For many Christians, their desire and the end goal is to get to heaven. What heaven looks like or how many heavens are there is still a debatable question among theologians and scholars. However, bible readers agree that the scripture has used the term “heaven” in several ways. The meaning of this term is not always clear every time it is mentioned, but context should help in decoding the meaning of heaven as used differently in the scripture. Are there many heavens, or is it just one? So, according to the Bible, how many heavens are there?
The scripture mentions that there are three heavens. The first heaven, as pictured by the scripture, is the earth’s atmosphere as in the realm of the sky. Another heaven is space, as in the realm of the stars and the planet. The third heaven is where the throne of God is; the Bible also calls this heaven a paradise.
So, how many levels of heaven does the Bible describe? What is the first heaven? What is the second heaven? What is the third heaven? Why do some people believe there are seven heavens? Is there a dark heaven for Satan’s dwelling place? What Bible books talk about the levels of heaven? Stick around to get in-depth answers to these questions and others.
How many levels of heaven does the Bible describe?
The Bible, through some verses, suggests that there are three levels of heaven. 2nd Corinthians 12:2 notes, “I know a man in Christ, who fourteen years ago, whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows, such a man was caught up to the third heaven.” The Bible, having talked about the third heaven in this scripture, simply means there must be a first and second heaven. Most bible scholars agree that this verse indicates three levels of the heavens.
However, scholars also consider that Paul did not necessarily mean that there are three levels of heaven. However, most people believe that heaven has three levels; spiritual heaven, which is referred to as paradise in the Bible, the sky, and outer space.
What is the first heaven?
The first heaven appears in the scripture severally, and most of the time, it is termed in the plural, “heavens.” This heaven is believed to refer to the atmosphere on earth but above the oceans and land. Genesis 8:2 says, “The fountains of the deep and the windows of heavens are closes, the rain from the heavens was restrained.”
Additionally, the books of Deuteronomy reinforce the existence of this heaven. Deuteronomy 11:11 notes, “But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks by the rain from heaven.”
What is the second heaven?
Though the scripture does not necessarily mention a second heaven, the existence of this heaven is inferred from the Bible speaking about a third heaven. Therefore, as mentioned above, if a third heaven exists, then a second and first heaven exists too. When people say the second heaven, they refer to a place beyond the earth with planets, stars, and other celestial objects.
A few bible verses support the possible existence of a second heaven. Genesis 15:5 says, “And he brought him outside and said, look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you can number them, then he said to him, so shall your offspring be.”
Another verse that indicates that the second heaven is the space with stars and moon is Psalms 8:3. “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place.”
Lastly, the book of Isiah talks about this second heaven. Isiah 13:10 says, “For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light.”
What is the third heaven?
The third and the last heaven that the scripture mentions is where the throne of God is, where those who believe in Christ shall go when they die. The book of John 3:16 depicts this heaven as the dwelling place of God and continues to note that God will welcome anyone who believes in his son Christ to this heaven. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Additionally, the book of Corinthians mentions this heaven, and Paul compares this heaven to paradise. 2nd 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 that no one is permitted to tell.”
Additionally, the book of 1st King 8:30 refers to the third heaven as the dwelling place of God. Bible scholars agree that God’s dwelling place is where He has chosen to reveal His glory and splendor. “And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people, Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.” (1st Kings 8:30)
Psalms 123:1 says, “To you, I lift up my eyes, O, you who are enthroned in the heavens.” 2nd Chronicles 30:27 also reinforces the existence of this heaven by saying, “then the priests and the Levites arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer came to his holy habitation in heaven.”
Why do some people believe there are seven heavens?
The idea of the seven heavens is said to have originated from the celestial bodies close to the earth. These celestial bodies include the planets. The bodies are; Mercury, the sun, Saturn, Mercury, Mars, Venus, the moon, and Jupiter. This idea is not universal and is taught amongst two of the oldest religion; Babylonian cult and Hinduism.
The Babylonian cult religion did not necessarily teach that the seven heavens belonged to humans. Still, they divided various heavens into seven levels, with each level being associated with a particular god. Historians are still unsure where the Jews first discovered the seven heavens of Babylon’s cult. Several other ‘minor’ religions adopted the myth, which is how the idea of 7 heavens came to be.
Is there a dark heaven for Satan’s dwelling place?
Most bible scholars and theologians note that there is a dark side of the heavenly realms, which are a dwelling place for Satan and his evil spirits. However, it is essential to note that Satan is not God’s challenger but only has the powers God allows him to have.
According to Ephesians 3:10 and Ephesians 6:12, the Bible suggests that there is a heaven that hosts principalities and dark powers.
In several instances in the Bible, we have seen God allowing Satan to wreak havoc upon God’s servants and even on earth. The book of Daniel chapter ten gives us a glimpse of what goes on in the world that we cannot see. The glimpse Daniel gives us in the heavenly realms reveals an ongoing fierce fight in heaven with Satan and his evil spirits working hard to thwart God’s plans. Therefore, this means a dark realm exists in heaven where Satan and his demons dwell.
What bible book talks about the levels of heaven?
2nd Corinthians 12:2 says, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven, whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.”
Another level of heaven in the Bible is seen in the book of 1st Kings 8:35, “When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain because they have sinned against you if they pray toward this place and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin when you afflict them.” The heaven referred to in the book of Kings is different from the heaven Paul referred to as paradise in the book of Corinthians.
References
Are there different levels of heaven? Are there three heavens?
What are the heavenly places/realms?
Is the idea of the seven heavens / the seventh heaven biblical?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
