To understand where the souls of the righteous are going, we must first understand that Heaven is not a single realm, but rather seven distinct realms. This concept is reflected in the phrase “Seventh Heaven,” which suggests the existence of multiple celestial realms.
The seven heavenly realms echo the majestic seven-day symphony of creation, where each realm unfolds on a corresponding day. The earth, the culmination of creation, emerges on the first day, reflecting the perfect balance and order that exists across the world.
From heaven to earth, the entire realm of existence operates under the Creator’s command, sustained by a hierarchical structure of angelic ranks, each with designated tasks that maintain the world’s harmony and perfection. The Creator lives in one of these realms and oversees the grand tapestry of creation.
Human physical bodies cannot directly access the seven celestial realms, as they exist on a different plane of existence. However, to navigate these realms, one must possess a celestial soul in the form of light, which enables passage through a spiritual portal or gateway. This portal serves as a conduit between the celestial and terrestrial realms, facilitating movement between them.
The same portal is utilized by angels to fulfill their missions on earth, allowing them to move between realms. A similar concept is described in Jacob’s vision of the ladder (Genesis 28:12), where angels ascend and descend between heaven and earth, illustrating a dynamic connection between the celestial and terrestrial realms.
Biblical accounts describe experiences with God, such as Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai, Isaiah’s vision of the divine throne, and Paul the Apostle’s journey to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The Book of Revelation also provides a wealth of insight into the celestial realms through John’s visions, where he is transported into heaven, sees a door standing open, and receives revelations about future events, including messages to the churches, the throne room of God, and the ultimate triumph of God over evil (Revelation 4:1).
Furthermore, the Apocrypha and other non-canonical texts, including the Ascension of Isaiah and the Book of Enoch, offer valuable insights into the heavenly realms. The Ascension of Isaiah describes Isaiah’s ascent through the heavens, providing visions of the throne of God and the celestial world. The detailed account of Enoch is especially significant, giving a unique perspective on these realms.
The Seven Heavenly Realms
1. The First Heaven: Realm of the Clouds and the Atmosphere
The first heaven is the mortal realm on earth, where humanity resides amidst the physical world with its natural environment and life-sustaining cycles. High-ranking archangels, such as Gabriel, supervise this realm, monitoring human activities and reporting back to the Creator. These angels play a crucial role in governing the natural world, regulating weather patterns, and controlling nature’s cycles.
As witnessed by Enoch, these angels manage the storehouses of snow, ice, and rain, releasing them according to the Creator’s command (Enoch 3:1-3, 5:1-2). Specifically, Cherubim govern the winds, Seraphim oversee the weather, and Ophanim regulate the changing of seasons. This intricate system highlights the complex interplay between the celestial and terrestrial realms.
Prophets like Enoch and Isaiah gained in-depth insights into the world’s workings through their experiences in the first heaven. Enoch, in particular, received direct revelations from God (Genesis 5:24), providing a unique perspective on the nature of the universe and humanity’s place within it.
2. The Second Heaven: Realm of the Imprisoned Fallen Angels
The second heaven is a realm where the first batch of fallen angels are imprisoned, awaiting judgment. This realm is also the origin of the concept of hellfire, a place specifically designated for these rebellious spirits, not humans. According to Enoch, the Creator revealed to him the imprisoned angels who had instigated the first heavenly war, led by Lucifer, also known as Helel.
In this realm, the fallen angels are confined in darkness and chains, awaiting their final reckoning. The highly ranked Archangel Raphael governs this realm, administering justice and judgment, and carrying out the Creator’s will to maintain universal order. These fallen angels will remain imprisoned until the Day of Judgment, when they will face their final reckoning and receive their eternal sentence.
3. The Third Heaven: Realm of the Garden of Eden
The third heaven is the realm of the Garden of Eden, also known as paradise. This realm is inhabited by the righteous and the saints, who dwell in the presence of the divine, experiencing the highest level of spiritual awareness and unity with the Creator. According to 2 Enoch 5:1-6:3, this realm is characterized by lush vegetation, trees, and rivers, symbolizing eternal life and harmony.
As the ultimate destination of the righteous souls after death, the third heaven holds great significance. The Apocalyptic Book of Adam and Eve, Chapter 28, records God’s promise to Adam and Eve that only their righteous descendants would return to paradise. This promise is later referenced by Yahusha before his death, underscoring the connection between the righteous and their ancestral heritage.
The apostle Paul’s experience of being caught up to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 provides further insight into this realm. He witnessed the glory of God and heard unspeakable words, gaining a glimpse into the workings of the divine in the spiritual realm. The throne of the Most High, surrounded by angelic hosts, is visible from this realm, highlighting the majesty and power of the Creator.
The entrance to the Garden of Eden is guarded by giant cherubim with flaming swords, symbolizing divine protection and guardianship. The highly ranked archangel Haniel watches over this realm, guiding souls through their spiritual journey and facilitating their connection with the Creator.
As a place of divine splendour, the third heaven is a realm of great beauty and significance, where the righteous and the saints dwell in the presence of the divine. Yahusha will be given the mantle of reigning over this abode.
4. The Fourth Heaven: Realm of the Imprisoned Grigori Watchers
The fourth heaven is the realm associated with the prison of the Watchers (Grigori), as described in the Book of Enoch. These fallen angels had descended into the earthly realm and intermingled with human women, leading to widespread corruption and chaos (2 Enoch 7:1-2). Their actions resulted in the corruption of humanity, and now they are confined in the fourth heaven, awaiting judgment for their deeds.
This realm offers insights into the nature of free will, moral choice, and the consequences of sin, serving as a cautionary example of the repercussions of celestial beings’ actions. The fourth heaven’s association with the prison of the Watchers underscores the concept of spiritual confinement, where celestial beings are held accountable for their deeds.
Other ancient texts, such as the Book of Jubilees and the Testament of Reuben, provide complementary perspectives on this realm, offering additional insights into the Watchers’ role in corrupting humanity and the consequences of their actions.
The fourth heaven is overseen by the highly ranked archangel Michael, who administers justice and judgment in this realm. As the leader of the archangels, Michael makes sure that celestial beings are held accountable for their actions, keeping the balance of justice and righteousness in the heavens.
5. The Fifth Heaven: The Realm of the Archangels
The fifth heaven is the realm of the dwelling place of the archangels, where the highest order of angels reside. According to Enoch, these archangels serve as messengers of the Creator, carrying out the divine will and governing the celestial bodies. Led by the triumvirate of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, these archangels oversee the workings of the heavens and maintain the balance of the universe.
The throne of God is also visible from the fifth heaven, symbolizing the divine presence and authority that permeates this realm. As a place of great spiritual significance, the fifth heaven offers profound insights into the nature of divine governance, angelic hierarchy, and the mysteries of the heavens. It is also in this realm that some angels failed to keep their estate, abandoning their proper abode to mingle with human women (Jude 1:6-7, 2 Peter 2:4).
6. The Sixth Heaven: Realm of the Celestial Choirs
The sixth heaven is a mystical realm where celestial choirs worship the Creator constantly. There is an extraordinary display of heavenly music, with choirs singing hymns and praises to the Creator. This realm represents the beauty and harmony of the divine, showcasing the role of celestial choirs in worship and adoration. Enoch’s experience in this realm deepened his understanding of God’s nature and the role of the heavenly hosts in worship and service.
Furthermore, this realm was previously associated with Lucifer, who served as the leader of the musical angels and guided the celestial choirs in worship and praise of the Most High. Lucifer’s role in the sixth heaven highlights his complex nature, as he was a revered and exalted star before his rebellion against his Creator. His former role as a musical choir master and venerated seraphim may have contributed to the association of the number (666) with him and other occult groups.
7. The Seventh Heaven: The Throne Room of the God
The seventh heaven is the highest and most sacred realm in the heavenly hierarchy, where the Creator resides in unparalleled glory. This realm is home to the throne room of God, the epicentre of divine authority. No one can see the face of the Creator (Exodus 33:20), as its presence is often shrouded in a brilliant light that is both mesmerizing and overwhelming. The divine radiance is so intense that even the highest-ranking angels can only glimpse the edges of the creator’s presence, and not the face itself.
Only a select few have been granted direct access to this realm, including Yahusha, as the anointed Messiah, Enoch, who witnessed the divine throne and the heavenly hosts (2 Enoch 20:1-3), and highly ranked archangels such as Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
As one enters the throne room, radiant light fills the air, and the divine presence becomes palpable. The sweet scent of incense and the sound of celestial music accompany the divine presence. The throne itself is a magnificent structure made of precious stones and metals, surrounded by a rainbow that symbolizes the divine promise and covenant.
The celestial music in the throne room is a symphony of angelic voices, instruments, and choirs, all singing and playing in perfect harmony. This realm transcends the boundaries between the earthly and divine, where the throne room serves as a nexus of divine power, and the Creator’s will is manifest.
The seventh heaven is inhabited by archangels, seraphim, and cherubim, who serve as messengers, guardians, and bearers of the divine presence. The four living creatures, mystical beings with four faces in the form of a lion, an ox, an eagle, and a human, surround and support the throne of God, playing a key role in worship and service (Ezekiel 1:5-14).
The concept of the seventh heaven is rooted in various scriptural sources, including the Book of Exodus (Exodus 24:10), the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-5), and the Book of Enoch (1 Enoch 14:8-25), which describe this realm as a place of great light, where the Holy One sits upon His throne, surrounded by the heavenly hosts.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the nature of the seven heavens and the Garden of Eden, it becomes clear that this paradise was created not exclusively for Adam and Eve, but for their righteous descendants who would inherit this eternal rest.
The Garden of Eden represents a haven where the souls of all those who have endured the pain and struggles of this sinful world will find their eternal refuge.
Source
Biblical References
- 2 Corinthians 12:2-4
- Ezekiel 1:5-14
- Genesis 5:24
- Genesis 28:12
- Isaiah 6:1-5
- Jude 1:6-7
- 2 Peter 2:4
- Revelation 4:1
Apocryphal and Non-Canonical Texts
- 2 Enoch 5:1-6:3
- 2 Enoch 7:1-2
- 2 Enoch 20:1-3
- 1 Enoch 14:8-25
- Book of Jubilees
- Testament of Reuben
- Ascension of Isaiah
- Book of Enoch
Other Sources
- Apocalyptic Book of Adam and Eve, Chapter 28
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