The foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is fundamentally constructed upon the doctrines and principles established by apostles and prophets. This foundational structure, deeply rooted in biblical and modern teachings, is not merely an organizational framework but reflects a divine directive to guide, lead, and fortify God’s children on their path to salvation. The Church believes that Jesus Christ established the Church during His mortal ministry through the calling of apostles and prophets. These individuals, chosen and ordained by divine authority, were tasked with administering the gospel, overseeing doctrinal matters, and leading the Church as Christ’s representatives on the earth. In this sense, the leadership of apostles and prophets is not merely incidental; it is part of the eternal plan of salvation.

The apostolic foundation of the Church is reflected in scripture. The apostle Paul, for instance, affirmed the Church’s reliance on apostles and prophets in Ephesians 2:20, writing that the Church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." The apostles, as the divinely chosen servants of Christ, hold a foundational role in maintaining the purity and unity of the teachings of the gospel. Their calling comes through divine revelation, which ensures that the guidance they offer is aligned with the will of God. Further, this scriptural passage, along with others, emphasizes that this foundation is everlasting. There is no indication in the scriptural record that the foundational role of apostles and prophets was ever to be discarded or ceased. On the contrary, it is an enduring element of God’s kingdom on earth.

In Latter-day Saint theology, the priesthood authority bestowed upon apostles and prophets is essential for the validity of the Church's ordinances and covenants. Without apostles and prophets, there would be no divine structure through which to properly administer key aspects of salvation, such as baptism, the sacrament, and temple ordinances. According to the Book of Mormon, Christ Himself set up His Church with apostles who were given the authority to govern and to teach the people the things which God had given unto them (3 Nephi 12).

In the modern dispensation, the role of prophets and apostles is just as essential. As declared by the Lord in Doctrine & Covenants 112:14, apostles in the latter days are "chosen and appointed by the voice of the Church." These modern apostles stand as “"special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world" (Doctrine & Covenants 107:23–24)––preaching His gospel, guiding God’s people, and declaring God’s word. Just as in ancient times, the apostles today are vital to maintaining the pure and unaltered doctrine and to ensuring that the Church remains faithful to its divine mandate.

Another important aspect of Latter-day Saint belief is the recognition that the office of apostle is filled by individuals who have been called by the Holy Spirit and who receive continual revelation from God, as opposed to just relying on scripture alone. While the scriptures are divinely inspired, the Church believes that modern-day apostles, like those in the ancient Church, receive specific revelation suited to the needs of the world today. For Latter-day Saints, apostles are not merely symbolic figures but living leaders who are inspired to counsel God's children in a way that reflects contemporary circumstances and divine intent.

While many Christian traditions assert that the apostolic office ended with the death of the original apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains that God’s plan is one of eternal continuity. The Restoration of the gospel by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century brought back the essential and apostolic framework of governance through living prophets. The continuation of modern-day apostles speaks to God's unchanging purpose and illustrates that the same organization that Christ set up for His disciples in the New Testament era remains vital and relevant.

Latter-day Saint teachings regarding apostles and prophets extend beyond institutional needs to matters of salvation. As the primary conduit for doctrinal revelation, apostles ensure that the foundational work of Christ’s mission—teaching His gospel, administering ordinances, and shepherding the flock—is done effectively and righteously.

In the understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the role of apostles and prophets in guiding the Church provides clarity, structure, and divine authority to the administration of the gospel. This understanding remains a profound distinction from many other traditions, which often lack clear leadership or a belief in continuous, living revelation from God. In embracing this foundation, Latter-day Saints enjoy a framework that invites continual personal growth, peace, and confidence that the divine authority to govern God's kingdom is active on the earth today. This is a source of hope for all believers as they strive toward salvation and seek to navigate the complexities of mortal life, knowing that divinely called apostles and prophets provide wisdom and inspiration tailored for the modern world.