In the Bible the concept of "three heavens" is primarily derived from 2 Corinthians 12:2. Where the Apostle Paul mentions being "caught up to the third heaven".
The Bible does not explicitly label a "first" or "second" heaven and scholars and theologians typically categorize them based on biblical descriptions of the realms above the earth.
The three heavens are generally understood as follows:
- The First Heaven (The Natural Realm): This refers to the sky immediately surrounding the earth, where clouds form and birds fly. Scripture often uses the word "heaven" or "heavens" to describe this physical realm (Genesis 1:20; Matthew 6:26).
- The Second Heaven (The Spiritual Realm): This is the realm of the celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars. It represents the vast expanse of outer space (Psalm 8:3; Isaiah 13:10). Some theological interpretations also associate this realm with a place of spiritual warfare between angelic and demonic forces.
- The Third Heaven (The Divine Realm): This is the highest heaven, often referred to as Paradise. It is the realm where God sits on His throne, surrounded by angels and the redeemed (1 Kings 8:27; Hebrews 8:1).
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