1. The Third Heaven 2 Corinthians 12:1-6

2. 2 Question… “In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, what is the third heaven? Can you explain this passage? Was Paul speaking of himself?” Yes, Paul speaks of himself, 2 Cor. 10:1-2, 7-11 (chap. 10-13)

3. 3 Why did Paul speak this way? 2 Cor. 10-13 Enemies of the faith resisted & rejected Paul’s apostleship (authority) –Resisted Christ & the gospel, 2 Cor. 13:3 (Jno. 13:20; Lk. 10:16) –The Holy Spirit gives a spirited defense of Christ’s apostle to the Gentiles

4. 4 The First Heaven The sky (atmosphere), Gen. 1:6-8, 20 –The expanse (firmament) where the clouds exist & the birds fly, Matthew 6:26 –Suitable environment for humans –God called this firmament (expanse) “heaven,” Genesis 1:8 Will be destroyed, Rev. 20:11; 21:1

5. 5 The Second Heaven Sun, moon & stars, Gen. 1:14-19 –Divides the day & the night, 1:14 –Measure & regulate the seasons on the earth, 1:14 (Lights rule day & night) –Declares God’s glory & powerful achievement (His work), Psa. 19:1-4; 33:6; Rom. 1:18-20 –Magnifies & praises God, Psa. 148:1-5 It will also be destroyed, 2 Pet. 3:10-12

6. 6 The Third Heaven Place of righteous ones with God, 2 Cor. 12:1-4 –PARADISE (12:4; Lk. 23:43; Rev. 2:7) Intermediate state of the righteous dead, Luke 23:43 (Acts 2:27; Luke 16:22) Eternal state of the righteous dead, Rev. 2:7 (22:1-5; Gen. 3:22) –Heard inexpressible words (2 Cor. 12:4)

7. 7 The Third Heaven A Habitation with God, John 14:1-6 –Bliss, comfort, rest, Rev. 14:13 (Luke 16:25) –Fellowship with Christ is its abiding comfort, Acts 7:59; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 2 Tim. 4:18

8. 8 The Third Heaven Affects How We Must Live Now! 2 Peter 3:11, 13 –Holy conduct, Matt. 6:19-21 (1 Jno. 3:3) –Godliness, 1 Timothy 4:8; 6:3 (Heb. 12:1-2)

9. 9 The Third Heaven Paul’s apostolic authority (2 Cor. 11:5) Paul’s persecutions (2 Cor. 11:22-33) Paul’s visions & revelations (2 Cor. 12:1-6) Paul depended on the Lord’s grace, 12:7-10 As we live under the first & second heavens, we must live in preparation for the third heaven! 2 Cor. 5:1-4; Heb. 11:13-16