1.17. THE THIRD HEAVEN

THE THIRD HEAVEN

The destination of the righteous, however, is beyond the atmosphere and the starry skies. This place is what the apostle Paul referred to when he wrote, "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2 NIV). Heaven, as I am using the term throughout this book, is the region often spoken of as the immediate presence of God: For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
(Hebrews 9:24)

Heaven is where God lives. When Jesus taught us to pray, He said to pray to "our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). In 1 Kings 8:30, heaven is called the dwelling place of God. In Psalms 11:4, it is called God’s holy temple and the place where His throne is. There, in the temple of God’s divine majesty, His excellent glory is revealed in the most conspicuous manner. It is a sacred place of light, joy, and glory. We don’t know exactly where the location is, but often in the Bible heaven is indicated as being "up." We know that God Almighty is in heaven. There He and Jesus Christ are the central focus of saints, angels, and all worshipping beings. What glorious company there is in heaven! Angels are there, because Jesus said, "In heaven angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 18:10). The saints are there because Jesus promised us, "Where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). We are told in 1 Peter 1:4 that an inheritance has been reserved for us in heaven- an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that will not fade away. Saints, it excites me to testify of my beautiful visit to heaven. I am thrilled to tell you of the things I saw and the people I saw.