In the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the concept of exaltation, which parallels theosis in other Christian traditions, is a central and profound doctrine. Exaltation refers to the ultimate state of glory and eternal life that individuals can attain by following the teachings of Jesus Christ, living righteously, and participating in sacred ordinances.
Theological Foundation of Exaltation
Scriptural Basis
The doctrine of exaltation is rooted in LDS scripture and teachings. Key scriptural references include:
Doctrine and Covenants 76:58-59: "Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s."
Book of Moses 1:39: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
Romans 8:17: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." This verse is often cited to emphasize the potential for believers to inherit divine glory alongside Christ.
Teachings of Church Leaders
LDS Church leaders have elaborated on the doctrine of exaltation. Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, taught that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, humans could become like God, an idea encapsulated in his statement, "As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be."
Process of Exaltation
The path to exaltation in the LDS Church involves several key elements:
Faith and Repentance
Belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement is foundational. Individuals must have faith in Christ, repent of their sins, and strive to live according to His teachings.
Ordinances and Covenants
Participation in sacred ordinances is essential. These include:
Baptism: The first ordinance of the gospel, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
Confirmation: Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which provides guidance and sanctification.
Temple Ordinances: These include the endowment, which imparts further knowledge and spiritual power, and the sealing, which binds families together for eternity.
Obedience and Righteous Living
Exaltation requires obedience to God’s commandments and living a life of righteousness. This includes moral purity, service to others, and adherence to the teachings of the Church.
Continual Spiritual Growth
Believers are encouraged to continually seek spiritual growth through prayer, scripture study, and participation in church activities. This ongoing effort is essential for progressing toward exaltation.
Becoming Like God
The ultimate goal of exaltation is to become like God. This involves not only living in God’s presence but also possessing divine attributes such as love, wisdom, and power. Exalted beings are believed to have eternal families and to participate in the creation and governance of worlds.
Eternal Families
A unique aspect of LDS doctrine is the emphasis on eternal families. Through temple ordinances, family relationships can be sealed for eternity, allowing spouses, children, and extended family members to be united forever.
Role of Jesus Christ
Central to the doctrine of exaltation is the role of Jesus Christ. His Atonement makes it possible for humans to overcome sin and death, and His teachings provide the path to follow. Christ is seen as the exemplar and guide, whose life and sacrifice enable believers to achieve exaltation.
Exaltation in the LDS Church is a profound and transformative doctrine that encompasses the ultimate potential of human beings to become like God. This process involves faith, repentance, participation in sacred ordinances, and continual spiritual growth. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, believers are given the opportunity to achieve eternal life and divine glory, living in God’s presence and enjoying eternal families. This doctrine reflects the LDS Church’s vision of humanity’s divine potential and eternal destiny.
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