Most people that read this verse miss that is says heavens not heaven. Heaven is plural. Hebrews 4:14 says that, seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confessions. This verse says that Jesus passed through the heavens, meaning there is more than one.
So if scripture is telling you that there are multiple heavens, then how many are there. 2 Corinthians 12:2 says that, I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows-such a one was caught up to the third heaven. So if there is a third heaven then we know that there must be a first and second.
FIRST HEAVEN
The first heaven is the realm that you live in right now. This realm includes the sky, the stars, the moon, the planets, and the universe. This is evident in Genesis 1:9, which says, Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear’; and it was so. The Lord has given us the earth to rule and reign over. Psalm 115:16 tells us that, “the heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of man.”
SECOND HEAVEN
The second heaven is the invisible realm; it overlaps the first heaven. You can only see it with your spiritual eyes. This is evident in Colossians 1:16, For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers…”
In this realm angels and demons roam about. It is the battleground where angels and archangels operate. This is evident in Ephesians 6:12, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places.
Much attention should be paid to second heaven because that is where spiritual warfare takes place. To show that this is true read Daniel 10:12-14. God answered Daniel’s prayer in the third heaven on the first day he prayed, but it was delayed by conflict in the second heaven for 21 days.
Satan held up Daniel’s prayer in second heaven. Have you ever prayed for something and waited a long time for it to come to pass? This is because the angels and demons are doing battle over your answer. You have to reach up into second heaven and pull it down. Tell the devil to get his hands off your blessing. Satan will always try to come between you on earth and God who is in the third heaven.
THIRD HEAVEN
This is the dwelling place of God and His Heavenly Hosts. This is also translated as “Paradise.” This is the throne of God. Hebrews 8:1 says that, Now the main point in what has been said is this; we have such a High Priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens.
the Bible is clear that God cannot be limited to any one geographical place. The entire universe cannot contain Him. But His presence dwells in Heaven. And someday you will be in third heaven too, because of Jesus. Jesus conquered sin and opened the way to heaven for forgiven sinner’s, all departed souls that have been redeemed by His Blood are now in heaven. Ephesians 4:10 says that, He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.
The three realms of heaven are real places. With first heaven being earth, where you live heavenly lives and occupy until Jesus calls you home. Second heaven is where spiritual warfare happens and satan and his demons do battle with your blessings. Be strong and contend for your blessing. Don’t let satan rob you! Finally third heaven is God’s dwelling place with His Heavenly Host. Where there is no more pain or sorrow, but peace and joy!
