Note 2 at Mk. 12:25: The word "heaven" comes from the Greek word "ouranos," meaning "the sky; heaven as the abode of God"; by implication, "happiness; power; an eternity."

Paul mentioned being caught up into "the third heaven" in 2 Corinthians 12:2. Since "the third heaven" exists, there must also be a first and second heaven. The first is probably the atmospheric heavens (Gen. 1:20; Jer. 19:7), the second, the abode of supernatural angelic beings (Eph. 3:10; 6:12), and the third, the place where God dwells (Gen. 21:17; 22:11,15; Dt. 26:15; 1 Ki. 8:30,43,49; 2 Cor. 12:1- 4).

God now dwells in the hearts of His people (Lk. 17:20-21; Jn. 14:16-17; Col. 1:27; Heb. 13:5), but He also sits on His throne in Heaven (Mk. 16:19; Acts 2:33-34; 7:56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3,13; 8:1; 12:2). Heaven has a real temple in it (Rev. 7:15; 11:19; 14:17) which the Old Testament tabernacle was patterned after (Heb. 8:2,5; 9:11- 12,23-24). Saints who die go immediately into Heaven and into the presence of God (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23).

As depicted in Revelation 21:1-3, God will move His throne here and dwell with man on the new earth. It is here on earth that we will dwell with God throughout eternity.

This New Jerusalem that God will establish here on earth (Rev. 21:2) will have mansions (Jn. 14:1-3); trees and rivers (Rev. 2:1-3); animals (Isa. 11:6-9; Rev. 19:11-14); gates made of pearls and streets made of pure gold (Rev. 21:21); food (Ex. 16:4; Ps. 78:25; Rev. 2:7,17; 22:1-2); music (Rev. 5:8-14; 14:1-3; 15:2-4); and musical instruments (Rev. 5:8; 14:2; 15:2). The saints will wear clothes (Rev. 6:9-11; 19:8) just like Jesus (Dan. 7:9; Rev. 1:13).