Where Is Heaven?

Answer:In the Bible, the term “heaven” is used in multiple ways to describe different realms of reality. To understand its full meaning, we must consider the three distinct “heavens” revealed in Scripture. Each one carries spiritual and theological significance, and together they offer a complete picture of God’s plan for His creation.

1. The First Heaven – The Physical Sky (Natural Realm)

This is the visible heaven—the sky that surrounds the earth. It includes the clouds, the atmosphere, the sun, moon, stars, and planets. It is the realm of weather, birds, and all things visible above the earth. The Bible often uses the word “heaven” to refer to this physical expanse.

Isaiah 55:10 (ESV)

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout…

This is also the realm referred to in the days of Noah when the “windows of heaven” were opened (Genesis 7:11), and in the Psalms when the heavens declare the glory of God:

Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2. The Second Heaven – The Invisible Spiritual Realm (God’s Dwelling Place)

This is the supernatural realm where God dwells in glory, surrounded by angels and heavenly beings. It is not visible to the natural eye and is unreachable by human means. This is the heaven that Jesus referred to when He spoke of His Father in heaven (Matthew 6:9).

The Apostle Paul referred to this realm as the “third heaven”, also known as Paradise, where he was caught up in a vision:

2 Corinthians 12:2–4 (ESV)

I know a man in Christ… was caught up to the third heaven… caught up into paradise… he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.

This heavenly realm includes:

The Paradise where righteous souls dwell after death (Luke 23:43),
The New Jerusalem, the eternal city of God (Revelation 21:1–4),
The throne of God, where Christ is seated in glory (Hebrews 12:22–24).

It is the true and eternal home for all who are in Christ. Nothing unclean will ever enter it.

Revelation 21:27 (ESV)

But nothing unclean will ever enter it… but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Access to this heaven is possible only through faith in Jesus Christ—He is the way, the truth, and the life.

John 14:6 (ESV)

Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

God’s dwelling is described as infinitely majestic, far beyond any physical structure or place on earth.

1 Kings 8:27 (ESV)

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you…

1 Timothy 6:16 (ESV)

[God] alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see.

3. The Symbolic Use of Heaven – Exaltation, Authority, and Spiritual Position

At times, the word “heaven” is used metaphorically to represent great height, authority, or spiritual status.

a) Believers Spiritually Seated with Christ

All who are born again in Christ are already, spiritually speaking, seated with Him in heavenly places, even while still living on earth. This speaks of our new identity and authority in Christ.

Ephesians 2:5–6 (ESV)

Even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ… and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

b) Earthly Power Symbolized as Reaching Heaven

Kings and nations that become powerful or prideful are sometimes described as reaching heaven. For example, in Daniel’s vision, Nebuchadnezzar’s greatness was likened to a tree reaching the sky.

Daniel 4:22 (ESV)

It is you, O king… your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven…

Likewise, Jesus warned that exalting oneself leads to downfall:

Matthew 11:23 (ESV)

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades…

Lucifer (Satan) also desired to ascend into heaven to take God’s throne, but was cast down in judgment:

Isaiah 14:13–15 (ESV)

You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven… I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol…

Heaven: Our Eternal Hope and Home

The Bible promises that heaven is not just a concept—it is a real place prepared for a prepared people. Jesus promised His disciples:

John 14:2–3 (ESV)

In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Heaven is the believer’s true citizenship (Philippians 3:20). It is where we will be fully united with God, free from sin, suffering, and death.

Revelation 21:4 (ESV)

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…

And the blessings of heaven are beyond human comprehension:

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.

Conclusion:

Heaven is not one simple concept, but a multi-layered reality described throughout Scripture:

1. The First Heaven – the sky, stars, and visible universe.

2. The Second/Third Heaven – the spiritual realm of God’s glory and dwelling.

3. Heaven as a Symbol – used to describe greatness, power, or spiritual elevation.

Ultimately, heaven is our eternal destination—but not by human achievement. We get there only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who alone has made the way by His death and resurrection.