One Heaven for all

[Jim824]

Could there be more then one level of Heaven? Are the good and the not so good going to be mixed together in one Heaven with all the same rights?

 

[joechrist]

The good will be walking on streets of gold. The not so good will be on streets of silver.

 

[Tina]

Could there be more then one level of Heaven? Are the good and the not so good going to be mixed together in one Heaven with all the same rights?

Actually Paul talks about a third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 , though I'm not sure what he means by that ... three levels of heaven ?


...

 

[whirlwind]

Could there be more then one level of Heaven? Are the good and the not so good going to be mixed together in one Heaven with all the same rights?

Actually Paul talks about a third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 , though I'm not sure what he means by that ... three levels of heaven ?


...

My interpretation of the "three levels of heaven" is....

There was a previous age, the one in which Satan rebelled. There is this present heaven and earth age and, as Christians we look forward to the next heaven and earth age....three levels.

 

[Rick W]

Well, according to Mormon doctrine:
1) CELESTIAL
2) TERRESTRIAL
3) TELESTIAL


LDS - three levels of heaven explained

Then, there is a new heaven and earth. Those who inherit the highest (celestial) glory will live on the earth with the Father and the Son. “21…and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.†(Rev. 21) There is a lower (terrestrial) glory that compares as the sun with the moon. Others inherit the lowest (telestial) glory which compares as the stars with the sun. Sons of perdition suffer the second death. They are sent off with Satan and his spirits, where they will be tormented; because of their evil works, never receiving an immortal physical body, and having no further contact with the rest of creation for eternity.

1) CELESTIAL

..these shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever: these are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven, to reign on the earth over his people: these are they who shall have part in the first resurrection: these are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just:

2) TERRESTRIAL

..these are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father:

..these are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus: wherefore they obtained not the crown over the kingdoms of our God.

3) TELESTIAL

..these are they who receive not of his fulness in that eternal world, but of the Holy Ghost through the administration of the terrestrial; and the terrestrial through the administration of the celestial; and also the telestial receive it of the administering of angels,

..but where God and Christ dwells they cannot come, worlds without end.

Do be careful judging heaven with the minds and pride of men.

Mat 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
Mat 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Mat 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
Mat 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
Mat 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
Mat 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
Mat 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Mat 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
Mat 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
Mat 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
Mat 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Mat 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Mat 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Mat 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

 

[Free]

It is likely that Paul's reference to the third heaven is simply meaning the throne room of God. But Scripture is clear that there is only one "heaven", without levels.

 

[justvisiting]

Don't know about levels of Heaven. When Paul refers to the 3rd heaven, it may be he is saying heaven as in the city, versus the heavens etc.
It is a heavenly city and the names of the 12 tribes of Israel are on the gates. Maybe you are really a Benjamite??? :D
If I recall the heavenly city is something like a cubic mile?? Wouldn't want to be quoted on that one. Revelations is all about.. to him that overcometh will I grant...the various rewards.
There will be some that are known as more worthy. The elders casting their crowns before Christ.
I Cor. 3 is the rewards chapter and some will make it in glorious and some will make it in so as by fire.
Hebrews 11:8  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:16  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

[JohnEboy1983]

Could there be more then one level of Heaven?

Dont hold me on this but I thought somewhere I read in the bible it said that there are two lights in heaven. There is the greater light and the lesser light, and even the lesser light is brighter than the sun. If anybody remembers reading this or knows where it is, please post it, I cant find it and I thought I remember reading it somewhere, but there will definitely be no night there. As far as rewards in heaven, saved souls will receive rewards in heaven based upon their works on earth. The ultimate gift we receive is salvation just for believing.

 

[justvisiting]

Could there be more then one level of Heaven?

Dont hold me on this but I thought somewhere I read in the bible it said that there are two lights in heaven. There is the greater light and the lesser light, and even the lesser light is brighter than the sun. If anybody remembers reading this or knows where it is, please post it, I cant find it and I thought I remember reading it somewhere, but there will definitely be no night there. As far as rewards in heaven, saved souls will receive rewards in heaven based upon their works on earth. The ultimate gift we receive is salvation just for believing.

You are probably thinking of Genesis when it speaks of the sun being the greater light and the moon being the lesser light.

 

[JohnEboy1983]

You are probably think of Genesis when it speaks of the sun being the greater light and the moon being the lesser light.

I dont think so because I remember something saying that the lesser light is even brighter than the sun. I could be wrong. I will continue to try to find it and if I dont then I dont know where I remember reading or hearing that from, but I know it wasnt from Genesis. Probably just some goofy thing I heard someone say before and maybe thought I read it, lol.

 

[westtexas]

You are probably think of Genesis when it speaks of the sun being the greater light and the moon being the lesser light.

I dont think so because I remember something saying that the lesser light is even brighter than the sun. I could be wrong. I will continue to try to find it and if I dont then I dont know where I remember reading or hearing that from, but I know it wasnt from Genesis. Probably just some goofy thing I heard someone say before and maybe thought I read it, lol.

We are a little off topic but how about this one? Isaiah 30:26--"Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold,as the light of seven days, in the day that Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound." (KJV)

Westtexas

 

[Unlimited]

Well, since Paul was talking about Christ ascending in that particular verse, it would make sense that the first and second heavens make up the atmosphere (heavens) and the third being God the Father's immediate presence (His Throne).

Anyway, ALL Christians get the New Earth with God as its capital. There's no varying places to go depending on how good you are.

 

[justvisiting]

Revelation 21:10  And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11  Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12  And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13  On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15  And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16  And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
The reply about setting up a new kingdom on earth is true, but this is about the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven.
Now, all you need to do is find out what a Biblical furlong is??

 

[JohnEboy1983]

Now, all you need to do is find out what a Biblical furlong is??

Not sure how long a furlong is but unless a furlong has a very great distance per footlong, It seems like the city isnt going to be large enough to hold all the saints and those who are alive in Christ. Of course I dont truly believe this because I know God is all knowing and perfect so he would make his City the best it could ever be made.

 

[Joe67]

First, hear the matter through the blood of Jesus. The heart is sprinkled by the blood from an evil conscience. This is the first heaven.

Second, see the matter through the washing of water by the word. The feet, the body, is washed in the water that is poured through the ashes of a red heifer. Then the body becomes a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service. This is the second heaven.

Third, the earnest of our inheritance, a portion of faith and grace, are given unto in the gift of the holy Spirit of Jesus, to guide us in our service to those who are weak in faith. This transforms our thoughts and brings all our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ. This is the third heaven.

1 John 5:8
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. KJV

1 Cor 13:13
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. KJV

Joe

 

[D4Christ]

Not sure how long a furlong is but unless a furlong has a very great distance per footlong, It seems like the city isnt going to be large enough to hold all the saints and those who are alive in Christ. Of course I dont truly believe this because I know God is all knowing and perfect so he would make his City the best it could ever be made.

Interesting observation...one that has recently gotten my attention. So I'll ask this...if there is no more crying,pain, sorrow or death in this new city (Rev 21:3-4) and the people inside the city get to eat the fruit growing from the tree of life (Rev 22:14) why would the nations need the leaves from the tree of life for healing (Rev 22: 2)?

If everyone inside the city is free of pain, etc then is it safe to conclude that those nations still requiring healing are located outside of the city?

Any thoughts?

 

[whirlwind]

Not sure how long a furlong is but unless a furlong has a very great distance per footlong, It seems like the city isnt going to be large enough to hold all the saints and those who are alive in Christ. Of course I dont truly believe this because I know God is all knowing and perfect so he would make his City the best it could ever be made.

Interesting observation...one that has recently gotten my attention. So I'll ask this...if there is no more crying,pain, sorrow or death in this new city (Rev 21:3-4) and the people inside the city get to eat the fruit growing from the tree of life (Rev 22:14) why would the nations need the leaves from the tree of life for healing (Rev 22: 2)?

If everyone inside the city is free of pain, etc then is it safe to conclude that those nations still requiring healing are located outside of the city?

Any thoughts?

We are the "holy city." It isn't a city made up of skyscrapers anymore than the temple is constructed of literal timbers. We are the temple and we are the city.

You have made a very insightful observation about those "outside the city."

• Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
  
  47:7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
  
  47:12 And by the river upon the bank therof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf therof for medicine.

There will be a separation in those of the city and those on the other side of the river and no one will be able to pass over. They are where God placed them. The "trees for meat" are the souls of those that will teach and that fruit will heal the trees/souls on the other side. Those "trees" are the very elect, those that have put on immortality and therefore their "leaf shall not fade." Both sides are fed and healed by God's truth, the "waters" from the sanctuary, except for....

• 47:11 But the miry places thereof and they marishes therof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.

The wicked are given to salt. The nations, those that didn't accept Christ before His Advent, are healed but they are still separated from those who followed God.

 

[D4Christ]

We are the "holy city." It isn't a city made up of skyscrapers anymore than the temple is constructed of literal timbers. We are the temple and we are the city.

If you are someone who takes things scriptures say figuratively, then I can see how you could conclude the people are the city. On the other hand, I take the bible literaly and figuratively only when suggested. The city described in Rev 21 is described in great detail as an object coming down from heaven, made of beautiful jewels and with gates inscribed with the 12 tribes, foundation stones, walls and streets. Christ himself siad that he was preparing mansions for us to live in. People in this city are described as entering this city and eating from the tree of life located within. We are even given demensions for this city. Scriptures state there is no temple in the city because YHWH and Yahushua are its temple...so how do you figure we are the temple when scriptures say otherwise? If we cannot trust that this literal physical city is present as scriptures state, then how can we believe anything scriptures tell us...it would all be left up to man's interpreation.

• Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
  
  47:7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
  
  47:12 And by the river upon the bank therof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf therof for medicine.

There will be a separation in those of the city and those on the other side of the river and no one will be able to pass over. They are where God placed them. The "trees for meat" are the souls of those that will teach and that fruit will heal the trees/souls on the other side. Those "trees" are the very elect, those that have put on immortality and therefore their "leaf shall not fade." Both sides are fed and healed by God's truth, the "waters" from the sanctuary, except for....

• 47:11 But the miry places thereof and they marishes therof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.

The wicked are given to salt. The nations, those that didn't accept Christ before His Advent, are healed but they are still separated from those who followed God.[/b]

Ezkiel 47 is referring to the Temple and the city of Jerusalem that exists in the millennium and the conditions that will exist and be observed during that 1,000 year period. Although the city serves the same purpose in the millennium that it will when New Jerusalem comes...that is it is the center of the world and the residence of the Lord....the two cannot be confused or used interchangeably as these are two distinct time periods. Of course there is balance in the bible....trees, fruit, life, healing....but that is to be expected since earthly temples were only designed to copy and shadow the real system of worship in heaven (Hebrews 8: 5)

Blessings,
Deirdre

 

[whirlwind]

We are the "holy city." It isn't a city made up of skyscrapers anymore than the temple is constructed of literal timbers. We are the temple and we are the city.

If you are someone who takes things scriptures say figuratively, then I can see how you could conclude the people are the city. On the other hand, I take the bible literaly and figuratively only when suggested. The city described in Rev 21 is described in great detail as an object coming down from heaven, made of beautiful jewels and with gates inscribed with the 12 tribes, foundation stones, walls and streets.

• Scripture tells us....
  
  Malachi 3:17 And they shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Christ himself siad that he was preparing mansions for us to live in.

John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

• Mansions - #3438 residence, from 3306 abide, dwell, be present.

We abide in Him and He is us. He resides in us, the "many mansions in His Father's house." Where He is we "may be also."

People in this city are described as entering this city and eating from the tree of life located within. We are even given demensions for this city. Scriptures state there is no temple in the city because YHWH and Yahushua are its temple...so how do you figure we are the temple when scriptures say otherwise?

• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

If we cannot trust that this literal physical city is present as scriptures state, then how can we believe anything scriptures tell us...it would all be left up to man's interpreation.

As you can see...no man interpreted anything. It is written.

• Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
  
  47:7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
  
  47:12 And by the river upon the bank therof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf therof for medicine.

There will be a separation in those of the city and those on the other side of the river and no one will be able to pass over. They are where God placed them. The "trees for meat" are the souls of those that will teach and that fruit will heal the trees/souls on the other side. Those "trees" are the very elect, those that have put on immortality and therefore their "leaf shall not fade." Both sides are fed and healed by God's truth, the "waters" from the sanctuary, except for....

• 47:11 But the miry places thereof and they marishes therof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.

The wicked are given to salt. The nations, those that didn't accept Christ before His Advent, are healed but they are still separated from those who followed God.[/b]

Ezkiel 47 is referring to the Temple and the city of Jerusalem that exists in the millennium and the conditions that will exist and be observed during that 1,000 year period. Although the city serves the same purpose in the millennium that it will when New Jerusalem comes...that is it is the center of the world and the residence of the Lord....the two cannot be confused or used interchangeably as these are two distinct time periods. Of course there is balance in the bible....trees, fruit, life, healing....but that is to be expected since earthly temples were only designed to copy and shadow the real system of worship in heaven (Hebrews 8: 5)

Blessings,
Deirdre

You could be correct but at some point the Lord entered for "The LORD is there." [48:35] As used there "Lord" is Yahveh Shammah. Before that it was "the prince." The point is when The Lord is there the millennium has ended. I'll have to do some more reading to see if it specifies when that happens in Ezekiel. I just don't know.

By the way....welcome to the forum.

 

[D4Christ]

By the way....welcome to the forum.

Thanks!!!