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The Bible mentions three heavens:

1. The first heaven refers to the earth’s atmosphere, the realm of the sky.
2. The second heaven refers to space, including the sun, moon, and stars.
3. The third heaven, also called “paradise” in Scripture, is the abode of God.

The Bible specifically refers to the third heaven. Paul refers to himself in the third person when he said, “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.”

2 Corinthians 12:2 (English Standard Version)

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.

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The concept of the third heaven:

• Is mentioned by Paul and is understood to be the highest and most divine realm, where God’s presence resides in its fullness.
• Is often associated with paradise, the dwelling place of God, and a realm of spiritual and supernatural realities beyond human comprehension.
• Is not about different levels of heaven, but rather about being deeper in the presence of God.
• Refers to the spiritual rulership of Jesus and faithful Christians over earth in the future.

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