Lessons on the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ and His Apostles
Lesson No. Twenty-Six

The Importance of Apostolic Succession

The need for a new apostle to replace Judas – With the death of Judas there was a vacancy in the Council of Twelve Apostles.  One of the first and most important things the eleven remaining apostles did was to fill this vacancy.  This was essential so the Church would continue as Jesus had intended.  Two requirements were set forth.  The new apostle had to have been a disciple for the past three years, beginning with Jesus’ baptism, and he needed to be a witness of the Lord’s resurrection.  This established a pattern and precedent that continues to our day.  (See Act 1:15-26)

Continuity and order in the Church of Jesus Christ – The Book of Mormon explains, “…that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.  And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:6-7).  The principle that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” applies not only to the scriptures but also to the way the Lord insured continuity and order in both His Former Day and Latter Day Church.

The Lord controls who will lead His Church in a most remarkable way – Each member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, 15 men in total, hold all the keys of the priesthood on the earth including the keys of prophets, seers, and revelators. The senior apostle, who is the President of the Church, directs and exercises those keys.  The way a new apostle is chosen is wonderfully simple and simply wonderful.

When a member of the First Presidency or Quorum of Twelve Apostles dies there is a vacancy in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  The Lord reveals to the President of the Church who is to fill that vacancy.  The President announces the Lord’s decision to his Brethren in the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles who then sustain the Lord’s choice.  The new member of the Twelve is called, and then he is sustained by the general membership of the Church at General Conference.  He is then ordained an apostle at the direction of the President and under the hands of his Brethren.  He then serves as an apostles for many years.  As more senior apostles finish their work on the earth and are called home, the remaining living apostles move up in seniority, and the most senior apostle becomes President of the Church and directs the work of the Lord on the earth.

In the Lord’s way there is no campaigning or efforts to gain support and influence among the Brethren or with members of the Church. This is in great contrast to how leaders of nations and other organizations are often chosen. 

Following our living prophets “bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:7) – The teachings of the Book of Mormon concerning the Liahona (compass) can be applied to our willingness to follow our living prophets during our mortal journey. Paraphrasing Alma 37:40-46: 

“The teachings of living prophets works for us according to our faith in God; therefore, if we have faith to believe that God could cause these men to point the way we should go, behold, it is done; therefore we have this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.

“Nevertheless, because these miracles are worked by small means we can be slothful and forget to exercise our faith and diligence, and we do not progress in our mortal journey.

“Therefore, we terry in the wilderness of mortality and do not travel a direct course, and we are afflicted because of our transgressions.

“And now I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for if our fathers were slothful to give heed to the compass they did not prosper.  If we do not give heed to living prophets we will be confounded and will not prosper spiritually.

“For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, given through his living prophets, which will point us in a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

“And now I say is there not a type in this thing?  For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, given through his living prophets, if we will follow their council, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow unto a far better land of promise.

“Do not be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for if our fathers would follow the compass they might live; even so it is with us.  The way is prepared, and if we will follow the prophets we will live forever.”  (See Alma 37:40-46)

We live in a time of great hazards and confusion – Fortunately, the Lord has provided the way whereby we can be successful as we confront the many problems and concerns of our modern world.  The way is to stay in the mainstream of the Church and follow the counsel, teachings, and example of our living prophets.  If we do this they will lead us to happiness and safety in this life and eternal life in the world to come.