in God's grace more. In other words, I try and let God direct my thinking and understanding. I know, without question, that I will be with the Lord in heaven one day and it will be paradise. Whether I pass through 2 other heavens or skip right over them, I am not too overly concerned with. But it is interesting to learn about things that disprove my misconceptions.

Doug Buckley 11 Nov 2010, 15:38

Hi Scott, its good to hear from you in regards to the three heavens. Christianity is a religion of thinkers. However, sometimes Christians end up in protracted philosophical debates trying to understand or defend an idea that's not even biblical. So both reading and thinking about the bible is the way to grow and progress spiritually.

james 15 Dec 2010, 04:05

I am also beginning to understand the bible more. In the bible God will tell you if you want wisdom he would give it to you. You will also read in the bible God will tell you have not because you ask not. It also would tell you lean not to your own understanding. I quess what i am trying to say is ask God for understanding that mean everything including the Holy Bible. God want you to feel like you can come to him for anything he is your father. Before reading the word ask for understanding don't just relie on your are mans understanding. ask for understanding each and everytime you read the bible. ask god to open your heart. mind and soul for understanding everything Thank You for letting me speak my mind

twila 15 Feb 2011, 22:16

Hi ive been a christian all my life im not perfect like nor is anyone else. i have fallen like many but im wanting to understand the bible and especially this topic now if i understand this correctley the sky is the 1st heaven u can see it from earth to the blue sky. 2nd heaven outer space u cant see this and the 3rd heaven is where God resides this is a lot to take in at one time but with there being 3 heavens there has to be reason for this now what im understanding is its with crowns and its by faithful works like i teach and i feel that this is what God wants me to do and be in a christian atmosphere so that is in works to the faith of what i believe he wants me to be and do. So i guess what im not understanding is why 3 heavens to do this does it mean i have to go through all 3 heavens to get to the 3rd heaven? or do we just go straight to the 3rd heaven where God prosides? if its by faiths but we dont have to do extra works but just do what God wants and needs us to do then how or what do the levels have to do with this im sorry i know this is randomly all over the place but this is my thinking random at this moment and i hate being in a random state of mind i would love to know the answers so i can sleep with a piece of mind thanks so much. and i really appreciate this page. so the crowns levels etc. im confused a little no lie there lol. please help if u can.

Doug Buckley 16 Feb 2011, 00:11

Hi Twila, Good to hear from you. You're understanding of the three heavens is correct; the first heaven in the sky, the second is outer-space, and the third heaven is spiritual heaven. However, believers don't go to the first or second heavens. Its just the word for sky is also the word for spiritual heaven. As to your second question, no one is saved through works, but they are required for faith to prosper and survive in us (see the article on faith vs. works in the articles section for more on this).

Twila 16 Feb 2011, 23:49

hi mr Doug.
Thanks for responding back to my request so i thought i had the first parts of the 3 heavens right and im glad i do but so does this mean that the first two of heaven have no one living or going to live in them and if it doesnt then why have them named or called heavens and if it does have people going to live on them then how does this work i hate being confused it frustrates me to no end no ones fault i just like noing and dont sleep well till i get things off of my mind lol. If no one lives or is going to live in these heavens then why have 3 and why have crowns im just not getting this part of this sorry to bug u on this but u seem to understand more than i and i seem to have the hunger and thirst to want to know this and much more but in the right ways i want to be able to tell others about it but not before i get it straignt in my mind first. we were talking about this between friends at work and home and i was ok until we got done talking and one of my friends was trying to dimenstrate it by a big drinking glass and a sm. drinking glass and said its measured by the joy of ur faith and i think she was saying about the levels of heaven in which u would go to this kindof lost me oh and by the i guess crowns of the levels of faith like i said before i hate confusion if u could try to help me out with this so i can move on to other things i would so appreciate it and also i am verry aprreciative that u made this page for us to ask and recieve on and learn from thanks again.

Doug Buckley 18 Feb 2011, 04:59

Hi Twila, I don't know what they're saying about crowns or drinking glasses The bible associates the sky and cosmos with spiritual heaven because there are similarities, ch.8 expands on this. So its not just a coincidence that the world for sky is also the word for spiritual heavens. Click on the articles/essays section at the top and you should see the faith vs. works article on the right.

Tahir Kamal 17 Mar 2011, 13:33

Hi Mr. Doug

my name is Tahir, and my question is, is third heaven in the North?

and also where do the Devil and his angels reside if they are kicked out of heaven?

thanks Brother and may God Bless you, amen

Doug Buckley 18 Mar 2011, 13:08

Hi Tahir, I don't think that the third heaven or Paradise is in a particular direction, but for lack of a better word it is in another dimension (see ch.8). The devil and his angels aren't yet kicked out of heaven (see ch.5). They are allowed to keep their place until the tribulation. Good to hear from you and God bless.

Jonathan 21 Mar 2011, 18:25

Hi Doug. I have recently been appointed to teach sunday school at my church to the adult class and want to thank you for this understanding of the 3 heavens. The discussion came up in class sunday morning and I couldn't answer the question at that time, but thanks to your explanation of the 3 heavens I can explain this to others. I ask that you pray for me because I was asked to teach several years ago (not very savy on the bible then, but was appointed to the position) and I am new at teaching from the bible and learning every day. May God bless you brother in all that you say and do. Thanks!

Doug Buckley 22 Mar 2011, 14:04

Hi Jonathan, it's good to hear from you and I'm glad that I could help with understanding the three heavens. The fact that you're looking for biblical answers and want to be prepared to serve the Lord tells me that you'll do great, and I will pray that God uses you as a light to others.

adewole bamigbola 31 Mar 2011, 11:16

thanks for your effort about the heaven but to me as a spiritual man i think we have seven heavens because in book of Rev21:1,20:1,15:1,4:1 this are different type of heavens there so i want you to clearify

Doug Buckley 01 Apr 2011, 16:11

Hi Adewole, I'm not seeing how those verses support more than three heavens or seven heavens, but its true that there will be a new heaven and earth after the second resurrection and judgment day (Revelation 21.1). Good to hear from you.

Sandra 08 Apr 2011, 22:34

I was asked about the three heavens by my mother-in-law and found your site by going to Google. I will be checking back for more information about the Bible. I am an born again Christain and want to learn more about our God.

Doug Buckley 09 Apr 2011, 16:01

I'm glad I could help about the three heavens and it's good to hear from you.

Br.BILL 11 Apr 2011, 23:26

there is on question on 3 heaven, 1# sky,moon and stars,sun. 2# the throne of God,The holy place,or judgment set of God,this is were SATAN got cast out of heaven, 3# new heaven a places that was prepared for us call the HOLY OF HOLIES were no sin can enter in,called (heaven street of gold and more.) the 2# heaven is place that is were Satan can be bound in heaven and earth when we serve god by faith then heaven and earth will be set free,( this is the spiritual warfare is in heaven,that aloud god to bind Satan when we serve him.( can email scripture's if needed )

Carol Helms 16 Aug 2011, 00:55

Could you please send me Scripture verses about the 3 Heavens. so that I may understand this in My Bible Study Thank you so Much and God Bless you

Doug Buckley 16 Aug 2011, 19:43

Hi Carol, the verses about the three heavens are in the chapter at the top.

Willy .W. 05 Oct 2011, 05:30

Thanks Doug for your explanations.
Kindly help me understand this: Of the three heavens, where does the devil dwell?

The bible says in the book of Daniel that when Angel Gabriel was sent to Daniel, the prince of persia stopped him and couldn't allow him reach Daniel until when Angel Micheal came to his rescue, fought the prince of persia and Gabriel was able to reach Daniel.

Who is the prince of Persia?

Now, in which heaven did that prince of Persia stop Angel Gabriel & thus, fight with Angel Micheal?

Thanks.

Doug Buckley 06 Oct 2011, 15:42

Hi Willy, the devil dwells in the third heaven which is the only heaven that is spiritual. The other two heavens are just the sky and outer space. The third heaven is big and so there is room for both sides of good and evil.

The prince of Persia in Daniel 10 was likely a guardian spirit of some kind over Persia. Heathen religion often involves the worship and sacrifice to certain demonic ancestor spirits. Or perhaps the devil himself is meant.

Likely, Gabriel came from the third heaven and was blocked on earth (see 10.13). Also, notice that Daniel had prayed to God for the deliverance of his people. The earthly king of Persia, Cyrus, was prophecied to be a righteous king and deliverer of God's people (a type for Christ). So the angels of God warred against and overthrew the evil powers that controlled Persia so that Cyrus could serve God.

GIDEON BAKE 07 Oct 2011, 10:12

I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS TO ASK.
1--Yes' I believed that there are three type of Heavens.
a-What are the contents of each of the Heavens?
b-What are the on going activities in each of the Heavens?
SECTION B QUESTIONS.
1--Yes'Man is a tri-partite Beeing
a-Deferentiate between Spirit,Soul and Body

Doug Buckley 08 Oct 2011, 13:44

Hi Gideon, the first heaven is the sky, the second heaven is outer space, and the third heaven is spiritual heaven with the angels and such (see previous). Its hard to say what daily life is like in the third heaven. Its a place of dominions and powers. Sometimes things can be expressed better with art and music.

Deb 17 Oct 2011, 12:17

Hi, my question is, I understand the First Heaven is the sky, same as the firmament, birds and clouds, second is outer space, Mars Saturn and so on, and third is the Throne of God, my ? Is do you have the number of mansions that is in the Third Heaven.

Doug Buckley 18 Oct 2011, 18:46

Hi Deb, yes that's right about the three heavens. Jesus talks about mansions in heaven in John 14.2. He doesn't mean literal mansions, but places, or positions of power, which he will give to his elect in the future when they reign over the nations (see Revelation 2.26). Its the same as the inheritance of Colossians 3.24, and the rewards that Jesus describes in Luke 19.17.

Regina Tripp 27 Oct 2011, 13:51

Hi Doug

I was listening to a radio teaching earlier this week and the teaching was based on the Armor of God, which states that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers or this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The teacher interpreted the second heaven as the devil residing there. Is this true?

Doug Buckley 27 Oct 2011, 19:05

Hi Regina, others have also said that the devil and his angels are in the second heaven and God is in the third heaven. I believe that they are all in the third heaven. Revelation 12 says that there will be a war in heaven and the devil and he angels will be cast to earth. They must be occupying the same third heaven for this to happen.

Johann Blake 04 Dec 2011, 12:14

After reading the scripture and original Greek, I personally believe that the three heavens refer to:

1. The sky and outer space that we see in this world.
2. Paradise (which is not the heaven where God has his temple)
3. The place where God dwells with His angels and where His temple is.

Enoch, Moses, Elijah and the thief on the cross all went to Paradise and not to heaven. Jesus clearly said that no man had entered heaven. So if Moses and Elijah were alive before he ascended into heaven, they had to be elsewhere and the only place that could be is in Paradise. God does dwell in Paradise as much as He dwells in heaven and on Earth. But Paradise is a temporary place until the day when God has completed His work on Earth. Then the saints in Paradise will return to Earth with our Lord. Heaven above is not the dwelling place for humans. Yeshua said that they will inherit the Earth.

Angela 08 Dec 2011, 12:31

Thank you so much! I've learned Alot

Albert martins 19 Dec 2011, 22:49

Thanks for the eye opener of the three heavens. It has helped me and will help my Bible study class.

ML 03 Jan 2012, 20:34

I agreed with Johann Blake on the 3 heavens, but disagreed with the part that human will inherit earth. 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."
John 14:2&3, " In my father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
This is clearly stating that we will be in heaven with God, not earth.

Brian 16 Jan 2012, 14:24

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wivgDck1l88&list=LLhSaikKSR5mHdUxaFDlc8Fg&fe ature=mh_lolz

copy and paste this. This is about the three heavens. It is a long video but I do think it is worth the watch. What is the name of the three heavens? that is my only question. I know this is one of the rules but just give this a chance please

Elaine 18 Jan 2012, 15:01

Are there different levels in the 3rd Heaven for Christians? For instance, a person who has won thousands of souls to Jesus as opposed to a person who just got saved on Saturday night and died Sunday morning...does the new Christian go to a different level than a Christian who has been one for 50 years

Doug Buckley 19 Jan 2012, 12:32

Hi Elaine. No, there aren't different levels for Christians in the third heaven. The third heaven is a big place, but Christians are basically all the same in the third heaven. However, at the time of judgment, all Christians will return here to reign with Jesus. At this time, we will be given our eternal rewards, "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward" (1st Corinthians 3.13-14 KJV bible), (see ch.15 on the right for more on this).

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