⛰️ Heaven, Earth, and Hell

What does Scripture say about each?

From a biblical perspective, the Scriptures reveal a structured creation with multiple layers or realms: the three heavens, the physical earth, and various aspects of the underworld including Sheol/Hades, the Abyss, Tartarus, and the future Lake of Fire (often called Hell/Gehenna).

"³³For God is not a God of disorder but of peace — as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people."

— 1 Corinthians 14:33

The Bible present these truths clearly. While the canonical text does not always label them explicitly as numbered layers, traditional interpretation (supported by passages such as Deuteronomy 10:14 and 2 Corinthians 12:2-4) identifies them as distinct realms under the sovereignty of God. Non-canonical writings such as the Book of Enoch describe additional heavenly divisions and compartments within Sheol, but the primary authority remains the canon (Biblical Scripture). Below, each realm is described in detail, followed by who currently resides there and what is happening according to Scripture.

The First Heaven (Atmospheric Sky)

The first heaven is the atmospheric layer surrounding the earth, encompassing the sky, clouds, birds, and weather phenomena as part of God’s created order. It is the visible expanse above the earth where natural processes unfold daily. Currently, this realm experiences ongoing weather patterns, bird migrations, and atmospheric activity under God’s sovereign control, while serving as the backdrop for human life and occasional spiritual manifestations visible from earth.

Who lives here: Primarily birds and flying creatures (or aircraft, for humans travelling); no permanent human or angelic residents, though it is part of the creation ruled by God.

What is currently happening: Natural cycles continue as God sustains His creation; it is the realm through which the gospel is proclaimed and where signs in the sky may appear as foretold in end-times prophecy.

"¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

— Genesis 1:1

The Second Heaven (Celestial and Spiritual Realms)

The second heaven encompasses the cosmic realm of stars, planets, and the heavenly bodies, along with the spiritual forces operating in what Scripture calls the “heavenly realms.” It is the domain where principalities and powers wage spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians. Currently, this realm is the site of ongoing spiritual conflict between the forces of God and evil powers, while the celestial bodies continue their ordained courses under His command.

Who lives here: Spiritual forces of evil (rulers, authorities, powers) and possibly other angelic beings engaged in the cosmic battle.

What is currently happening: A spiritual struggle rages as described in Ephesians; Satan and his forces operate here and influence the earth below, but they are ultimately subject to God’s authority.

"¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

— Ephesians 6:12

"³He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power."

— Hebrews 1:3

The Third Heaven (Paradise / God’s Throne Room)

The third heaven, also called Paradise, is the highest heaven—the dwelling place of God, His throne, holy angels, and the spirits of righteous believers who have departed this life. It is the realm of perfect fellowship with God where inexpressible things are experienced. Currently, this realm is filled with continuous worship, joy, and the presence of the redeemed who are at home with the Lord.

Who lives here: God/Jesus, holy angels, the spirits of believers who have died and are now with Jesus (awaiting the final resurrection and new creation), and the specific angelic orders of Seraphim and Cherubim who serve directly around His throne.

What is currently happening: Unceasing worship and praise of God occur; departed saints enjoy conscious fellowship with Jesus, free from pain and in His presence, as they await the return of Jesus and the final judgment. Seraphim and Cherubim continuously attend and guard the throne of God in ceaseless worship and service.

"²I 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. ³And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— ⁴was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell."

— 2 Corinthians 12:2-4

"²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;"

— Philippians 1:23

"⁸We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

— 2 Corinthians 5:8

"¹⁴To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it."

— Deuteronomy 10:14

Seraphim and Cherubim: Angelic Beings Serving in the Third Heaven

In the Third Heaven, Scripture specifically describes two orders of angelic beings who serve directly in the presence of God: the Seraphim and the Cherubim. Seraphim are six-winged beings who surround the throne of God, proclaiming His holiness without ceasing. Cherubim are powerful, multi-faced angelic guardians who attend His throne, guard sacred spaces, and have done so since the Garden of Eden. They are part of the heavenly host in Paradise and are actively engaged in the worship and service of God.

Who lives here (Seraphim and Cherubim): These holy angelic beings dwell permanently in the Third Heaven, serving God around His throne.

What is currently happening: Seraphim continuously cry out in worship, declaring the holiness of God; Cherubim guard and attend the throne, maintaining the sanctity of His presence as they have throughout redemptive history.

"¹In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple. ²Above Him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. ³And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.”"

— Isaiah 6:1-3

"¹The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake."

— Psalm 99:1

"²⁴After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life."

— Genesis 3:24

The Earth (Physical Realm)

The earth is the physical realm created by God as the dwelling place for humanity, animals, and plant life. It is the central stage of redemptive history where sin entered, where Jesus lived, died, and rose, and where the gospel is still proclaimed. Currently, the earth is the scene of human history, evangelism, spiritual warfare, and the outworking of God’s plan of salvation amid increasing signs of the end times.

Who lives here: Living human beings (both believers and unbelievers), animals, and plants; Satan also operates here influencing events.

What is currently happening: Daily human life continues with opportunities to repent and follow Jesus; the spiritual battle described in Ephesians rages; the Church advances the Great Commission while awaiting the return of Jesus.

"¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

— Genesis 1:1

Sheol/Hades (The Intermediate State for the Dead)

Sheol (Hebrew)/Hades (Greek) refers to the common grave or temporary abode of the dead, depicting a subterranean realm of darkness and silence where all souls (both righteous and wicked) go. It is not a place of eternal punishment (Hell), but often described as the grave or the underworld where the dead sleep. The place of the deceased before the final resurrection.

Who lives here: Those who have died.

What is currently happening: The Bible describes those here as sleeping.

"¹⁹By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

— Genesis 3:19

"¹⁰But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more. ¹¹As the water of a lake dries up or a riverbed becomes parched and dry, ¹²so he lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, he will not awake or be roused from his sleep."

— Job 14:10-12

"¹⁶The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. ¹⁷It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to the place of the dead."

— Psalm 115:16-17

"²⁰All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return."

— Ecclesiastes 3:20

"⁵For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. ⁶Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun. ¹⁰Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

— Ecclesiastes 9:5-6,10

"⁷and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."

— Ecclesiastes 12:7

"¹³“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”"

— Daniel 12:13

"¹⁵and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."

— Acts 24:15

The Abyss (Bottomless Pit)

The Abyss (or bottomless pit) is a prison realm for certain demonic beings, described as a deep shaft or prison under the earth from which smoke and locust-like demons can be released. It is a place of confinement under God’s control. Currently, some demons are held here, while the Abyss will temporarily hold Satan during the millennial reign of Jesus.

Who lives here: Imprisoned demons and, during the millennium of peace (Jesus' reign on earth), Satan himself.

What is currently happening: Certain fallen angels/demons are bound here awaiting release or judgment; the realm remains sealed except when God permits openings (as in Revelation 9), serving as a divine holding cell.

"¹The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. ²When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss."

— Revelation 9:1-2

Tartarus (Prison for Certain Fallen Angels)

Tartarus is a specific gloomy dungeon or prison for the angels who sinned in the days of Noah (the “sons of God” in Genesis 6), held in chains until final judgment. It is distinct from Hades and functions as a place of immediate confinement. Currently, these specific fallen angels remain securely bound here.

Who lives here: The angels who sinned and were not spared, held in chains of darkness.

What is currently happening: These angels are kept in total darkness and restraint, awaiting the day of judgment; they have no influence on the current world.

"⁴For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;"

— 2 Peter 2:4

The Lake of Fire (Final Hell / Gehenna)

The Lake of Fire, also referred to as the second death or final Hell, is the eternal place of punishment prepared for the devil, his angels, and all whose names are not found in the book of life. It is the ultimate destiny after the final judgment when death and Hades are cast into it. Currently, it remains unoccupied except in anticipation of the final judgment, serving as the prepared eternal punishment.

Who lives here: Currently empty; in the future, the devil, his angels, the beast, the false prophet, and all unrighteous humans after the Great White Throne judgment.

What is currently happening: Nothing yet— it awaits the end of the age and the final judgment; it is the eternal conscious punishment from which there is no escape or relief.

"¹³The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire."

— Revelation 20:13-15

All Scripture are from the New International Version.

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