Rule of Law

                The rule of law is essential for order, peace, and happiness.  The heavens and the earth conform to certain laws; nations, states, communities, businesses, and families operate by law.  Where there is no law, there is chaos and confusion.

                What is meant by “rule of law?”  It means that everyone is subject to the law; it means that everyone - famous or infamous, powerful or powerless, important or not – must abide by law.  The rule of law is the power that protects liberties and brings about justice for all. 

                The Kingdom of God is governed by law, and God governs the universe by law.  Because God governs the entire universe by law, the planets, sun, moon, stars must obey the law.  The earth is governed by laws that bring order to all inhabitants.  Laws cause the seasons to rotate; laws cause night to follow day.  Laws control the animals and plants. 

                “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.

                “All being who abide not in those conditions are not justified” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:36-39).

                President Joseph Fielding Smith commented on the above statement:  “This truth is self-evident.  Thus, it is only reasonable that we should expect the kingdom of God to be governed by law and all who desire to enter there to be subject to the law.  `Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion” (Doctrine and Covenants 132:8).

                “The Lord has given to man a code of laws that we call the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Due to lack of inspiration and spiritual guidance, men may differ in relation to these laws and their application, but there can hardly be a dispute in regard to the fact that such laws to exist, and that all who seek entrance into that kingdom are subject to them.

                “We have every truth, every doctrine, every law and requirement, every performance and ordinance needed to save and exalt us in the highest heaven of the celestial world” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church:  Joseph Fielding Smith, pp. 230-231).

                Obedience to law brings blessings to mankind.  Mankind must learn to obey the laws and commandments of God in order to qualify to spend eternity in the Kingdom of God.  People learn to obey laws by receiving blessings for obedience and negative consequences for disobedience because every law has a blessing and a consequence.

                “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated ---

                “And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21).

                If one desires a certain blessing, one must discover the law that governs the receipt of that blessing.  If one desires good health, one must live the law of good health known as the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants 89).  If one desires to live a virtuous life, one must obey the Law of Chastity.  If one desires the windows of heavens to open and pour down blessings, one must live the Law of Tithing.  Every blessing comes from obedience to a certain law; the lack of blessings is the negative consequences for disobedience.