In Mormonism, the Celestial Kingdom is the highest level of heaven in which faithful Mormons have the potential of becoming gods. It is based on an erring view of the three heavens spoken of in scripture.
The First Heaven: Earth Atmosphere
- Deut. 11:17–Then the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce . . . .
- Deut. 28:12–The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.
- Judges 5:4–“O LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water.
- Acts 14:17–“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; . . .
The Second Heaven: Outer Space
- Psalm 19:4, 6–In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun . . . It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; . . .
- Jeremiah 8:2–They will be exposed to the sun and the moon and all the stars of the heavens which they have loved and served . . .
- Isaiah 13:10–The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light.
The Third Heaven: God’s Dwelling Place
- 1 Kings 8:30 (phrase repeated numerous times in following verses)–then hear from heaven, your dwelling place . . .
- Psalm 2:4–The One enthroned in heaven laughs; The LORD scoffs at them.
- Matthew 5:16–In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The highest heaven, the third heaven is indicated by the reference to the Throne of God being the highest heaven:
- 1 Kings 8:27–“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you.
- Deut. 10:14–To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.
In Mormonism becoming a god is every human’s potential, (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pages 345-347, 354). But, abiding in celestial law is necessary for this exaltation to godhead, “For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory,” (DC 88:22).