“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Bible Verses About First Heaven
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
This verse speaks of the creation of the heavens, often interpreted as referring to the first heaven. The heavens represent the divine space where God resides and communicates with creation. The act of creation sets the stage for everything that follows, illustrating God’s power and intention in establishing a universe filled with His presence.
Isaiah 66:1
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?’”
Here, we learn about God’s sovereignty and His relationship with both heaven and earth. The first heaven is depicted as His throne, emphasizing the majesty of God. This verse urges us to consider that no earthly structure could contain God’s presence, which transcends our understanding of space.
Matthew 6:9
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”
This verse reveals the intimate relationship believers can have with God, addressing Him as our Father in heaven. It establishes the significance of heaven as a holy place, dignified and reverent. This connection invites us to approach God with awe and respect, recognizing His divine authority.
2 Corinthians 12:2
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.”
This passage indicates various levels of heaven—first, second, and third. The first heaven can be understood as the physical sky, whereas the third heaven represents a far more significant spiritual dimension. This distinction allows us to grasp the realms in which God operates and how they differ from our earthly experiences.
Revelation 21:1
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”
Revelation brings clarity on the fate of the first heaven and earth. It reveals that they will ultimately be transformed. This promise offers hope and assurance of God’s renewed creation, emphasizing that this first heaven is merely temporary compared to what God has in store for us.
Psalms 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
In this verse, the heavens function to glorify God, showcasing His craftsmanship. It serves as a reminder that the first heaven, the sky we see, communicates God’s greatness to us. By observing the skies, we can appreciate God’s majesty and be reminded of His creativity.
John 14:2
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
This scripture offers hope concerning eternal life in heaven. The reference to God’s house underscores the intimate and welcoming nature of heaven. The first heaven, as God’s dwelling, invites believers to look forward to their eternal residence with Him.
Matthew 5:12
“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes the significance of the rewards awaiting believers in heaven. By referring to heaven as a place of reward, this verse encourages us to persevere through life’s trials. It instills hope that the hardships we endure today serve a purpose in light of eternity.
Luke 10:20
“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
This verse encourages us to find our joy in the assurance of eternal life. The mention of names written in heaven reflects the relationship that believers have established through faith. Thus, the first heaven is a place where our identities are redeemed and preserved eternally.
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This verse highlights that believers belong to heaven, identifying themselves as citizens of a greater kingdom. Knowing that our true home is in the first heaven reshapes our priorities and encourages us to live accordingly while remaining hopeful as we await Christ’s return.
Hebrews 11:16
“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
The passage showcases the longing for a heavenly homeland, urging us to reflect on our eternal destinies. The first heaven serves as a symbol of the ultimate fulfillment of that longing. It emphasizes that believers are meant for more than earthly existence, inspiring us to pursue our relationship with God.
Acts 1:11
“‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”
This scripture assures us of Christ’s return from heaven, emphasizing that the first heaven is not merely a resting place but a promise of His eventual return. It compels us to lift our eyes from earthly distractions and reflect on the hope we have in the coming of our Lord.
Colossians 3:1
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
This verse urges us to focus our hearts on the spiritual realities of the first heaven. By setting our sights on heavenly things, we learn to live in a way that reflects our identity in Christ, molding our actions and attitudes as representatives of His kingdom here on earth.
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
In this passage, Jesus clarifies the conditions for entering the kingdom of heaven. The focus shifts from mere verbal acknowledgment to actions that align with God’s will. It reminds us of the responsibilities tied to our belief and how our choices influence our standing in relation to the first heaven.
Revelation 21:2
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”
This verse symbolizes the union of heaven and earth, reinforcing that the first heaven will be transformative. The new Jerusalem represents a restored and perfect communion with God, progressively redeeming creation. It serves as a reminder of what is to come, igniting our hope and anticipation.
Revelation 20:12
“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”
This scripture presents a sobering reality about accountability in heaven. It reveals that our lives hold significance in a larger narrative that extends beyond the present. Acknowledging our actions here informs how we cultivate our relationship with God and prepares us for eternity.
Luke 16:22
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.”
This verse introduces a vivid depiction of the afterlife. It draws a contrast between earthly existence and the eternal destinies in heaven and hell. The first heaven is highlighted as a place of comfort and connection with the faithful, illustrating the significance of our choices in life.
2 Peter 3:13
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
This passage reassures us of God’s promises, reminding us that the first heaven will one day be replaced with something perfect. It compels us to anticipate the coming reality of righteousness, which awaits all believers, and reflects God’s glory and intention for creation.
John 3:13
“No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.”
This verse emphasizes the unique authority and connection of Jesus to heaven. It affirms that through Him, we have access to understanding the first heaven and its significance. By relying on His guidance, we can deepen our relationship with the heavenly realms He illuminates.
Matthew 22:30
“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
In this scripture, Jesus provides insight into the nature of existence in heaven. The idea of being “like the angels” suggests a different state of being, prompting us to reflect on our future in heaven. This challenges our earthly understandings and invites a deeper exploration of how we recognize relationships in the presence of God.
Luke 12:34
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse compels us to evaluate what we value. Focusing on heavenly treasures aligns with God’s kingdom, guiding our decisions and priorities. As we direct our hearts toward God’s will, we cultivate a deep longing for the treasures of the first heaven.
What Does The Bible Say About First Heaven
The Bible paints a profound picture of the first heaven, showcasing it as the dwelling place of God and the angels. It’s referred to as a realm of divine glory, filled with the purpose and grace of our Creator. As believers, we are encouraged to lift our eyes beyond the craftsmanship of the first heaven and understand its role within God’s greater plan for creation.
Throughout scripture, we see references indicating a division between different heavens leading us to consider our spiritual journeys. The first heaven captures our imagination with depictions of beauty and majesty, urging us to set our hearts on heavenly things rather than the distractions of the earth.
As we aspire to understand our relationship with the first heaven, remember that it’s more than just a physical space; it’s about how we relate to God. Living with the knowledge that our names are written in heaven inspires us to pursue lives filled with purpose, love, and the promise of eternity.
If you’re intrigued by more topics related to spiritual guidance, feel free to explore these links: First Heaven, Fire Baptism, Finding Hope, or Finished.