BB, you neglected to add that The highest degree is reserved for the righteous of the earth who accept Christ’s atonement for their sins through baptism.....and confirmation into the COJCLDS, and following all the requirements to become "temple worthy" so that the righteous may take part in certain rituals.
In order to become "temple worthy" the following questions must be answered satisfactorily:
1 Do you have faith in and a testimony of God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?
2 Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Christ and of His role as Savior and Redeemer?
3 Do you have a testimony of the restoration of the gospel in these the latter days?
4 Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and as the only person on the earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local authorities of the Church?
5 Do you live the law of chastity?
6 Is there anything in your conduct relating to members of your family that is not in harmony with the teachings of the Church?
7 Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
8 Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend your sacrament and other meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?
9 Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen?
10 Are you a full-tithe payer?
11 Do your keep the Word of Wisdom?
12 Do you have financial or other oblgations to a former spouse or children? If yes, are you current in meeting those obligations?
13 If you have previously received your temple endowment:
Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple?
Do you wear the garment both night and day as instructed in the endowment and in accordance with the covenant you made in the temple?
14 Have there been any sins or misdeeds in your life that should have been resolved with priesthood authorities but have not been?
15 Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord's house and participate in temple ordinances?
Good works are involved REQUIRED, but it is the grace of Christ’s atonement AND FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS OF THE COJCLDS that ARE the key transforming element.
Only these will be able to withstand the glory and presence of God.
A portion of these will, through their desires, also enter into eternal marriage and have spiritual family increase through eternities.
I suppose, now that I have tried to answer your question, the answer will be mocked and I will be sorry for having answered you.
If you would NOT leave out a major requirement of the LDS religion for attaining exaltation, it would NOT be necessary to correct, not mock. Your post stated "The highest degree is reserved for the righteous of the earth who accept Christ’s atonement for their sins through baptism." as though that were ALL that is required.
I meant to ping you to post 31