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Does the Bible Say that No Man has Seen God?
 From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research
Critics commonly refer to John 1:18, which reads, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
However, early Christian author Irenaeus wrote in A.D. 180 that this scripture should be read, “For no man hath seen God at any time “unless” the only-begotten Son of God, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared [Him].”
Interestingly, Joseph Smith's revision of the Bible agrees with Irenaeus' reading:
“No man hath seen God at any time except he hath borne record of the Son. . . ” ( italics represent changes in the JST)
Irenaeus' “unless” or Joseph's “except” makes all the difference. Irenaeus knew that righteous men had seen God in the past. Abraham and Moses were specifically said to have seen God.
The Protective Power of God
An Early Christian document called the Clementine Homilies portrays the apostle Peter as agreeing with Irenaeus' view.
For I maintain that the eyes of mortals cannot see the incorporeal form of the Father or of [His]son because it is illuminated by exceeding great light ... For he who sees God cannot live. For the excess of light dissolves the flesh of him who sees; unless by the secret power of God the flesh be changed into the nature of light, so that it can see light.
Joseph Smith revealed the same essential truth in Doctrine and Covenants 67:11. “For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.”
The Unique View
Numerous Biblical verses attest that God has been seen by select individuals. It is the critics' view of John 1:18 that is novel and at odds with the earliest Christian understanding of the scripture, not Joseph Smith's. If God can say “I change not,” (Mal. 3:6) and He has appeared to mortals in the past as the Bible bears record, why would He change His tactics and refuse to appear to modern prophets?
The full FAIR wiki article, including all scriptural references, may be accessed at http://en.fairmormon.org/No_man_has_seen_God.
If you have any topic or question you would like to see addressed pleased contact Carolyn Wright at http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php. Just check the box for the Meridian Article Editor.
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