IS BAPTISM SUFFICIENT FOR EXALTATION?
No. Baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost
only get us on the path. These ordinances can save us in the celestial
kingdom, but will not exalt us there. Exaltation requires our receiving the authority
of God (priesthood ordination); (D&C 84:22) specific purification and sanctification
to prepare us for our future sacred appointment (temple washing and anointing);
(Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1551) protection from Satan, our eternal
enemy (the garment of the holy priesthood); (Encyclopedia of Mormonism,
534; Ephesians 6:13; D&C 27:15) an infusion of heavenly power and knowledge
(temple endowment); (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 455) acceptance of the
law of the celestial kingdom (consecration); (D&C 42; 105:4-5) and the
promise of an eternal kingdom, given by the Father (celestial marriage). (D&C
132:19-24) These covenants and ordinances receive their by the authority of
priesthood keys, we are assured, upon our worthiness, that the terms of that
covenant will be fulfilled and will endure eternally. We have God’s personal seal
and guarantee. (Larry Barkdull, The Three Pillars of Zion [Orem,
Utah: Pillars of Zion Publishing, 2009], 383)
