When we look at the degree of something we usually consider the degree of completion to a project .

People equate the degree of things as to the achievement of accomplishment. 

  In the case of heaven, degrees of  reward is also achieved accordingly.   People and their comittment to the ‘Love Of God’ and His desires for them, warrant the degree of blessing in the eternal life.

How is this accomplished?   The self-sacrifice of the soul in love with God is considered and thereby blessed accordingly.

He who sets his sights on heaven, is he who is living a life for God already.    A life of servitude and self-sacrifice in a secular, material, sinful, lustful, world.    A sacrfice of denial.   

To love  God so completely as to  lay down ones life for his friends is to choose to walk with Christ in this life and the next.   Not an easy task but most certainly a blessed one.   Jesus Christ layed down His life for His friends.   This is a requirement to achieve heaven.   Even if one does not realize it at the time.   Jesus is a choice of pure love through sacrifice of ones-self.   Though difficult at times the choice and the blessings are well worth it.    The degree of self-sacrifice for Jesus warrants a closeness to Him so beautiful and so lovely that once attained, leaves one craving for more.    This is  pure love.      So we then crave heaven and the eternal life that only the love of God can manifest.

In the Book of Matthew Chapter 19 verses 20-22 & 25-26

Referring to the Ten Commandments, 20) “The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I need to do further?”  21) Jesus told him,“If you seek perfection, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor.  you will then have treasure in heaven.   Afterward, come back and follow me.”  22) Hearing these word, the young man went away sad, for his possessions were many.”

25)When the disciples heard this they were completely  overwhelmed, and exclaimed, “then who can saved?”  26) Jesus looked at them and said, “For man it impossible; but for God all things are possible.”