D&C 88:36-38 “All kingdoms have a law given; And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.“
Study Insights
D&C 88:36-38 Explanation (January 19, 1832)
The Panorama of Divine Order
When the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 88 on January 19, 1832, he was shown a cosmic vision that stretched beyond mortal understanding. Verses 36 through 38 declare that “all kingdoms have a law given; and there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.” In this sweeping statement, we glimpse an orderly universe governed by divine statutes, where every realm—whether celestial, terrestrial, or telestial—operates under its own set of principles.
The Multiplicity of Kingdoms
This passage reveals a universe replete with “many kingdoms.” Rather than a single plane of existence, we are part of a grand tapestry in which multiple spheres coexist, each defined by unique attributes and purposes. From the celestial realm of exaltation to the terrestrial world of mortal probation, and on to the telestial stage of refinement, every kingdom serves its divine role. This multiplicity underscores God’s grand design: a universal family of worlds and individuals progressing along diverse but interconnected paths.
Law as the Foundation of Progress
Central to this doctrine is the principle that “unto every kingdom is given a law.” Law, in this context, is more than a set of rules—it is the very framework that enables growth, accountability, and joy. In higher kingdoms, laws are gracious and full of light, inviting greater potentials and responsibilities. In lesser kingdoms, laws are suited to the capacities of their inhabitants, ensuring justice and mercy in proportion to need. By granting laws adapted to each kingdom’s nature, God provides a tailored environment in which His children can learn, overcome, and ultimately achieve their divine destiny.
Bounds and Conditions: The Parameters of Grace
The revelation further clarifies that “unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.” Every divine statute comes with parameters that both protect and challenge. Bounds serve as safeguards against disorder, defining the limits within which blessings flow. Conditions require active participation; they invite faith, obedience, and effort. In every realm, obedience to law unlocks higher ordinances and greater light. Transgression brings restriction, reminding us of the eternal principle that freedom and accountability walk hand in hand.
Modern disciples can draw powerful insights from D&C 88:36-38. Recognizing that we operate within a divine legal system helps us align daily choices with eternal principles. Whether through prayer, scripture study, or service, we engage the laws of our own spiritual kingdom—this mortal probation—preparing ourselves for future progress. By understanding the interplay of law, bounds, and conditions, we cultivate the stewardship required to inherit celestial glory.
In these few verses, the Lord invites us into an expansive vision: a universe of kingdoms, each steered by divine law. As we embrace this order, we participate in the grand unfolding of God’s work and glory, ever moving toward the light of celestial truth.
