Is It Possible for Anyone to See the Face of God and Live?

In Exodus 33:11 is clearly stated that Moses spoke with God just as we speak with our friends, or with others. But in verse 20 we read that “Thou cans not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.” This scripture has been applied to say that it is impossible to see God face to face, and many have said that Joseph Smith and no one has ever been able to talk to God that way.

It is important to understand that even though the verse 20 of exodus 33 says literally that no one can see God, there is an important meaning inside those words. We also need to have in mind that the Bible was translated in times when men did not see God as a Personage, therefore they thought he could not be seen. We all know that a man in his normal state cannot stand God’s presence, not even see him with his normal eyes. It is necessary to have faith in God, and to really deserve to see him to be able to change from our normal state to transfiguration.

In The Guide to the Scriptures we can read the meaning of transfiguration: “The conditions of persons who are temporarily changed in appearance and nature—that is, lifted to a higher spiritual level—so that they can endure the presence and glory of heavenly beings.

Joseph Smith made corrections to the Bible inspired by the Lord and he received this corrected verse:

“And he said unto Moses, Thou canst not see my face at this time, lest mine anger be kindled against thee also, and I destroy thee, and thy people; for there shall no man among them see me at this time, and live, for they are exceeding sinful. And no sinful man hath at any time, neither shall there be any sinful man at any time, that shall see my face and live.” (JST, Exodus 33:20.)

Men can see God and live when they are worthy.

Church Callings are not that Scary

I am pretty sure we all have felt a bit afraid when the Bishop tells us to go to his office. While walking towards there we think: "What did I do?" "I bet I will receive a new calling, hope is not too difficult..."

Well, Moses had the same feelings when God commanded him to take the Israelites out of Egypt.  He was afraid, he lacked of confidence because of his impediments to speak Hebrew and Egyptian fluently. He was always finding excuses because of his lack of confidence. But the Lord did not leave him alone. He promised him that he was always going to be there. He even called his brother Aaron to be his spokesman, and nothing was going to be an impediment to save the children of Israel from the slavery they were living in Egypt.

We can receive that great help from the Lord Just as Moses did, we only need to have a great faith and trust Him every day of our lives. Our performance in our calling will be excellent if we use the resources that He has prepared for us. Manuals and training have been created for our benefit. Let's do the best we can to serve the Lord and our brethren, and thus help in the work of salvation.

"And lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days; for thou shalt deliver my people from bondage, even Israel my chosen." Moses 1:26

References:
Moses Calling: Exodus 3-4
Promises to Moses: Moses 1:17, 25-26

Who Was Melchizedek?

We always hear Melchizedek's name at church, but do we really know who he was and why the priesthood holds his name? in this post I want to share what I learned by studying the scriptures related to Melchizedek.

Melchizedek was the high priest on the times of Abraham. He blessed Abraham when he rescued Lot from being captive, and Abraham paid him his tithing of everything he had.

He was the King of Salem, he led his people in such a good way that all of them repented from bad ways of doing things. For helping his people to repent he was called the prince of peace.

Melchizedek is a great example of how a priesthood holder has to be. He is said to be the greatest of all priests, because he was always doing what the Lord needed from him and he helped many people during his reign. He had a mighty faith and his position before the eyes of the Lord and of his people was important to have him as a prototype of the son of God.

Something important to know is that the Melchizedek Priesthood received this name because of the way he lived his life, and the way he served the Lord, it is also because the name of the priesthood was “Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God” and it was necessary to avoid too frequent repetition of the name of Deity.

References:

JST Genesis 14:25-40

Alma 13:14-15

D&C 84:14, 107:1-4

Institute Student Manual Commentary for Genesis 14:18 pages 67-68

I hope you can have time to study these references by yourself, to deepen your understanding on this topic.

Why Cain´s offering to the Lord was not accepted?

I had always asked this question to myself, and now by studying Genesis 4:1-16 and Moses 5:16-41 I deepened my understanding in this situation.

I used to think that Cain's offering was ok, until I read in Moses 5:18 that Satan told Cain to give that offering to the Lord. Cain chose to follow Satan, even though God told him that he had to be aware of his evilness. Then consequences came and he received his punishment.
Joseph Smith the Prophet explained that Cain's offering was not accepted because it was not given with good intentions, his offering was not witness that he was righteous and that he loved God more than Satan.

In these days, God does not accept our offerings when we do not give them with a broken heart, and a contrite spirit. If we pay our tithe but it is not complete, or it is not given with good intention the Lord is not happy with that. This also happens when we "serve" at church, this means that we seem to be doing what's correct but we are not doing it with our heart full of good intentions.

From Cain and Abel's account I learn that God gave us agency to choose who to follow, if we want to follow Him or follow Satan, and he also gave us advice on the consequences of our choice. What happened with Cain teaches me that I have to choose to follow the Lord if I want to be saved and if I want to live happy, and that no matter how attractive Satan’s offerings are unto me, I have to stand strong in the right path.