Do eternal life and exaltation mean the same thing?

[Guest]

Sometimes in scripture and by prophets the word eternal life is used and sometimes exaltation is used. Do they both have the same meaning of being in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom and obtaining Godhood? Is it the same thing or is there any differences?

[Anddenex]

Eternal Life: "Eternal life, or exaltation, is to live in God's presence and to continue as families (see D&C 131:1–4). Like immortality, this gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, to inherit eternal life requires our “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” 

[Rob Osborn]

No, eternal lufe and exaltation are different. According to the scriptures all who are saved from the second death will receive eternal life. This eternal life will come to all except the sons of perdition. Exaltation is the highest degree in the celestial kingdom.

[Anddenex]

@Zarahemla, here are some additional readings and what the Church's website references for Eternal Life, "See also Atone, Atonement; Celestial Glory; Crown; Exaltation; Life"

D&C 14: 7, "And, 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." The greatest gift God gives is eternal life or exaltation. No other gift is greater.

Edited October 24, 2016 by Anddenex

[Blackmarch]

On 10/21/2016 at 5:04 PM, Zarahemla said:

Sometimes in scripture and by prophets the word eternal life is used and sometimes exaltation is used. Do they both have the same meaning of being in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom and obtaining Godhood? Is it the same thing or is there any differences?

I would argue that they are not exactly the same altho there is a ton of overlap. Eternal Life is simply God's life, exaltation refers more to the process which one is enthroned in glory.