Scripture reveals that Lucifer—once a majestic, high-ranking angel—instigated a spiritual insurrection against God in the heavenly realm. In Isaiah 14:13–14 (KJV), we hear the echoes of pride that fractured the order of heaven: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the most High.” Similarly, Ezekiel 28:15 (KJV) declares, “Thou wast perfect in thy ways… till iniquity was found in thee.” These passages lift the veil on a deeper, spiritual rebellion—Lucifer’s desire to usurp divine sovereignty.
This rebellion was not confined to a moment in time; it initiated a persistent cosmic disruption. Even after his fall, Satan retained a level of access to the heavenly realm, appearing in the company of angels (cf. Job 1:6–7). Revelation 12:10 (KJV) calls him “the accuser of our brethren… which accused them before our God day and night.” Though cast down in position, he retained presence—roaming the unseen dimensions of the cosmos, opposing God’s purposes, and warring against His saints. His demonic cohorts infiltrate these “heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12), establishing dominions of darkness in both the atmosphere above and the celestial spaces beyond.
Scripture speaks of heaven in layered terms, using the singular and plural forms of the Hebrew shamayim and the Greek ouranos. Paul references a celestial ascent into “the third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2, KJV), indicating three distinguishable domains within the unified cosmos:
- The first heaven refers to the atmosphere—the skies where birds fly and clouds form (Gen. 1:8; Matt. 6:26).
- The second heaven denotes the visible cosmos—the stars, planets, and celestial bodies that declare God’s glory (Ps. 19:1; Gen. 1:14–18).
- The third heaven is the throne room of God—His transcendent dwelling place, hidden from human eyes and untouched by sin. It is described as “paradise” and “the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (2 Cor. 12:4; Heb. 8:2).
The third heaven remains unblemished, holy, and eternally secure, for God dwells there in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). No corruption ever penetrated His immediate presence, for “righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne” (Ps. 97:2). However, the lower heavens—the first and second—have been defiled by the presence of fallen angels, spiritual warfare, and the lingering effects of sin’s cosmic reach.
Scripture does not treat the heavens as neutral space but as a realm subjected to defilement. Job 15:15 (KJV) declares, “Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.” This is an indictment of a creation marred by the very rebellion that began in the spiritual realm. The presence of Satan in the heavenly places (cf. Eph. 2:2; Rev. 12:7–9) makes it plain: the cosmos must be cleansed.
This is why the Bible foretells not only the destruction of the present earth but of the visible heavens as well:
- “The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat…” (2 Peter 3:10, KJV).
- “Heaven and earth shall pass away…” Matthew 24:35 (KJV).
- “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together…” (Revelation 6:14, KJV).
The promise of God is not merely restoration but recreation. Isaiah 65:17 (KJV) resounds with hope: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered.” This new creation will be purged of every trace of sin and rebellion—physical, spiritual, and cosmological. Revelation 21:1 (KJV) affirms, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.”
The atonement of Christ is not confined to souls alone—it touches every realm defiled by sin. Colossians 1:20 (KJV) proclaims that through Christ, God reconciles “all things unto himself… whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” This verse shatters the modern idea of redemption as merely internal or personal. The rebellion that defiled the heavens demanded a cosmic reconciliation—one accomplished at the cross and consummated in the age to come.
The war in heaven reaches its climax in Revelation 12:7–9 (KJV): “There was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon… and the great dragon was cast out… and his angels were cast out with him.” This casting out signifies a permanent expulsion, setting the stage for the heavens’ purification and the inauguration of God’s eternal reign. No longer will Satan stand to accuse or roam the spiritual stratosphere.
The renewed cosmos will be free from sorrow, sin, and spiritual conflict. Revelation 21:4 (KJV) promises that “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” And in verse 5, the resounding voice from the throne declares, “Behold, I make all things new.” Not refurbished. Not merely repaired. New.
The distinction between the heavens today and the heavens to come is stark: the present are contested, tainted, and burdened by rebellion. The future heavens will be glorious, uncorrupted, and illuminated not by the sun but by the Lamb Himself (Rev. 21:23).
We live now under skies that have witnessed rebellion and bear the scars of war. But our hope is not anchored to these heavens. We await a greater unveiling—a new creation where righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:13). We press forward as those who seek “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10, KJV).
Let every believer find comfort in this: the corruption of the cosmos will not endure. The heavens were defiled, but they shall be made new. The conflict began in the skies, but it will end with the skies singing for joy. The throne in the third heaven has never wavered—and one day, it will descend to earth in glory (Rev. 21:3), and the heavens and earth shall become one.