Seeing the Face of God, By Robert Rosskopf

The following scripture in Exodus is often used to justify the belief that no man can see God.

"And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."
(Exodus 33:20)

We know that this was a temporary condition, because God has appeared to many people, including Moses himself, and they did not die.  Moses is mentioned several times as talking to God face to face.  

"And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, "
(Deuteronomy 34:10)

According to this verse in Numbers, it wasn't just a figure of speech.

"With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? "
(Numbers 12:8)

Moses wasn't the only one to see God.
In Exodus 24:9-11 seventy four people saw God.
Exodus 19:11 suggests that not everyone dies - just some.

In Genesis 32:30, it says: "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. " Apparently he was afraid of dieing too.
Moses was fearful of seeing the face of God at first, but he apparently overcame his fear.

Solomon saw God twice.

"And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, "
(1Kings 11:9)

Isaiah also saw God Isaiah 6:5

"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. "

Several other prophets have seen God, and there is one case where a couple saw God and worried that they would die (Judges 13:22).  Apparently the idea is pervasive, although incorrect.  In Psalms 27:8 the Lord commands us to seek his face.  Jesus taught that the pure in heart would see God.

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. " (Matthew 5:8)

Stephen saw Jesus on the right hand of God. (Acts 7:56)

Jesus taught that we should get to know God, that we might have everlasting life.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)