A Look At Heaven

A. There are Three Heavens

See 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 where Paul went to the third heaven.

1. First Heaven

Genesis 1:6-9 - “And God called the firmament Heaven…”

This firmament (the earth’s atmosphere) consists of air and the clouds.

2. Second Heaven

Genesis 1:14-17 - The second heaven is filled with the planets, stars, comets, supernovas and nebulas that are outside our atmosphere, and yet do not reach to God.

3. Third Heaven

This is where God dwells (Matthew 6:9; Psalm 113:4-5). It is not anywhere near this planet (Acts 7:48-49). It is where born again believers go when they die or are taken to at the time of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; John 14:1-3).

B. The Qualities and Characteristics of Heaven

1. Heaven is a Real Place

Revelation 4:1-3; Colossians 3:1-2

It is not a “state of mind,” or state of “non-existence” (i.e., Buddhist “nirvana”).

2. Heaven is a Holy Place

Psalm 20:6 - “Now I know that the LORD saveth his anointed; He will hear him from his HOLY heaven…“

3. Heaven is a Joyful Place

Luke 15:7, 10 - There is joy among the angels over sinners that repent.

4. Heaven is a Place of No Trouble

It has no death, sorrow or pain.

Revelation 21:4 - “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more PAIN, for the former things are passed away.”

5. Its Size is Immeasurable

Jeremiah 31:37

6. Our Place in Heaven is in a City

Hebrews 11:16 - Called the NEW Jerusalem (Revelation 21:15-27).

A furlong is 1/8 mile. So, the city is 1,500 by 1,500 by 1,500 miles! Truly, there is a lot of room there!