1. The First Heaven - The Atmospheric Heaven
Description: This is the sky and atmosphere surrounding Earth, where birds fly and clouds form.
Visual Description: Imagine an expanse of blue during the day, with white, fluffy clouds scattered across the sky. At sunset or sunrise, the sky might turn into a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples. At night, this first heaven is studded with stars, though these are part of the next heaven.
Biblical Reference:
Genesis 1:20 - "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."
2. The Second Heaven - The Celestial Heaven
Description: This refers to outer space, encompassing the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.
Visual Description: Picture the vast, dark expanse of space with countless stars, each twinkling or burning brightly in the distance. Planets might appear as colorful orbs, with rings or moons orbiting around them. Constellations form patterns that have been observed by humanity for millennia.
Biblical Reference:
Genesis 1:14-17 - "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..."
3. The Third Heaven - The Heaven of God's Dwelling
Description: This is the abode of God, often referred to as Paradise or the Kingdom of Heaven. It's described as a place of eternal joy, peace, and glory.
Visual Description: While the Bible gives more symbolic than literal descriptions, one can imagine this heaven as an infinitely bright space, where light emanates from God Himself, casting no shadows. There might be streets of gold, gates of pearl, and foundations adorned with precious stones (Revelation 21:18-21). The imagery includes a throne, with scenes of worship, angels, and saints in eternal celebration.
Biblical References:
2 Corinthians 12:2 - "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven."
Revelation 4:2-3 - "And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."
It's important to note that these descriptions are highly symbolic and metaphorical, aimed at conveying the glory, majesty, and holiness of God's dwelling place. The KJV, like other translations, uses poetic language to evoke awe and reverence rather than to provide a precise, literal depiction.
Given these descriptions, one can visualize heaven not just as a location but as a state of being - radiant, serene, and filled with divine presence, far beyond human comprehension or earthly beauty.