The Definition and Selection of Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)

Introduction

The term 'apostle' carries significant religious and historical importance. In the Bible, the apostles were the faithful followers of Jesus, chosen and ordained by Him to spread the message of His teachings. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has adopted a similar definition and structure, emphasizing the importance of apostles in the ongoing administration of the church.

The Definition of Apostles in the LDS Church

In the LDS Church, the definition of apostles is consistent with that of biblical times. An apostle is an individual ordained by the Lord to be a witness of His divine mission, acts, and ministry. The apostles hold the keys of the priesthood, which allow them to carry out the mission of the Church, which has been heavenly-established to grow and impact the entire world.

Authority and Responsibility of Apostles

The 12 apostles of the LDS Church are described as 'special' witnesses of Jesus Christ. They have direct access to the keys of authority, enabling them to perform essential ecclesiastical duties, including administering ordinances and governing the church. While many members of the church have personal testimonies of Jesus, the 12 apostles hold a unique and significant responsibility in the church’s leadership.

Selection of Apostles in Biblical Times

According to the Bible, the apostles were chosen and ordained by Jesus Christ. The process involved Christ personally selecting twelve of His disciples, who were then given the authority and responsibility to carry out His ministry. This selection was based on their faith, character, and readiness to serve.

Preservation of Apostolic Authority

A significant challenge arises regarding the preservation of apostolic authority in the absence of Christ. In LDS theology, the concept of Apostolic Succession plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. This principle allows for the continued remittance of authority through the laying on of hands, ensuring that the calling and authority of apostles remain unchanged over time.

Apostolic Succession in the LDS Church

The process of Apostolic Succession in the LDS Church involves the 12 apostles maintaining a quorum to carry out their duties. When a vacancy occurs, the remaining apostles seek divine guidance through prayer and revelation to select a new member. Once chosen, the new apostle undergoes the ordination by the laying on of hands, receiving the same authority and responsibility as the other apostles.

Historical Accounts and Quorum Formation

Historically, when Judas IscariotFailed in the apostolic mission, the 11 remaining apostles met to decide on a replacement. They prayed and used a lottery system to determine the candidate, eventually ordaining Matthias as the 12th apostle. Although the Bible does not provide detailed accounts of other apostolic selections, historical evidence suggests that the apostles sought to maintain and restore the quorum.

Conclusion

In summary, the role of apostles in the LDS Church is comparable to their counterpart in biblical times. The preservation of apostolic authority relies on divine intervention and the concept of Apostolic Succession. While the specific methods have evolved with the passing of centuries, the core principles and the importance of apostles in the church’s leadership remain unchanged.

Key Points:

Apostles in the LDS Church: Defining and maintaining the role of apostles. Apostolic Succession: The method of maintaining apostolic authority across generations. Selection Process: The process of selecting new apostles.