Salvation: Rescue and Resurrection
In the Bible, salvation fundamentally means being saved from death and hell and brought back to life through resurrection. Jesus taught that “all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come forth” (John 5:28–29). Paul described it as deliverance from the power of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:22, Romans 6:23).

Salvation guarantees a resurrection to some degree of glory—whether compared to the sun, moon, or stars (1 Corinthians 15:40–42)—and spares people from final destruction in hell. Everyone will face judgment “according to what they have done” (Revelation 20:12–13). Works reveal whether one’s salvation results in eternal life with God or minimal glory apart from His presence.

Oneness and Exaltation: The Highest Calling
Beyond basic salvation, Scripture describes a deeper destiny: oneness with God, what Latter-day Saints call exaltation. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one with Him and the Father:

“That they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us” (John 17:21–23).

Paul wrote that those joined to the Lord become “one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17). This is the fullest realization of God’s plan—complete unity and shared glory with Christ.

The New Testament describes exaltation with language of divine inheritance and participation:

“Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

“Partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4).

“When He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

“To the one who conquers I will grant to sit with Me on My throne” (Revelation 3:21).

This is not mere survival or escape from condemnation; it is a restored, glorified, and intimate relationship with God, where believers fully reflect His image.

Judgment and Works: Evidence of True Relationship
Jesus repeatedly taught that the final judgment is according to works:

“The Son of Man… will repay each person according to what he has done” (Matthew 16:27).

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom… I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21–23).

Works are not the basis of salvation or exaltation but the evidence of whether a person truly knows Christ. Salvation frees from death; exaltation comes through faithful oneness with Christ.

LDS “Exaltation” vs. Mainstream “Glorification”
Latter-day Saints: Exaltation is the highest state—becoming like God, inheriting all that He has, and eternally progressing.

Mainstream Christianity: Glorification means transformation into Christ’s likeness, sharing in His glory without becoming gods in the same sense as God Himself (Isaiah 43:10).

Both traditions agree that believers will be glorified, reign with Christ, and partake in God’s divine nature. The debate centers on the scope of that glorification.

Conclusion
Biblical salvation ensures resurrection and deliverance from death and hell. Exaltation or oneness goes further—it is intimate fellowship with God, sharing His life and glory to the fullest extent.

The ultimate question is not merely “Will I be saved?”—since all will rise—but “Will I know Him, and will He know me?” For Jesus warns that some will say, “Lord, Lord,” yet hear the reply, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23).