The words translated "heaven" are used in a variety of senses: 1. The atmosphere in which the birds fly, and the lightning appears, and from whence the rain descends (Gen. 7:11; Deut. 11:11; Dan. 4:21; Luke 17:24.) It will pass away (2 Peter 3:10, 12.) 2. The firmament or wide expanse in which are seen the sun, moon, and stars. (Gen. 1:14, 15, 17) 3. The abode of God, where His throne is, (Psa. 2:4; 11:4; Matt. 5:34) from whence the Lord descended and to which He ascended, and where He was seen by Stephen. (Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55; 1 Cor. 15:47) 4. The abode of angels. (Matt. 22:30; 24:36; Gal. 1:8.)
It is important to see that, in forming the present system of this world. God made a heaven to this earth so that the earth should be ruled from heaven. The blessing of the earth, either materially or morally, depends upon its connection with heaven. This blessing will be full when the kingdom of the heavens is established in the Son of man, and He will come in the clouds of heaven. (Psa. 68:32-35.) It is the place of angelic power, "the principalities and powers in the heavenly places" being angelic, Satan and his angels, though fallen, still being among them. (Job 1:6; 2:1; Rev. 12:7-9.)
That there are various heavens is evident; Satan cannot have entrance into the glory, and Paul speaks of being caught up into the third heaven, (2 Cor. 12:2); the Lord Jesus passed through the heavens, and we read of the "heaven of heavens." (Deut. 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27) Very little is said of the saints going to heaven, though their citizenship is there now, (Phil. 3:20), but they are to be where Jesus is, and He went to heaven, and prepared a place for them. In the Revelation the four and twenty elders are seen in heaven sitting on "thrones." To Him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb be glory forever and ever. Amen. Believers "look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1. Concise Bible Dictionary