The Three Earths
What are they? The original earth (Gen.1:1) which was destroyed in the flood of Noah’s time (2 Pet.3:5-6), the earth which is now which will be renovated by fire (2 Pet.3:7-10-13), and the new earth (Rev. 21-22).
The Three Heavens
Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” Notice the word ‘heaven’ is plural. The Apostle Paul said he knew someone who was caught up to the third heaven (2 Cor.12:2). If there are three heavens, what are they? Generally, they are thought of as the first heaven being what we see from horizon to horizon, then outer space, and finally the dwelling place of God (Ps, 48:1-3). Could it be the person Paul was speaking about actually saw the New Heaven?
Which Heaven Are We Going to When We Die?
This is a valid question, which I believe, is answered by the following passage.
2 Corinthians 5:1-8 “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”
Notice some key points –
Earthly house (mortal body)
We have a house (body) that is eternal
We desire to have that immortal body
God knows that and has prepared one for us there
We desire to be in His presence
New Heaven
After the earth was renovated by fire, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven onto the new earth. God comes to dwell among His people forever
Notice some key points
.God will wipe away all tears
No more death, nor sorrow, nor crying
No more pain
Enjoy the fountain of the water of life
There will be no need for the sun or moon to give light, the Lamb is the light
Access to the tree of life
No more curse
We will see His face
No night
Nations on the earth shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
Reign forever with Him
THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WILL BE THERE AND ENJOY THESE THINGS AS THEY SERVE, WORSHIP, AND FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY.