The Three Heavens
TEXT
: 2 Cor. 12:1-4INTRODUCTION
:A. PAUL SPEAKS OF HIMSELF BEING IN THE 3RD HEAVEN – IMPLIES 3 EXIST.
B. WE WANT TO SEE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT ALL THREE.
I.
THE FIRST HEAVEN.A. THIS REFERS TO THE "BLUE SKY" – THE VISIBLE ATMOSPHERE.
1. 45 miles high.
2. Above the birds, etc.
B. Gen. 1:6-7; Matt. 6:26; 8:20.
II.
THE SECOND HEAVEN.A. OUTER SPACE, THE PLACE OF CELESTIAL BODIES – SUN, MOON, STARS( Psa. 19:1-4; Gen. 1:16-17 ).
B. THE NT SPEAKS OF HEAVEN THIS WAY( Matt. 24:29; 2 Pet. 3:10 ).
III.
THE THIRD HEAVEN.A. THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD ( 1 Kings 8:30; Matt. 5:34-35 ).
B. THE DWELLING PLACE OF CHRIST ( Heb. 4:14; 9:24; Acts 1:11; 7:58-56 ).
C. JOHN RELATES HIS VISION OF HEAVEN IN Rev. 21-22.
1. 21:3-7. Presence of God – Absence of sorrow, discomfort, even death – water of life – God’s possession.
2. 21:9-21. 4-square city of gold and jewels … tremendous glory.
3. 21:22-27. God in all his glory – the best spiritually of every land – worship – eternal glorification of saints.
4. 22:1-5. Abundant, accessible life – no curse – God’s presence – worship – eternal glorification of the saints.
D. PETER DESCRIBES OUR INHERITANCE ( 1 Pet. 1:3-5 ).
1. Incorruptible.
2. Undefiled.
3. Fadeth not away.
4. Reserved in heaven.
E. OTHER PASSAGES MIGHT BE REFERRED TO:
1. A place of joy ( Matt. 25:21, 23; Psa. 16:11 ).
2. A place of rest ( Rev. 14:13 ).
3. A place of great reward ( Matt. 5:12 ).
4. A permanent dwelling place – a perfect environment ( John 14:1-3 ).
a. Here we are visitors ( 1 Pet. 2:11 ).
b. Our citizenship is there ( Phil. 3:20-21 ).
c. We will be at home with Christ ( 2 Cor. 5:6-8 ).
d. It is a permanent home ( 2 Cor. 5:1 ).
5. A glorified existence:
a. We will be like Jesus ( 1 John 3:2; Phil. 3:20-21 ).
b. Definitely different ( 1 Cor. 15:50-54 ). Spiritual bodies – changed.
c. A glorious reign ( Col. 3:4; Rev. 22:5 ).
IV.
SOME QUESTIONS COMMONLY ASKED:A. THE QUESTION ASKED OF JESUS ( Matt. 22:23-33 ).
B. WILL WE KNOW EACH OTHER?
1. ( Luke 16:19-31 ). Know each other in Hades.
2. 1 Thess. 4:13f.
C. WILL THERE BE ANY PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION?
1. Physical resurrection ( John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15; Matt. 10:28 ).
2. No flesh and blood ( 1 Cor. 15:50 ).
3. Whatever, we will be changed ( 1 Cor. 15:52 ).
4. Neither Paul nor John knew into what ( 1 Cor. 15:51; 1 John 3:2 ).
5. Paul’s warning ( 1 Cor. 15:35-38 ).
D. WHEN? ( Matt. 24:36 ).
HOW CAN I GET THERE?
Not enough people ask this question. Perhaps the most important question.
Matt. 7:21
.CONCLUSION
:A. EVERY THOUGH AND EFFORT SHOULD BE POINTED TOWARD HEAVEN ( Col. 3:1-2 ).
B. YOU MUST NOT JUST HEAR OR BELIEVE, BUT YOU MUST FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS.
C. THIS BEING DONE, YOUR REWARD IS SURE AND STEDFAST( John 14:1-3 ).