‍

‍“Did Jesus actually teach that you could become a god?

Or has that idea been misunderstood—or even avoided—by most Christians today?”

Chapter 16c - Exaltation - Ye Are Gods

Welcome to the Mormon Mann YouTube channel. I’m Kendall, the Mormon Mann.

This chapter concludes our three-part series on Salvation vs. Exaltation—a doctrine Joseph Smith expanded far beyond what the Bible teaches. In this final section, we examine one of the most controversial claims:

Can man become a god?

If you’re new here, be sure to check out the playlist: “Joseph Smith and the Bible.” I’m examining over 80 of Joseph Smith’s teachings—and I’m doing it using only the Bible.

The Three-Part Series on Exaltation

This topic has been broken into three short chapters for clarity:

1. Exaltation – The Mysteries of the Kingdom (Ch 16a)

2. Exaltation – Be Ye Therefore Perfect (Ch 16b)

3. Exaltation – Ye Are Gods? (Ch 16c)

Hit the Subscribe button and let’s dive in.

The Elect of God and Their Glory

From the scriptures, we learn that the elect of God are those who hear, see, and understand spiritual truth. These individuals are promised something extraordinary—the same glory associated with Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:21

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Pay close attention to Peter’s teachings:

1 Peter 5:1

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1 Peter 5:4

And when the chief Shephard shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

1 Peter 5:10

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Believers are described as:

• Partakers of Christ’s glory

• Receivers of a crown of glory

• Those whom God will exalt

• Those who will be made perfect, established, and strengthened

Paul also taught that we were predestined to obtain an inheritance.

Ephesians 1:9-11

9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10. That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

A Warning Repeated Seven Times

Now, understanding that there is an “elect of God,” that this “elect of God” can become mortally perfect, and this “elect of God” will receive the “glory” and an “inheritance” that Jesus Christ received. One must listen intently to what John’s true message is in his writings in Revelations.

Most religions, in interpreting Revelations, try to figure out what is meant by the beasts, the angels, and the seals. The true meaning of John’s vision lies in the simple passages that are most often ignored.

This is the same warning that Jesus Christ gave when the apostles asked Jesus Christ why he spoke in parables.

Writing to the different churches in John’s time, John, having seen the future and knew of the many different Christian sects that would abound in the last days, was writing for the last day.

He is speaking specifically to the many different modern-day Christian “churches” i.e., the prophets, apostles, ministers, pastors, priests, and all heads of congregations and churches.

John gives the following warning seven times in the first three chapters of his writings.

Revelations 1:7 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

Revelations 2:11 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

Revelations 2:13 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

Revelations 2:17 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

Revelations 2:29 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

Revelations 3:6 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

Revelations 3:22 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

Question:Are you listening?

Promises to Those Who Overcome

In the last seven passages, John was speaking to the various Christian churches.

The next passages from John are more to the individual and the leader.

John describes incredible promises given to those who “overcome”:

In Revelation 2:17, John tells about those who overcome will eat of the hidden manna, will receive a white stone, and will receive a new name.

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

The Mormons believe the white stone spoken of here is revelation. Revelation is prevalent to our Prophet, Apostles and to each member of the Church who truly seeks it.

The “new name” is what is received when a person goes through the modern-day Temples for the first time.

This “new name” is a practice established by Joseph Smith, over 150 years ago and is discussed in detail in Chapter 14 – The Temples: “The House of the Lord.”

The next time John speaks of “those who overcome” he tells them that they shall receive power over the nations and rule over them with a rod of iron.

Revelation 2:26-29

26. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

27. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28. And I will give him the morning star.

29. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Christ himself taught the apostles that the “faithful and wise steward” will be made ruler over His household or all that He has.

Luke 12:42-44

42. And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household to give them their portion of meat in due season?

43. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

44. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

Question: Who are these nations that “those who overcome” will rule over?

The next passage is one of the most important of these passages. Christ tells us through John, that “those who overcome,” will sit down with Christ on our Heavenly Father’s throne!

Revelation 3:21,22

21. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Joseph Smith was personally taught by God the Father, Jesus Christ, Peter, James, and John, and many more angels and ancient prophets. Joseph Smith taught that for those “who overcome” will receive a form of Godhood.

Joint-Heirs with Christ

Jesus Christ taught that Heavenly Father will give all that he has to us...and that we will be joint heirs with Christ, which means we also may become a God. This was the same godhood doctrine that was referred to by John, Paul, Luke, and Matthew.

John taught:

Revelation 21:7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Paul taught:

Romans 8:16-18

16. the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

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.

18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Jesus Christ in Matthew taught:

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord.

Luke taught:

Luke 6:40

The disciple is not above his master; but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Blessings received by those who overcome!

Those who overcome are described as:

• Partakers of Christ’s glory

• Receivers of a crown of glory

• Those whom God will exalt

• Those who will be made perfect, established, and strengthened

Ephesians 1:9–11
Paul teaches that believers are predestined to obtain an inheritance in Christ.

A Serious Warning About False Gospels

Joseph Smith really went out on a limb when he taught this exaltation opportunity for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Paul’s teachings to the Saints in Galatia is very important!

Galations 1:6-9

6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Again, the Biblical support that I have presented here in these three videos on Exaltation obviously support Joseph Smith’s teaching on man, having the opportunity to sit with Christ on His throne and eventually becoming a form of a God.

Joseph Smith and I will not be accused of teaching this concept!

Understanding Perfection

Too many Christians and Mormons alike, they believe perfection is not what we an attain here in this life. As I pointed out, perfection is a commandment to obtain and is possible.

In my studies, prayers and fasting I have searched out how I can attain this perfection. I found that by defining it and keeping it simple…perfection is attainable in this life!

I define perfection with two definitions.

1. Eternal Perfection—We cannot achieve this until after this life where we receive a glorified resurrected body of flesh and bone.

2. Mortal Perfection—Where we become perfect in Christ in this life.

I will simplify the meaning of this with one Book of Mormon scripture. The ancient prophet Moroni, the same angel who gave the golden plates to Joseph Smith taught:

Moroni 10: 32

Yea,come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

This quickly describes how we can become “Perfect in Christ.” We should want to become like Christ, holy, without spot.

In my playlist, “An LDS Convert’s Quickstart, A Path to Mortal Perfection,” I go into detail on one of the possible paths that a person can take to obtain this perfection.

I define what the sanctification of Christ is, the entire sanctification process, how seeing Christ’s face is possible and why it is important and many more…mysteries of the kingdom of God and godliness.

Seeing the face of Christ in this life is the end game! It is “Mortal Perfection!”

One of our past prophets, President Spencer W. Kimball explained the need to strive for perfection:

“‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ (Matthew 5:48.) Now, that is an attainable goal. We will not be exalted, we shall not reach our destination, unless we are perfect, and now is the best time in the world to start toward perfection. I have little patience with persons who say, ‘Oh, nobody is perfect,’ the implication being; ‘so why try?’ Of course no one is wholly perfect, but we find some who are a long way up the ladder” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 165).

If becoming one of Christ’s elects is important to you, watching these videos would be a great second start.

The first great start would be to read The Book of Mormon and pray about its truthfulness! I know spiritually, archeologically and geologically that The Book of Mormon is true.

The Mystery of Godliness

I hope that now, one can better understand what Paul was talking about when he mentioned, “great is the mystery of godliness:”

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:…

Question: Would there be a mystery of godliness if it were as simple as most Christians define God—That there is only one God?

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

While contemplating this Biblical doctrine about the exaltation of man, lets go to Christ’s own words.

The Jews were about to stone Christ. He says the following:

John 10:34-35

34. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

35. If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

What? Where is it written in the Jewish law that they can be gods?

It is in Deuteronomy and Psalm:

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Psalm 82:1

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

This is where Jehovah…Christ…tells the Jews that they are gods.

Psalm 82:6

I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

Psalm 82:8

Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Here is where Christ’s followers will again “inherit all nations.”

Revelations 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

After reading the scriptures pertaining to the “elect of God” achieving “perfection,” Christ sharing his “glory” and “exaltation” with those few who overcome, the passages calling the followers “gods” do become clear.

They actually mean what the passage is saying—they (or you) are being called “gods.”

Reigning with Christ

Question: Are you a part of the fullness of Christ’s teachings where, as Paul taught, you are within grasp of reigning with Christ?

2 Timothy 2:12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

Question: Once you understand the meaning of “the mystery of godliness,” the “elect of God,” and our responsibility to become perfect—do these words of Christ have a new meaning?

John 14:12

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

In addition to the worldly works that Christ did, and that we can do; is teach the gospel, baptize, heal the sick and etc. An example of the eternal works that He performs is providing each of us the opportunity to be born, live, die and then be resurrected and live eternally, sharing His throne.

Question: Could an example of the “greater works than these shall he do” be to create worlds?

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Question: Did Joseph Smith make up this exaltation doctrine, or as Peter taught, is it part of the true teachings of Jesus Christ, where he will “exalt” us if we overcome?

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

If our Heavenly Father is going to offer us the opportunity to be “exalted” like Christ, it would go along with whoever receives “exaltation,” that they should be close to being “Mortally Perfect.”

Exaltation and Responsibility

The idea of Christians being able to be “saved by grace by only believing” in Jesus Christ breeds mediocrity.

Mediocrity in ones efforts to follow the teaching of God will not be acceptable to our Heavenly Father. That is why Christ stated:

Matthew 7:21

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

The Terrestrial Glory is created for the mediocre.

The Biblical Support Summary:

Probably the most controversial and significant teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith is what the Christians have coined “The God-Maker.”

Here it is in all the “wisdom of man,” the Bible overwhelmingly supports each aspect of the “The God-Maker” teaching of Joseph Smith.

Carefully study each topic and each scripture—or not—will dictate your “glory” for you in all eternity!

The Biblical Support Chart

Is the following topic supported in the Bible? Yes or No

1. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that the rewards after this life comes in glories? Yes

(John 1:1-3,14; Heb 1:1-3; Col 1:16; 1 Tim 3:16; Col 3:1; Phil 2:9; Acts 2:33; 1 Pet 3:22; John 5:22)

2. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that certain people on this earth are God’s elect? Yes

(1 Thes 1:4,5; 2 Thes 2:13,14; Eph 1:4,5; Rom 9:10,11; 1 Pet 1:2; Cjol 3:12; 2 Tim 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 John 1:1; Acts 9:15,16; John 17:1-12; Rev 17:14)

3. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that the members of the church should strive to be perfect? Yes

(Matt5:48; 1 Pet 5:10; Col 3:14; James 2:22; 2 Tim 3:17; John 17:3; John 17:22-24; Phil 3:11,12,20,21; Luke 6:40)

4. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that man may become ruler over nations with Jesus Christ? Yes

(Rev 2:26-29; Luke 12:42-44; Matt 25:23)

5. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that the members may receive exaltation with Jesus Christ? Yes

(Eph 3:21; 1 Pet 5:4,10; Eph 1:9-11; 1 Pet 5:6)

6. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that the people who overcome will receive what Christ receives? Yes

(Rev 3:21,22; Rev 21:7; Rom 8:16-18; Luke 6:40; 2 Tim 2:12)

7. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that man may become a god? Yes

(John 10:34-35; Deut 10:17; Psalm 82:1,6; Rev 3:21)

8. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching about one’s “calling and election made sure?” Yes

(2 Peter 1:10,11; John 14:16; John 14:21-23)

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Author’s Reflection

Moses 1:39

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

It is beautiful to know that God’s whole purpose is to give other spirits—us—the opportunity to live eternally with a glorified body of flesh and bone, with our families.

Now, with this knowledge combined with the knowledge of the “mystery of godliness,” I am totally awed at the tremendous love our Heavenly Father has for us!

Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that all that He has will be ours!

Final Warning and Invitation

Revelations 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

It is sad to think of the millions of people on the earth who refuse to listen and will be losing out on the great “mystery of the godliness” that Joseph Smith was truly given by Jesus Christ Himself.

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

It is my testimony that Joseph Smith and every prophet and apostle since Joseph Smith have been “the stewards of the mysteries of God.”

1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Many will not listen. Many will reject these teachings.

But the invitation remains open.

Conclusion

This concludes the three-part series on Salvation vs. Exaltation.

The central question remains:

Is exaltation—becoming like God—truly a biblical doctrine?

Carefully study the scriptures. Seek understanding. Ask:

Are you among those who will overcome?

If you agree that exaltation is a Biblically supported doctrine, please press the like button.

Next Chapter

Chapter 17 – Polygamy.

This will challenge Joseph Smith’s very controversial teaching of man having more than one wife.

Stick with me to find out what, if any, Biblical support there may be.

You can click on the next chapter button at the bottom or click on the Table of Contents button and you will see the entire list of topics that I am discussing in this challenge to over 80 of Joseph Smith’s teachings.

I hope to see you in my next video.

Can you handle it?

Scripture repeatedly says, ‘He that hath an ear, let him hear.’

So as we move forward, ask yourself—
are you willing to hear what the Bible actually says,
even when it challenges the Biblical tradition of polygamy?