Here are a few thoughts that help clarify what Edwards really meant presented in Heidelberg style:
Q. If we are all “perfectly” happy, how can there be degrees of happiness? Is there a bigger capacity for happiness in some than others?
A. Part of what it means to have varying degrees of reward in heaven is that we will also have varying capacities for happiness and holiness, that is, if I serve God well in this life, I will be given a greater capacity for happiness and holiness in the next. Thus we will all have different capacities for happiness and holiness, but each of us will have that capacity perfectly fulfilled. A person who is just saved at the end of his life might have the capacity of a thimble, while a person who served God all their lives might have the capacity of a swimming pool. When they each get to heaven, each one is perfectly happy because each one is filled to the brim of their capacity, but the person with the “swimming pool” capacity actually has the greater happiness.
Q. Apart from the verses cited by Edwards, was there another biblical evidence of the varying degrees of happiness in heaven?
A. One indirect “proof” that there are varying degrees of happiness of heaven is its contrast: that in hell, there are various degrees of suffering (Luke 10:12, 14; Matthew 10: 15, 11:22, 24; Mark 6:11).
Q. But frankly, what is this degree of happiness for?
The degrees of happiness in heaven could be something like the different degrees of happiness in attending a musical concert or football game or whatever. The amount of satisfaction would depend much on how much the person knows about music or the game etc. The one who knows the concert or game thoroughly and even knows the people who are participating will enjoy much more than one who just “likes” music or athletics. By way of application: our capacity to enjoy heaven is being determined now. Everyone who, by God’s grace goes to heaven will be glad to be there, but some will be more glad than others.
HT: Roy Fowler
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