“Apostles of Jesus Christ,” Friend, Mar. 2012, 47
Apostles of Jesus Christ
In the sixth article of faith it says, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” The Primitive Church is the church that Jesus Christ established more than two thousand years ago when He lived on the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ is organized the same way today as it was then—with prophets and apostles leading His Church on earth.
The Primitive Church
Peter was one of Jesus Christ’s Apostles. Before He was crucified, the Savior called Peter to be the President of the Church of Jesus Christ. When Christ was resurrected and left the earth, Peter led the Church. He received revelation from God for the whole Church.
James and John were also Christ’s Apostles. They were called to assist Peter. Together, the three men were the First Presidency of the Church.
These twelve men were called as Apostles of Jesus Christ. Their mission was to spread the gospel of Christ throughout the world.
The Church Today
Today, Thomas S. Monson has been called by God to be the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He receives revelation from God for the whole Church. He leads the Church on the earth, just as Peter did.
President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf are the first and second counselors in the First Presidency. They are called to assist President Monson.
These men make up the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Just like the ancient Apostles, they have a special calling to preach the true gospel and stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ.