Pastor Kelley, you are my “go to” guy when I can’t find answers in scripture. My Sunday school teacher has said that he does not believe we will literally see God’s face in eternity, since He is Spirit. Needless to say, my entire class of “oldie moldies” (including me) were very confused. In a class of about 20, 95% disagreed with him. Please give me guidance.
It is true that in our natural state we cannot see the face of God. Our sin nature is so offensive to Him that as He said to Moses, “No one may seen me and live” (Exodus 33:20). But after the rapture/resurrection, our sin nature will be gone and our corruptible bodies will be made incorruptible (1 Cor. 15:52-53). Paul compared us to being like Adam now, but said we’ll be like Jesus later (1 Cor. 15:49). Because of that Rev. 21:3-4 says,
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
From these references, I think you could make a pretty good argument that in eternity we’ll be able to see God face to face. (It will be much easier for Him to wipe every tear from our eyes that way.)