HEAVENS
The concept of heaven in the Bible is complex, encompassing various layers and realms. Understanding these distinctions enriches our comprehension of God’s creation and His divine plan.
The Three Heavens
The Bible references three distinct heavens, each serving a unique purpose within God’s creation.
1. The Firmament:
The first heaven is the immediate atmosphere surrounding the earth, where birds fly and clouds form. Genesis 1:20 states, “And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.” The Psalmist also acknowledges this heaven: “By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches” (Ps 104:12).
2. The Celestial Dome:
The second heaven is where God placed the sun, moon, and stars, serving as lights for the earth. Genesis 1:14-18 details this creation: “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.” The Psalmist praises this heaven, declaring, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands.” (Ps 19:2).
3. The Heaven of Heavens:
The third heaven, also known as the heaven of heavens, is the dwelling place of God, holy angels, and the souls of the righteous. In Deuteronomy 10:14, Moses says, “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” The Apostle Paul speaks of this third heaven as a place of divine revelation and paradise (2 Cor 12:2-4).
The Opening of Heavens
Several passages in the Bible describe moments when the heavens were opened, signifying divine intervention and revelation.
In the Old Testament
1. The Great Flood:
“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened” (Gen 7:11). This event marks God’s judgment upon the earth, bringing a deluge to cleanse the world of its wickedness.
2. Ezekiel’s Vision:
“Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God” (Ezek 1:1 KJV). Here, Ezekiel receives a divine vision, illustrating God’s presence even in exile.
In the New Testament
1. Jesus’ Baptism:
“After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him.” (Mt 3:16). This moment reveals the Trinity and affirms Jesus as the beloved Son of God.
2. Stephen’s Martyrdom:
“But he, filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” (Acts 7:55-56). Stephen’s vision strengthens his faith amid persecution and confirms his witness of Christ.
3. Peter’s Vision:
“And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth” (Acts 10:11). This vision signifies the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvation plan.
4. John’s Revelation:
“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Rev 4:1). John’s vision of the open heaven unveils the ultimate victory of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
REFLECTION
The revelation of the heavens opening offers profound assurance to believers about their eternal destination. These scriptural accounts affirm that God is actively involved in human history, providing hope and guidance.
As Christians, our faith in the afterlife shapes our earthly conduct, encouraging us to live for Jesus and His Church, even amid suffering and persecution. Jesus is the way to the Father (Jn 14:6), and through Him, the gates of heaven are open to us.
Let us hold fast to the hope of eternal reward, persevering in good works and remaining steadfast in our faith. The heavens, with their layers and revelations, remind us of God’s grandeur and His intimate involvement in our lives. Let this knowledge inspire us to live with purpose, joy, and unwavering commitment to God’s kingdom.