How many heavens are there?
The Bible uses the expression “heavens” from Genesis to Revelation. The word occurs 184 times in both the Old and New Testament to refer to the space from the surface of the earth and upward.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NASB) Genesis 1:1
For this reason, rejoice, O heavens . . . (NASB) Revelation12:12
According to Paul, the apostle, this space is partitioned into at least three sections or “heavens.”
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago–whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows–such a man was caught up to the third heaven. (NASB) 2 Corinthians 12:2
The first heaven is the “atmospheric space” or that which includes the clouds and birds.
. . . His heavens also drop down dew. (NASB) Deuteronomy 33:28
When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain, because they have sinned against Thee. (NASB) 1 Kings 8:35
. . . And he who dies in the field the birds of the heavens will eat. (NASB) 1 Kings 14:11
If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain . . . (NASB) 2 Chronicles 7:13
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens; And by His power He directed the south wind. (NASB) Psalm 78:26
The second heaven is “outer space” or that which includes the moon, planets and stars.
When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; (NASB) Psalm 8:3
“All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you And will set darkness on your land,” Declares the Lord GOD. (NASB) Ezekiel 32:8
And the third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven . . . (NASB) Revelation 8:10
The third heaven is where God lives – Paradise. As we saw earlier this is the third heaven.
Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens . . . (NASB) Deuteronomy 10:14
But who is able to build a house for Him, for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? (NASB) 2 Chronicles 2:6
(A Song of Ascents.) To Thee I lift up my eyes, O Thou who art enthroned in the heavens! (NASB) Psalm 123:1
. . . such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man–whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows–was caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. (NASB) 2 Corinthians 12:2-4
Are there more heavens? Scripture does not say and so we do not know. Usually, when we talk about heaven we are referring to the heaven where God dwells. Some day God will destroy the old heavens (apparently all the heavens, except the third one) and earth and create a new heaven and a new earth. This is where we will live.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. (NASB) Revelation 21:1-4
Praise the Lord. Jesus come quickly.