Eternal Progression

Eternal progression is a common phrase among Latter-day Saints referring to the idea that there is no limit to our potential. In other words, if we obey God and receive every blessing He has in store for us, we will increase in happiness and glory forever, just as He does. Mormons call this state of happiness exaltation.

Children of an Infinite God

As literal children of God, we inherit some of His divine attributes. We inherit intelligence. We inherit the capacity to be good, to be noble, to be happy, if we so choose. There is no limit to what God wants to give us, and therefore there is no limit to our potential after we die.

Prepare Now

This idea of infinite potential is a great motivator to Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith wrote in the Doctrine and Covenants that "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come" (Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, informally the Mormon Church, has always encouraged education. However, "principles of intelligence" include more than just education--they include goodness, kindness, gratitude, honesty, and every other good and glorious principle. Joseph Smith and every prophet since have been staunch supporters of such things. For example, President Gordon B. Hinckley taught in his Standing for Something,

"It is surely neither coincidence nor happenstance that five of the Ten Commandments deal essentially with honesty in its broadest sense. 'Thou shalt not kill'(Exodus 20:13). It is an act of the most grievous dishonesty and betrayal to take the life of another. 'Thou shalt not steal' (Exodus 20:15). Stealing is obviously an act of dishonesty. It covers the whole broad range of theft, from cheating and plagiarism to lying, deceit, and taking to oneself that which belongs to another. It is reprehensible, inexcusable, and a violation of the standard of conduct that lies at the bedrock of civilization" .

Obviously, not all Mormons will hold to these values perfectly, but enough of them do to make the Church worth it.

Eternal Increase

Eternal progression also refers to the principle of eternal increase. This means that those who are faithful, who are married and sealed in a [[Mormon Temples|Mormon temple], and who keep the covenants or promises that they make there, will be allowed to have spirit children in the resurrection and raise them up as our Father raises us. This is the greatest blessing that God offers to His children. When He promises that all that He has can be ours when we are exalted, He leaves nothing out. The power to create, even in a familial sense, can be part of mankind's celestial inheritance.