I was called out of town for a funeral. My dad has passed, but while I was down in MS. Everyone was of course was sensitive to his passing. But I found it very curious that everyone was saying (well he’s in heaven now). Now he was saved, I know he’s going to heaven. But the questioned remained in my head; do we immediately go to heaven? Or is what God said true? Now keep in mind Jesus is saying this (1 Thessalonians 4:17) when Jesus returns we meet him in the air. I studied this question. And this is what I found. Now this will be a two part series.
Q. Are there two or more levels of heaven? I thought there was only one.
Consequently we find the Bible speaking of more than one heaven or multiple heavens.
Lets start with exploring the Third Heaven.
the Bible refers to the third heaven in 2 cor 12 “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.
If there is a third heaven, it seems there must also be a first and second heaven. The Bible, does not mention a first and second heaven by name. However in (Genesis 6:7) (Matthew 6:26). It speaks of the creator and of His creation. Which includes the sky witch is called the first heaven;
Now the term The Second Heaven refers to outer space or the stellar heaven. It includes the sun, moon, and stars.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Matthew 24:29).
Stars are said to be in heaven. And take heed, lest you lift up your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, (Deuteronomy 4:19). When we say host, you might think of a host for a restaurant. Just like that restaurant witch stand inside the restaurant. So do the stars stand in heaven?
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Brother Dale, I would like to extend my condolences for the passing of your father! My prayers are with you and your family. Your post demonstrate how you use a grieving moment to edify the kingdom of God. I look forward to reading part 2. God bless you!
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