Topics: Bible Study, General Bible Questions
Todd Clippard
The Bible uses the word heaven in three senses:
1. The atmosphere where the birds fly (Genesis 1:20).
2. Outer space where we see the moon and stars (Genesis 1:16-17).
3. The dwelling place of God: “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalm 103:19).
However, we know that God cannot be confined to any particular place (1 Kings 8:27). What is interesting about this verse is that it uses the phrase “the heaven and heaven of heavens.”
The Mormon church teaches that there are three eternal heavens, one ruled by the Father, one by the Son, and one by the Spirit. This doctrine is completely foreign and contrary to the teaching of the Bible.
As with any Bible word, we must allow the context to determine the intended usage.
