Q: Can you explain what third heaven is in 2 Corinthians 12, and are there levels of heaven?

A: Somewhere over the rainbow blue birds fly, but all out‑of‑body, space traveling “Trekkies” ought to drop their landing gear long enough to read through this one. Paul confessed, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man, whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows, was caught up into Paradise and heard in expressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak,”

(2Cor 12:2‑4). Paul was alluding to himself in the third person, in an attempt to remain humble.

  According to Scripture, first heaven is defined as our present atmosphere in which birds fly. (See Deut 11:11.) Second heaven is the area of the “starry starry night,” we refer to as outer space. (See Psalm 8:3.) Third heaven is the place of God’s throne and glory. (See Psalm 123:1.) It is also the location of the tree of life. (See Rev 2:7.) Paul was briefly placed in Paradise, which of course would make him a literal space cadet worth listening to.

  This was a one‑time event in Paul’s life, but no one is sure exactly when it happened. Paul was stoned for preaching the truth at Lystra. That would be with rocks as opposed to Mr. Zig Zag. They then presumed him to be dead until he stood right up, dusted himself off, and walked back into the city for more. (See Acts 14:19‑20.)

  Apparently, he had not finished his message. What an in‑your‑face preacher. In fact, his letters continue to offend the most tolerant victims today. This may have been the occasion when Paul entered heaven, but nobody really knows. The point is that he did see Paradise.

  In reference to Paradise and the abode of God’s throne, the Bible records no levels of heaven. One must read and believe other unprescribed books to embrace these ideas. The Bible does record different qualities of eternal life.

  Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall annul one of the least of these commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great,” (Mat 5:19).   

  Again He said, “If any man desires to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all,” (Mk 9:35).

  I believe all sermons should remind us of heaven. Jesus paid the ultimate price to get us there, which reminds me that Christians are called ambassadors on this earth for that coming kingdom.

2 Corinthians 5:20