Third Heaven

From First to Third
Written By Patrick Burch

OPENING THOUGHT

The phrase “seventh heaven” has been used to describe extreme bliss and comes from the idea of layered heavens with God at the top on the seventh level.

The Bible doesn’t speak of seven heavens, but it does mention three. In 2 Corinthians 12:2, Paul writes, “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.” Most Bible students believe Paul is speaking in the third person out of modesty. He mentions a vision he had of God’s dwelling place.

The three heavens in Paul’s statement break down like this:

  • The first heaven is earth’s atmosphere, where the birds fly and clouds float?

  • The second heaven is outer space, where the celestial bodies hang in orbit.

  • The third heaven is spiritual—God’s dwelling place.

Not much has been revealed about this place. What we have been told should serve as a perimeter or boundary around our imaginations.

We have been told enough to know that the third heaven is a wonderful place prepared for all who have been redeemed through faith in Jesus.

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

John 14:1-3

  • Jesus begins with, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” How does the promise of heaven calm fear or worry today?

  • What do you think Jesus meant by “In my Father’s house are many rooms”? How does that image shape the way you picture heaven?

  • Jesus says, “I will come again and take you to myself.” How does this emphasize that heaven is not just about a place, but about being with a Person?

  • How does believing in heaven change the way we view suffering and loss on earth?

  • In what ways does the promise of heaven help us set our priorities differently here and now?

Matthew 25:31-40

  • Why do you think the sheep (the righteous) were surprised when Jesus said they had served Him?

  • What does this teach us about the connection between serving others and serving Christ Himself?

  • How is heaven described in this passage? Does this challenge the way we normally speak of heaven?

  • How could remembering this scene of final judgment motivate us in the way we spend our time and resources now?

2 Peter 3:10-13

  • What will happen to this world when Christ returns?

  • What does Peter say we wait for?

  • How should our hope shape our behavior in the present?

Revelation 21:1-4

  • John writes, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” What do you think this new creation looks like, and how does it differ from our current world?

  • How does the promise that God “will wipe away every tear” speak to our current struggles and grief?

  • What does it mean that there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain? How does this give hope to believers?

  • How does the imagery of God dwelling with his people deepen our understanding of intimacy with him?

Revelation 21:22-22:5

  • Verse 22 says John saw no temple in the city because God and the Lamb are its temple. What does it mean for God to be our temple? How does his presence replace physical structures?

  • The city has no need for sun or moon because God’s glory provides light. How does this image speak to God’s sufficiency and perfection?

  • In 22:1–2, John sees a river of life flowing from God, with the tree of life on either side. What does this river symbolize?

  • How does this passage challenge conventional ideas about heaven being a place of leisure and inactivity?

  • If heaven is described as a place of continual service, joy, and intimacy with God, how might that affect the way we approach daily life, relationships, and worship today?

Patrick Burch
Next

Third Day