The Bible records that some people, like the elders of Israel, had real encounters with God, seeing Him in a theophany but within the confines of His mercy.
In Exodus 24, we read that Moses and seventy elders of Israel ascended the mountain and saw the God of Israel. This moment underscores God's grace, as it allowed them to witness His glory without harm. Their experience was a genuine encounter, known as a theophany, where they saw the Lord in the form of a man, which some theologians identify as pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus Christ. This revelation was not merely a vision but a direct encounter, providing a tangible connection between God and His covenant people.
Scripture References:
Exodus 24:9-11, John 1:18, Job 42:5-6, Job 19:26, John 14:9, 1 John 3:2, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Revelation 22:4, Matthew 5:8
Commentary