Prophets and Apostles and the Church of Jesus Christ

Just as a building must be constructed upon a sure foundation in order to stand, so the Church of Jesus Christ must be constructed upon a sure foundation. Jesus Christ built his ancient church upon the sure foundation of apostles and prophets, and he was the chief cornerstone of that foundation.

The apostle Paul, speaking to newly baptized members of the Church in his day, said,

“[Ye] are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner.” 1

If the foundation of a building were to be destroyed that building would fall. But if the foundation were to remain sure, that building could withstand the fiercest of storms.

Prophets and apostles form the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ

Today, as in ancient times, Jesus Christ has built his Church on the sure foundation of living apostles and prophets. Today, Special Witnesses of Jesus Christ have been called by Jesus Christ to be his Apostles—just like Peter, James, John, Paul, and others of the ancient apostles. In every age, apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators.

Today, as in former times, the apostles guide the Church of Jesus Christ in two governing quorums:

1. The First Presidency, consisting of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his two counselors—as with Peter, James and John



2. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We sustain the senior apostle as the Prophet and President of the Church, the only person on earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. The greatest safety is, and always has been, strictly following the word of the Lord through his prophets—most importantly, the living prophet.

Jesus testifies of the importance of prophets and apostles

We sustain all apostles as prophets, but only one man is sustatined as the prophet, seer and revelator for the whole Church. The Lord has said,

“Wherefore…thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory.” 2

Questions about 'Prophets and Apostles and the Church of Jesus Christ'

• Prophets and apostles are compared to what part of a building?



• Why do we need living prophets and apostles?



• As in the days of Jesus Christ, the prophet and apostles function in two quorums. What are they called?



• How can we achieve safety in this wicked world?



• What counsel and promise did Jesus give concerning our heeding the words of his prophet and apostles?

References for 'Prophets and Apostles and the Church of Jesus Christ'

1. Ephesians 2:19-20
2. D&C 21:4-6 – Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory.