There is no way into the celestial kingdom except through the gate made available by the atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the keeper of the gate. He will only open the gate to those who knock, And whoso knocketh, to him will he open (v. 42).
Brigham Young
“Let me give you a definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, compiled by John A. Widstoe, p. 416)
“God’s is a loving and redeeming hand which we are to acknowledge, for ’eye hath not seen nor ear heard.‘ Even His children in the telestial kingdom receive ’… the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding’ (D&C 76:89D&C 76:89) He is an exceedingly generous God! … One later day, Jesus’ hand will not give the faithful merely a quick, approving pat on the shoulder. Instead, both Nephi and Mormon tell of the special reunion and welcome at the entrance to His kingdom. There, we are assured, He is ’the keeper of the gate … and He employeth no servant there.’ (2 Ne. 9:412 Ne. 9:41.) Those who reject Him will miss out on a special personal moment, because, as He laments, He has ’stood with open arms to receive you.’ (Morm. 6:17Morm. 6:17.) The unfaithful-along with the faithful-might have been ‘clasped in the arms of Jesus’ (Morm. 5:11Morm. 5:11). The imagery of the holy temples and holy scriptures thus blend so beautifully, including things pertaining to sacred moments. This is the grand moment toward which we point and from which we should not be deflected. Hence, those who pass through their fiery trials and still acknowledge but trust His hand now will feel the clasp of His arms later!” (Cory H. Maxwell, ed., The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], 137.)