Genesis 18:1 ASV, Genesis 18:3-5 ASV, Genesis 18:22-23 ASV and Exodus 33:20-23 ASV

20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live."21 The Lord continued, "Look, stand near me on this rock.22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.23 Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen."

In Genesis 18 God speaks to Abraham face to face. How is this possible if no man may see God and live? Joseph's name was changed to Israel because he wrestled with God and prevailed. How is this possible if no man may see God and live? There are several other theophanies throughout scripture but these verses should suffice enough to prove my point. There are several instances in scripture where God manifests Himself to man and speaks to them face to face, but God also says, "no man may see God and live." This must be a contradiction. That is why Christians adopt the concept that God is a trinity composed of 3 distinct person with one essence: God. It is accepted by Christians that it was the Father who was speaking to Moses and when He revealed Himself to Moses was careful to not show His face lest Moses die because his sin cannot exist before absolute holiness. All the other examples of God speaking to man face to face throughout the scripture is attributed to the Son Jesus Christ.

"In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and it was with God."