Russell Haffner
Many people are surprised to learn that when the Bible speaks of "heaven," it does not always refer to the final dwelling place of the righteous. As you read through the Scriptures, you will frequently encounter the word "heaven," but it's important to understand that this term can have different meanings depending on the context.
In fact, the Bible describes three distinct "heavens", each referring to a different realm of creation or existence.
- The First Heaven - The Atmospheric Heaven
- The Second Heaven - Outer Space
- The Third Heaven - The Dwelling Place of God
The first and most immediate heaven is what we commonly refer to as the sky—the Earth's atmosphere where the clouds form and the birds fly. This is the realm described in passages like Genesis 1:20, where God commands the birds to "fly above the earth across the vault of the sky." Other references include Genesis 8:2, Isaiah 55:10, and Luke 13:19. This heaven is visible to us every day and plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth.
Beyond the atmosphere lies the second heaven: outer space, the vast expanse where the sun, moon, stars, and planets reside. This realm is referenced in Scriptures such as Genesis 15:5, where God tells Abraham to "look toward heaven, and number the stars," and in Deuteronomy 4:19, which warns against worshipping "the sun, the moon, and the stars—all the host of heaven." This cosmic realm displays the grandeur and power of God's creation on a massive scale.
The third heaven, however, is of an entirely different nature. It is the spiritual realm, beyond both the physical sky and outer space. This is the heaven most believers think of when they imagine being in God’s presence after death. Referred to in Scriptures like Deuteronomy 10:14 and 1 Kings 8:27, this realm is where God Himself resides along with angelic beings and, ultimately, the souls of the righteous. The apostle Paul refers to it directly in 2 Corinthians 12:2, describing a man who was "caught up to the third heaven."
This "heaven of heavens," as it is sometimes called (Deuteronomy 26:15), emphasizes its supreme and ultimate nature—unbound by the limitations of physical creation.
In Conclusion:
Understanding the biblical concept of heaven requires more than a surface reading. The Scriptures present a rich, multi-layered view of the heavens: from the sky we see above us, to the wonders of the cosmos, and finally to the eternal, unseen realm where God reigns in glory. Recognizing these distinctions not only deepens our understanding of God's Word, but also enriches our awe of His creative power and His divine plan for humanity.
The WVBS Online Bible School has no statement of faith, creed book or religious manual. The only statement of a Christian's faith which is needed is the Bible. If a statement of faith says less than the Bible it has left something out. If a statement of faith says more than the Bible it has added to God's word (Revelation 22:18-19). Let us abandon the opinions of men and seek to practice and teach only that which is found in God's word. The staff of the school is composed of Christians seeking to teach others about the Bible. The material produced is designed to be used by anybody seeking a greater understanding of God's word.
The goal of the school is to serve God and His people by doing His will to the best of our ability. We have a genuine desire to glorify the Father, His beloved Son, His word and His blood-bought church and not to glorify ourselves or any other men.