Using the Differences Between Salvation and Exaltation to Talk About Eternal Life

When discussing the plan of salvation and other related topics with Mormons, many have found it helpful to explore the distinct concepts of “salvation” and “exaltation.” However, before conversations take place, understanding these terms is crucial because they differ significantly from how the Bible presents salvation and eternal life.

In LDS teaching, “salvation” generally refers to being saved from physical death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is given to all people unconditionally. In contrast, “exaltation” is considered the highest form of eternal life, where one becomes like God, living in his presence and sharing in his glory.

Mormon Apologist David Snell provides a valuable explanation of the difference between salvation and exaltation in Mormon thought:

Exaltation is more than living somewhere in heaven. It’s living in the highest degree of heaven and having the opportunity to literally become like God… Exalted beings live in God’s presence and share in his glory and joy. So, salvation has to do with overcoming sin and death and inheriting a home somewhere in heaven. Exaltation has more to do with what we will be doing in heaven. Knowing the difference is important.

So, when the [third] article of faith says, “[We believe] that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to laws and ordinances of the gospel,” it’s actually referencing exaltation, not just salvation. Salvation comes by grace alone. The scriptures are clear on that. Exaltation is also an act of grace, but its reception is conditional upon our obedience to God’s commandments.”

Saints Unscripted

In his 2008 General Conference talk “Salvation and Exaltation,” Russell M. Nelson clarifies that general salvation “resurrection, or immortality, comes to every man and every woman as an unconditional gift,” but “eternal life, or celestial glory or exaltation, is a conditional gift.” He explains, “Conditions of this gift have been established by the Lord, who said, ‘If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.’ Those qualifying conditions include faith in the Lord, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and remaining faithful to the ordinances and covenants of the temple” (Nelson, 2008)​.

Additionally, in his 2023 General Conference talk, “Think Celestial,” Nelson encourages members to make choices in life with an eternal perspective, focusing on achieving exaltation in the celestial kingdom. He emphasizes that exaltation depends on faith in Jesus Christ, obedience to God’s laws, and keeping temple covenants, such as being sealed as husband and wife. He warns that living according to lesser laws will lead to a lower resurrection and separation from family in the afterlife, underscoring the need to prioritize Jesus Christ and his atonement, alongside obedience to God’s commandments (Nelson, 2023)​.

How the Mormon View of Salvation Is Different and Why It Matters

As Snell and Nelson explain, salvation and exaltation are distinct concepts in Mormonism. “Salvation” is often understood as general resurrection, a gift granted to all people, regardless of their faith or actions. In contrast, “exaltation” is reserved for those who meet specific conditions, including temple ordinances, a sealed marriage, and enduring faithfulness. This view significantly emphasizes human effort and adherence to religious rituals.

These differences are rooted in how Mormons view the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In LDS theology, the atonement makes resurrection possible for all people, which is referred to as “general salvation.” However, attaining “exaltation,” or eternal life in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, requires individual effort, obedience, and participation in specific ordinances. The atonement is seen as providing a path to exaltation but not securing it entirely; individuals must contribute through works and covenant-keeping to reach the highest blessings.

In contrast, the biblical view of salvation is comprehensive, encompassing both the forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God. It is a gift of grace, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned by human effort or religious rituals. The Bible describes eternal life as a present possession for all who believe, without additional conditions or works required to receive the fullness of God’s promise. Christ’s Atonement on the cross is seen as sufficient, providing complete reconciliation with God and the assurance of eternal life for all who trust in him and his perfect work for them.

This distinction is crucial because it fundamentally alters the understanding of grace, salvation, and the nature of God’s gift. The LDS perspective ties eternal life to fulfilling specific requirements and personal worthiness. In stark contrast, the Bible declares that eternal life is freely available to all who trust in Jesus alone, based solely on his finished work. When we recognize and address these differences, we can better share the gospel with Mormons, helping them see the simplicity and sufficiency of what Christ has already accomplished.

Four Key Discussion Starters

1. Ask About Their Hope for the Afterlife

Begin by gently asking about their beliefs regarding the afterlife:

“What is your hope for the afterlife? How do you understand eternal life?”

Listen carefully to their response. If they mention different degrees of heaven or “exaltation,” you could say:

“From what I understand, LDS theology teaches that eternal life and exaltation are the same thing, involving becoming like God and living in the highest degree of heaven. Is that how you understand it?”

If they agree, transition by saying:

“When I read the Bible, I am so comforted by how it describes eternal life as something God freely gives to all who believe in Jesus. It’s reassuring to know that it’s a gift, not dependent on what I do, but on what Jesus has done. What’s more, the Bible describes eternal life as a present possession given freely to all who trust in Jesus alone.”

If they express confusion or disagree, gently clarify:

“It seems like in LDS teaching, eternal life is often tied to certain actions, like temple work, but when I read the Bible, I find a different picture… (continue with content above)

Some Bible Verses to Consider

As you reach this point in each conversation starter, you can invite the person to explore the Bible’s perspective on these topics more deeply. In this blog post, we share 5 Bible verses that show eternal life is a gift, along with some pointers on how to talk about them with LDS friends. They provide a clear picture of how the Bible describes eternal life, salvation, and God’s incredible gift of grace. Feel free to read one or more of these verses together and discuss what they reveal about God’s promises.

2. Discuss the Requirements for Eternal Life

When discussing salvation or eternal life, you might ask:

“What do you believe is necessary to have eternal life with God?”

After they share, you could say:

“My understanding is that in LDS teaching, eternal life requires steps like faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and participating in temple ordinances. Is that how you see it?”

If they confirm, transition by saying:

“It sounds like achieving eternal life involves fulfilling many important steps. But when I read the Bible, I’m amazed by how it emphasizes that eternal life is a gift already given to those who trust in Jesus. Knowing I don’t have to earn it brings me peace for my heart, mind, and soul.”

If they are open to further discussion, continue with:

“You mentioned a few steps needed for exaltation. I’ve found something different in the Bible that I’d love to share—how it talks about receiving eternal life.”

3. Talk About Eternal Life as an Individual Promise

Begin by acknowledging what you’ve learned about the LDS belief that “exaltation is a family matter.” You could start with:

“I understand that, in LDS teaching, exaltation involves being sealed to a spouse and family in the temple. From what I’ve read, it seems like eternal life requires a collective family effort. Is that how you see it?”

After they explain, you might respond:

“When I read the Bible, I find so much comfort in how it describes eternal life as a promise given to each person individually, based on their relationship with Jesus. It seems like the focus is on each person’s faith in Christ, rather than the actions or status of their family.”

Then, continue with a personal reflection to show empathy and shared desires:

“Even though I pray daily for my immediate and extended family to trust in Jesus, my ultimate focus in eternal life is being with God for all eternity. Knowing that God’s promise of eternal life is offered to each person personally, regardless of their family’s choices or relationships, brings me peace.”

If they express uncertainty, you might say:

“It sounds like there’s a lot to consider. I’d love to share with you how the Bible describes eternal life as a gift from God to each believer, based on their faith in Jesus?”

4. Explore the Nature of God’s Gifts

Start by inviting them to consider how God gives gifts:

“I understand that, in LDS teaching, eternal life is sometimes seen as a gift that still requires certain actions or levels of obedience to be fully received. Is that how you see it?”

After they share their thoughts, you could say:

“When I read the Bible, I see that God’s gift of eternal life is something that he freely gives to anyone who trusts in Jesus, without any degrees or varying conditions. The Bible leads me to understand that God wants all people to be with him forever, and he has made a way for this to happen—not based on what we have done, but on what Jesus has done for us.”

Continue by building on this idea:

“It’s comforting to know that the Bible doesn’t speak of different levels or degrees of eternal gifts or kingdoms based on our performance, but rather one complete and perfect gift—eternal life with God for everyone who trusts Christ alone. It comforts me to realize that this promise is not about what I can achieve, but about receiving what God has already accomplished through Jesus.”

To transition into the verses:

“That’s why I find so much hope in the passages of the Bible that talk about this gift of eternal life for all who believe.”

Bringing the Conversation Back to Grace

By thoughtfully guiding these conversations and using key Bible verses, Christians can help Mormons see the difference between their view of exaltation and the biblical understanding of eternal life. Remember, the goal is not to debate but to lovingly share the truth of the gospel—that eternal life is a gift freely given by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ and his work alone.

To help you share this message with confidence, we’ve compiled a list of Bible verses that show eternal life is a gift—not earned. Each verse includes tips on how to use it in a witnessing conversation. Be sure to explore it as you prepare to share the hope you have in Christ.

For further insights into the LDS perspective on salvation and exaltation, you can read more from David Snell’s explanation and explore Russell M. Nelson’s 2008 and 2023 general conference talks.