Being Careful About the "Nobody Has Seen Jesus' Face" Statement

I have noticed how some born again Christian fundamentalists who have spent useless time debating with Catholic faith defenders (neither side wins most of the time actually and the CFDs win in their camp, the IFBs win in their camp so there's no real winner after all) are actually also having the face of Jesus argument.  In fact, when responding to why no graven images of Jesus were to be made for the purpose of worship, some have actually foolishly said, "Well nobody has seen the face of Jesus!" which is wrong for the following reasons:
  • In the Old Testament, Jesus had appeared as the Angel of the Covenant and two as the Captain of the LORD's Host which they have seen His face.
  • In the New Testament, the apostles have seen the face of Jesus and so do the people around Him during His earthly ministry.

So what would have been done to refute the idolatry of making images to portray Jesus?  Here's the much better approach to the argument that some Christians failed to consider because they spent too much time debating and besides, I can't even approve of a pastor who's acting most Catholic Faith Defenders in terms of ministry:
  • Quote Exodus 20:4-5 that no graven image was to be made for worship.  Because to worship Jesus through any graven image is utter heresy as seen in that verse.
  • Quote John 4:24 that Jesus commanded God must be worshiped in Spirit and in Truth.  Since Jesus is God, He must be worshiped in Spirit that is no graven image can replace him.
  • Quote Acts 17:23-29 where the Apostle Paul rebuked the notion of trying to worship God through a graven image is foolishness. That again defeats the classic argument of people not worshiping the image but the one portrayed by it.

Also concerning how to debunk the claims to seeing the face of Jesus, here's a much better way to question the claim than the "nobody has seen the face of Jesus argument" because that would negate the people in the earthly ministry of Jesus.  Instead of saying, "Where is it in the Scripture that says if you see the face of Jesus, you are saved, you can't show me that verse." which is a false dilemma, one can say this, "If you think you have seen the face of Jesus, then are you sure you really know His promises concerning salvation?" and try to ask the person what he or she believes then point out to Scriptures like if there's any "alleged message", examine the message then test it to the Bible.

Remember, we're only here to share the truth, not to debate it.  The truth will defend itself once it's proclaimed.