The Catechism in Questions & Answers

456. Has the Apostle ministry been given for the whole church of Christ?

Yes, the Apostle ministry has been given for the whole church of Christ. It has been given the commission to offer salvation in Jesus Christ to all people. Apostle Paul describes his commission as follows: “For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 13: 47).
Salvation is only possible through the Son of God. The Apostles impart salvation through word and sacrament until the return of Christ.