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