If we go to heaven, do we all go to the same heaven or are there different levels?

There is only one heaven, where all those whom Christ has redeemed will live for eternity after this life. The bible gives no indication that there are multiple heavens or that heaven has levels. Some religions claim that there are more than one heaven, pointing out the plural use of the word heaven and Paul’s reference to the “third heaven” in 2 Cor. 12:2. When you take all scripture in context, we find that the birds fly in the first heaven (that would be Earth’s atmosphere), the stars are hung in the second heaven (that would be space), and the throne of God exists in the third heaven, (the heaven where we will spend eternity).

The bible does, however, indicate that there will be different levels of service in heaven. It will be similar to how there are differences in the angels and the roles that they play; there are archangels, cherubim and seraphim, principalities, powers and rulers within the angelic hierarchy. The role that we will be given is dependent on two things. One is the sovereignty of God. This is indicated in Matthew 20:20-23, where the mother of the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus to allow her sons to sit on His right and left hand in heaven. His response was that these positions were “not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” Just as our spiritual gifts are determined by the sovereignty of God, so will our role in heaven be at least partially determined by God.

The other factor that goes into determining our heavenly role has to do with what we do in this life. The bible indicates that those who are faithful unto death, or martyred, will have a special reward in heaven. John also indicates in 2 John 1:8 that we can lose some of our reward. “Watch yourselves, so that you man not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” It is possible that you could be faithful, and the Lord be ready and prepared to give you a full reward, but by some sin in your life towards the end of your life, you could begin to forfeit those rewards and those things would be taken back off the list, added to the "wood, hay, and stubble" kind of thing, and your reward would be less.

Now, it’s not like we will be walking around in heaven flaunting our rewards. There will not be any sense of loss or disappointment, no regret or jealousy because we feel that we are missing anything. We will all perform the role God has given us and enjoy perfect contentment and joy from doing it. We can’t all sit right next to the bridegroom, but we will all enjoy the festivities at the wedding feast!

Submitted by: Jim Jackson