The answer depends on the belief system, but a common interpretation suggests three heavens.
While the Bible references only the "first" and "third" heavens, the understanding of three heavens is prevalent. These can be explained as follows:
-
The First Heaven: This is the realm of Earth's atmosphere and sky. It encompasses the space we experience daily, including clouds, birds, and weather phenomena.
-
The Second Heaven: This is often interpreted as outer space, the celestial realm containing the stars, planets, and other astronomical bodies. This is not explicitly mentioned in the reference provided.
-
The Third Heaven: This is described as the spiritual realm where God dwells. It's considered the ultimate destination for believers and the highest level of existence.
In summary, while biblical text directly mentions only two specific heavens, the understanding of "three heavens" is a common interpretation, representing the Earth's atmosphere, outer space, and the dwelling place of God.