The Concept of Exaltation in Mormon Theology

Understanding the ultimate spiritual goal for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Aug 16, 2026

Branched from The Theological Justification for Celestial Marriage in Early Mormon Doctrine

Quick take

Exaltation is the highest state of being in Mormon theology, allowing individuals to become like God.
It requires making and keeping sacred covenants, including temple ordinances and eternal marriage.
Those who achieve exaltation inherit all that God has and can continue family units eternally.
It is a central motivation for Latter-day Saints, shaping their life choices and eternal perspective.

Exaltation, in the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, refers to the highest form of salvation available, where individuals can progress to become like God, inheriting His attributes, power, and glory. It is the ultimate goal of human existence as understood within the faith, promising an eternal life of joy, creativity, and continued family relationships.

How Exaltation is Achieved

Achieving exaltation is a lifelong process of spiritual progression, requiring a deep commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. It begins with fundamental principles like faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. These initial steps are followed by making and keeping sacred covenants and ordinances within temples, which are considered houses of the Lord.

Central to exaltation are the temple ordinances, particularly celestial marriage (also known as eternal marriage or temple marriage). This covenant, when entered into by a man and a woman and sealed by the authority of the priesthood, is believed to allow families to be together not just for this life but for all eternity. Individuals must also "endure to the end," meaning they remain faithful and strive to live righteously throughout their lives, continuing to learn and grow in their faith.

The Blessings of Exaltation

Those who achieve exaltation are believed to inherit all that God has, including the capacity to create and govern worlds, to have spirit children, and to continue family relationships eternally. They become "heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ," sharing in God's divine nature and power. This includes a fullness of joy, knowledge, and love, allowing them to experience a divine existence, free from the limitations of mortal life.

The concept of exaltation provides Latter-day Saints with a profound sense of purpose and eternal perspective. It teaches that life on Earth is a probationary state, a time to prepare for and prove worthy of this ultimate blessing. It emphasizes the eternal nature of family relationships, the potential for divine progression, and the profound love God has for His children, desiring them to share in His glory and joy. This belief underpins many daily decisions and temple worship, offering hope and motivation to live a consecrated life.

Is exaltation the same as salvation?

No. In Mormon theology, salvation generally refers to being saved from sin and death through Christ's Atonement, ensuring resurrection and a kingdom of glory. Exaltation is the highest degree of salvation, reserved for those who make and keep all necessary covenants, particularly temple covenants, allowing them to become like God and inherit all He has.

Is celestial marriage required for exaltation?

Yes, for men and women, celestial marriage (eternal marriage) is considered an essential covenant for exaltation, as it allows for the continuation of family units eternally and is part of becoming like God. Unmarried individuals who are worthy but do not have the opportunity in this life are promised that this blessing will be available to them in the eternities.

What does "becoming like God" mean?

It means developing divine attributes such as perfect love, knowledge, justice, and mercy, and inheriting the capacity to create and govern worlds, to have spirit children, and to continue family units eternally. It is not about replacing God, but about becoming co-heirs with Christ and sharing in God's divine nature and power.

Can anyone achieve exaltation?

The teachings state that exaltation is available to all who are willing to accept Christ's Atonement, follow His commandments, make and keep sacred covenants, and endure faithfully to the end. It is a gift offered to all of God's children who choose to walk the covenant path.

What is the difference between Celestial Kingdom and Exaltation?

The Celestial Kingdom is the highest of the three kingdoms of glory in the afterlife. Exaltation is the highest degree within the Celestial Kingdom. While all who inherit the Celestial Kingdom will live in God's presence, only those who attain exaltation (through celestial marriage and other covenants) will receive the fullness of God's blessings and become like Him.

Sources

General teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints