What does exaltation mean in Mormonism? Definition and Background In Mormonism, “exaltation” refers to the belief that faithful individuals can ultimately become like God in the afterlife. Central teachings within this system describe exaltation as a state of inheriting what God possesses—both in glory and, by extension, in divine capacity. Rooted in the writings of Joseph Smith and subsequent Latter-day Saint leaders, this concept includes becoming joint-heirs with Christ and participating in eternal progression. Doctrine & Covenants 132:19–20 is often cited in LDS writings to support the idea that faithful married couples, sealed in a temple, can one day inherit “a fullness and a continuation of the seeds forever,” signifying divine potential. Works such as “Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith” highlight the King Follett Discourse and the statement, “As man is now, God once was; as God is now, man may be,” outlining an essential foundation in Mormon thought regarding divinization. Mormon Doctrine of Exaltation According to Latter-day Saint theology, exaltation is not merely a reward but the highest form of salvation. It generally requires: • Faith in Jesus Christ • Repentance and baptism • Confirmation by laying on of hands • Endowment and sealing (temple ordinances) • A life of obedience (following commandments and LDS Church standards) By these means, adherents believe they may enter into a state of godhood—ruling over kingdoms in the afterlife with exalted family members. This hope of a glorified, perfected eternal life is central to the LDS “Plan of Salvation,” wherein all humanity has existed as spirit children of God, came to earth for testing, and can return to God’s presence. Biblical Arguments and Observations From the pages of Scripture, the portrait of God is of an eternally unchangeable Creator: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Within historic Christian understanding, glorification of believers does not embrace becoming a deity; rather, it promises a transformation into Christ’s likeness without breaching the Creator-creature distinction. Passages about believers’ inheritance, such as Romans 8:17, note that those in Christ are co-heirs with Him, yet God remains sovereign and unique. From a textual reliability standpoint, thousands of Greek manuscripts attest to the biblical teaching that there is only one eternal God (Isaiah 44:6, see also Mark 12:29). Archaeological finds, like the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in the mid-20th century, further confirm the consistent message across the Old and New Testaments. These manuscripts reinforce the notion that the LORD does not share His divine nature with others in a way that would make them equal gods. Origins of the Exaltation Teaching Joseph Smith introduced the concept of exaltation through sermons such as the King Follett Discourse (April 1844). Early church publications like the “Times and Seasons” elaborated on man’s potential to become a god, suggesting a creative synergy between the developing teachings of Mormonism and Smith’s quest to establish a foundation for his movement. Subsequent LDS leaders—Brigham Young, Lorenzo Snow, and others—took this notion further. Lorenzo Snow famously coined the couplet often paraphrased, “As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be.” These unique teachings shaped an LDS identity distinct from broader Christian theology. Comparison with Historic Christian Beliefs Historic Christianity teaches the glorification of believers as a consequence of faith in Christ (Romans 8:30). However, this transformation is understood as participation in God’s holiness, not His essence. Believers receive resurrection bodies (1 Corinthians 15) and dwell eternally with Him, but they do not possess an independent, divine sovereignty. In contrast, Mormonism’s exaltation doctrine emphasizes the possibility for humans to achieve a godlike status. This sets its soteriology and eschatology apart from Christian traditions, which historically affirm the infinite gap between Creator and created beings: “Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD?” (Isaiah 40:13). Salient Citations and Scholarly Insights • Doctrine & Covenants 132:19–20: Emphasizes eternal marriage as critical to godhood. • Pearl of Great Price, Book of Abraham 3:26: Depicts a premortal plan and degrees of glory. • “King Follett Discourse”: Joseph Smith’s sermon elaborating on God’s nature and mankind’s divine potential. • Archaeological confirmations for Scripture: The Dead Sea Scrolls and other manuscript evidence consistently convey the uniqueness of God. • Historical continuity: Documents such as the Septuagint, Vulgate, and earliest New Testament papyri underscore doctrinal consistency about God’s eternal nature. Implications for Salvation Latter-day Saint teaching on exaltation blends grace and works in a way that many Christians understand differently. While acknowledging Christ’s redemptive role, Mormon literature often stresses temple ordinances and personal righteousness as requisites for exaltation beyond simple entry into heaven. By contrast, Ephesians 2:8 proclaims, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith,” setting the central focus on dependence upon divine grace alone. From a larger Christian perspective, salvation is the gift of God given through Christ’s atoning work, culminating in eternal fellowship with Him, yet never altering the core distinction between God and mankind. “Glorification” in Christian frameworks draws from Scripture’s promise: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). This speaks of sharing in Christ’s triumph over sin and death, not becoming a supreme being. Conclusion Exaltation in Mormonism carries a distinctive notion that humans can ascend to a divine status, presiding over their posterity in the eternities. This teaching stands apart from the mainstream Christian view, which holds that while believers will be glorified and enjoy unbroken fellowship with God, the infinite divide between created beings and the Creator remains intact. Understanding this concept is crucial to grasping Latter-day Saint soteriology and eschatological hope. For those interested in deeper study, resources such as LDS standard works (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price), Joseph Smith’s sermons, and parallel study of biblical manuscripts can provide insight into how and why these teachings developed. Nevertheless, the broader Christian witness, supported by extensive textual and historical evidence, consistently presents one eternal God, unchanging and supreme, inviting all who believe in Christ to share in His glory while remaining forever His creation. |
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