Heaven

Introduction

When we speak of heaven, our minds immediately turn to it as the domain of God—the place of His throne, the center of His divine authority, and the realm from which He sustains all creation. Scripture certainly affirms this truth. Yet when we read of Paul the Apostle being “caught up to the third heaven,” many Christians naturally conclude that there are three distinct realms of heaven, commonly understood as:

1. The atmospheric heaven — the sky where birds fly and clouds gather.
2. The celestial heaven — the realm of the sun, moon, and stars.
3. The highest heaven — the dwelling place of God, often associated with Paradise and His glorious presence.

This has long been a common biblical understanding within Christianity. Yet Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Apocryphal Texts may point to realities far greater and more profound than a simple threefold structure.

As we study both the Old and New Testaments, it is important to remember that the Scriptures were written within the language, culture, and worldview of their time. To understand them more deeply, we are often helped by examining the original languages and the Hebraic style of thought behind the text.

For example, in the opening chapters of Genesis, the account of creation can appear repetitive to the modern Western reader. However, this is largely because we tend to approach Scripture through the lens of analytical Western thought, heavily influenced by Aristotle and the traditions of systematic reasoning that shape our education. We are trained to dissect things into categories, functions, and components. In other words Hebrew tradition would say: “A rose is a flower. Western thinking would dissect that statement and say: “A rose is a flower composed of: a stem, leaves, pistil, sepal, stamen and more”. When reading scriptures we must keep in mind the language, culture and times of the event in order to truly capture its meaning and understanding.

Hebraic writing often approaches truth differently. Rather than explaining every mechanism or detail, it proclaims reality as God reveals it. In this sense, Genesis does not attempt to explain creation scientifically or philosophically; it simply declares what God has done. It presents creation with clarity and authority, calling us ultimately to faith in the Creator rather than endless speculation about every hidden detail. When studying scripture in Bible school I wore a button that said, “Think Hebrew” and that is what we must do here.

Understand now that this same principle may apply to Paul’s reference to the “third heaven.” In Jewish literature of that period, threefold expressions were commonly used to describe completeness, order, or degrees of glory. Paul does not explicitly state that only three heavens exist. Many biblical scholars believe that the phrase “third heaven” was simply another way of describing the highest heaven—the very presence of God Himself.

Furthermore, some ancient Jewish and Islamic writings and traditions speak of multiple heavens beyond three, describing various spiritual realms and orders within creation. While these writings are not what we consider Holy Scripture, they do demonstrate that the Mideast understanding of heaven during biblical times may have been broader and more complex than many modern readers realize.

As believers, we must approach such subjects with both humility and reverence. Scripture reveals enough for us to know the majesty of God and the reality of His heavenly kingdom, even if every mystery is not fully explained. Our goal should never be to go beyond what God has revealed, but rather to deepen our awe of His wisdom, His glory, and the eternal realities spoken of throughout His Word.

Let us therefore look more carefully into this subject, seeking understanding through Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and always grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

More Hebrew Studies

There are many Jewish and Islamic texts that are worth reading by Christians. Although these books and texts may not be canonical they are certainly valuable in gaining incite into Scriptures and understanding of other peoples and their culture. Many Christians shy away from these thinking they are not from God. However, newspapers, TV, books and more may not be from God but they provide historical data and incite not gained by other means. Derick Prince, one of my mentors (having read most all of his works) now deceased, encouraged me to read these apocryphal texts and other related pieces of literature, if for no other reason than they provide historical background supporting Scripture.

In reference to Paul’s statement concerning the “third heaven,” we find that certain Second Temple Jewish writings, later rabbinic traditions, and even some Islamic texts describe multiple levels of heaven — at times seven, and in some accounts as many as ten. In that context, Paul’s mention of the “third heaven” may indicate one realm within a greater heavenly order rather than an absolute limit to the heavens themselves.

Likewise, when Paul writes, “And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise” (2 Corinthians 12:3–4), some have taught that Paradise exists specifically within the third heaven. Yet the passage may instead suggest that Paradise is found in the immediate presence of God — the place of divine glory, communion, and revelation.

Ultimately, much of this understanding depends upon the Hebrew and Greek cosmological framework being considered. While Scripture does not fully define the structure of the heavens, its central emphasis remains clear: the supremacy of God, the reality of His dwelling place, and the eternal hope of those who are in Christ.

Heavens per all Monotheistic Religions

When looking at these texts we see the possibility of multiple heavens. Below are charts of the heavens as depicted by all three monotheistic religions on Earth; Christianity (including Apocryphal tests), Jewish (including the Talmud) and Islamic texts.

Types and Shadows (from https://duckduckgo.com/)

Types:
Types are actual people, events, institutions, or objects found in the Old Testament that were established by God with purpose and meaning in their own historical context. Yet beyond their immediate significance, they also foreshadow greater spiritual realities fulfilled in Christ and His eternal Kingdom.

Shadows:
Shadows are symbolic representations that point beyond themselves to a greater and more complete reality. They are not the substance itself, but divine patterns and glimpses that reveal heavenly truths yet to be fully unveiled.

The Bible reveals only glimpses of what Heaven is truly like. Scripture tells us that God “will wipe away every tear,” that sorrow, pain, and death will cease, and that the former things will pass away. We know that we shall dwell forever in His presence together with our loved ones and the redeemed company of all who are born again through Christ. We are also told that we will rule and reign with Him, though the fullness of what that entails remains a mystery hidden within God’s eternal purposes.

Yet among the most profound revelations in Scripture are those declaring that many earthly things are merely shadows of heavenly realities. The Tabernacle of Moses, the feasts of Israel, and even the Law itself were not ends in themselves, but divine patterns pointing toward a greater and eternal fulfillment. Old Testament figures such as Joshua, as well as the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life, all foreshadow realities that exist in the heavenly realm. Scripture even declares that the earthly priesthood served only as “a copy and shadow of heavenly things.”

“Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’” Hebrews 8:4–5 (ESV)

A day is coming when shadows will give way to substance, mystery to revelation, and faith to sight. Then we shall behold Him face to face and fully know, even as we are fully known.

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)

Conclusion

Heaven remains a mystery to many. While Scripture reveals certain truths, there are still things beyond human understanding. Yet one thing is certain: Almighty God has never ceased sustaining His creation, nor has He ceased His divine work. Though Genesis tells us He rested after creation, this does not imply inactivity or limitation. God’s omnipotence confirms that He is sovereign over all things, continually upholding the universe by His power and will.

Even in mankind, we see evidence of His ongoing creative work. Scripture declares that when a person is born again, they become a “new creation” in Christ. This transformation is not merely symbolic; it is the living work of God renewing the heart, mind, and spirit. The Creator who formed the heavens and the earth is still actively working, bringing life, restoration, and redemption according to His perfect purpose.

It is not a stretch of our spiritual imagination that God is still creating the heavens. Whether this means He is creating new heavens or expanding those existing we do not know. It is not within our purview to know these things. We don’t need to know. What I have written above is simply an exercise in spiritual thought. What we must understand is that Heaven is the destination to those running the race. Will you cross the finish line?

Enough Said

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 ESV