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.
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