John 1:18-
On the other hand the Bible claims no one can see God, but on the other hand it says "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matt 5:8) and His servants "shall see His face" (Rev22:4) and "we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2 ).
Tell me your thoughts about this.
2006-07-08 11:53:31 · 24 answers · asked by SeeTheLight 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Great answers!
I did my homework on this subject:
The verses which teach that no man can see God are refering to no mortal man in this life. Even Moses was refused this honor ( Ex 33:23 ). Mortal man is not suited for that exposure.
However, what mortal man cannot see in this life, immortal man will see in the next life ( 1 Cor 13:12, Rev 22:24 )
This is known as the beatific ( blessed ) vision and will be spiritual climax of the believer to se God face-to-face, to know Him directly in His essence and not merely indirectly as reflected through created things. ( Rom 1: 18-20 )
God is like the sun: you cannot look at it directly, but without it you cannot see anything else.
We cannot have a complete understanding of everything.
God bless!
2006-07-10 17:05:24 · update #1
"Seen" is past tense and "will see" is future tense. No contradictions here.
I have never "seen" God but we all "will see" God at the moment of our death. Some of us will be thrilled and overcome with joy at that moment; most will be terrified.
Depends on the relationship you enjoy with Him in this life.
2006-07-08 11:59:05 · answer #1 · answered by steve 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because "some one ever have done something before", and "some one will some day do something for the first time" are like total different things. Apparently you have never heard of a littile thing called "time". You see, there are events that have happened, and then there are events that will happen.
Read the verse - it does not say you CAN NOT see God - it says you HAVE NOT seen God. But the other verses say his people will on the FUTURE.
2006-07-08 19:02:03 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shall and will are future tense. No one has seen the face of God YET! We will all see the face of God. Whether it will be in judgement for sins or in acceptance into the kingdom - that is a personal choice. In the Old Testament, some people almost got to see the face of God, but He is too Holy, so God turned His face away as He passed by. The Bible says we couldn't bear it if all His glory were to shine upon us. He is divine, we are still earthly. But someday-- we will. I plan to be on the acceptance into the kingdom side- how about you guys?? Hope you are with me...
2006-07-08 19:04:08 · answer #3 · answered by savannah 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its the matter of shall, will, and yet. The Bible doesn't say we can't and will not see God, we will see God when the time comes. "No one has seen God" is not a finished sentence besides in John 14: 21 it says
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
The latter verses you give didn't happened yet coz it used the word shall and will which can also mean you will or will not, or might or might not.
The Bible is not full of contradiction but it is for those who simply doesn't care enough what is really written and just settle for little knowledge that they have about it.
2006-07-08 19:08:10 · answer #4 · answered by *♥£öVe§♥* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Full of contradictions? Please. Some of you people speak like its a fact when most of you probably have never investigated the issue at all. If you have, please contact me with your apparent contradictions. I'm sure we can sort things out to your satisfaction.
Anyways...
"...they shall" is a phrase used of the future. Those that join in fellowship with God in heaven will indeed see God's face. However, in our sinfulness, we cannot look at the face of God in all His glory without being consumed. Moses was able to get a tiny glimpse of God's back and was "glowing" for quite a time afterwards. What a wonderful thing to be able to one day look into the face of our creator and Lord without being consumed by His holiness.
2006-07-08 19:04:13 · answer #5 · answered by KHB 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Bible does not say 'no one can see God' as you are applying it. Human man can not see God and live. His Glory is to strong. One good example about this is what happened to Moses on the mountain.
The angels, the adversaries, the those raised to heavenly life see God. And those that worship Him with a pure heart 'see' Him. Hope this helps.
2006-07-08 19:05:29 · answer #6 · answered by rangedog 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
People who say the bible is full of contradiction, probably have never read it. To take what people say and repeat it isn't fair.
You can find contradictions in the bible, yes. But if you study further, they will explain themselves.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" That is true. You won't look upon God's face until you see heaven, or for all of us, when we stand at his judgement seat. You, still living, are being given numerous chances to see his face, hopefully forever. If you choose to doubt him, the bible, and Jesus, you will live like you do now, maybe no change for years and you will die old. But, when you die, that is when you will see him and know him for who he is... it is written, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. EVERY knee and tongue, that means every human being that has ever lived, does live, or will live... even you. Take care.
2006-07-08 19:04:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good question. First of all, the Bible never contradicts itself. It only seems that way to people who refuse to study it for themselves, and are looking for it to be wrong anyways. When John says that no man has seen God, it is talking about the present. No has seen God yet. However, if you will notice, all the other verses are in the future tense; "shall see, will see..." No one in their present human state could look upon God in all of His holiness and power. We would die. But, when we are glorified beings in Heaven, we will be able to see Him face to face for all eternity.
2006-07-08 19:00:41 · answer #8 · answered by wildgirldancing 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My dear, the bible says that God is not a God of confusion. Seeing God in the context of Matt5:8 means those with a pure heart will see God because He is holy.God cannot behold any impure thing or cannot stand unholiness, the bible says He is holy and we have to be holy.
No one who has seen the Lord lived to tell the tale. Moses did not see his face although i THINK he saw his hand (Exodus ) i don't have my bible with me. i will have to get back to u!
2006-07-08 19:08:31 · answer #9 · answered by Xistinme08 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are three seperate beings in the Godhead; God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Man has seen Jesus Christ, but not God the Father. John is referring to God the Father. As to do with the pure in heart will see God, this scripture is talking about after the judgement day and the ressurection. Those who were pure in heart will see God the Father and dwell with Him in his glory. They are not referring to now in this mortal state, but rather after death. The other misconception is who "He" is. "He" and "God" are used interchangably between Christ and the Father. It depends on the context. The scriptures also refers to God the Father and Christ as being "One". This term is taken too literally. They are two distinct beings, but are one in purpose. Does this help any?
2006-07-08 19:04:55 · answer #10 · answered by lovin' life 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋