Exaltation: Not Predestined for a select few but a True Possibility for All of Mankind

Of special interest is the concept of the body as tabernacle of the spirit. A philosophy of temporal living has been built around this idea. In it a man’s body is a sacred thing. It is not his own to be violated with impunity. God provided it in the form of and as the house of his spirit. Any conscious, wilful impairment of the body is an affront to God. And so it follows that the care of the body has been real spiritual significance. It is doubtful if any religious body at any time ever received a more unique and novel doctrine than the word of Wisdom, the inhibitions of which are known to many but the underlying philosophy of which is understood by few.

Closely related to the state of man is the concept of the whole human family as the children of God. On this subject many entirely new contributions were made by Joseph Smith. He established the universal justice and love of God for all his children as no one else has ever done. His theology denies the resurrection to none. All shall come forth from the grave; all bodies shall be reunited with spirits to constitute eternal souls, through the universal redemption of the Savior. There will be general salvation for all in the sense in which the term is generally used, but salvation, meaning resurrection, is not exaltation. In the hereafter, as in this life, there are degrees of glory, preferential places, and conditions. Goodness and obedience will bring their rewards, the highest of which is to dwell in the presence of God and his Son. The prescribed requirements of the gospel such as baptism, confirmation, and other ordinances are not prerequisites for the resurrection of many suppose. They are necessary only for exaltation—the higher station.

Exaltation is not planned merely for a few select ones. It is designed for all who will prepare to enter the kingdom. Everyone is given the opportunity to prepare, not only those living but they who have died, as well. Such is the justice of the Father. (Where is Wisdom? Addresses of President Stephen L. Richards [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1955], 35-36, emphasis added)