Parousia, in the Bible, refers to the “second coming” or the anticipated return of Jesus Christ to Earth, as described in various New Testament passages, notably in Matthew 24:27 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. It signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore and judge the world.
Scripture
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Definition of Parousia in Scripture
The term “Parousia” encapsulates the momentous event of Christ’s return, which is a central theme throughout the New Testament and carries profound theological implications. In Matthew 24:27, Jesus describes His coming as being unmistakable, comparing it to lightning that illuminates the sky, indicating that the Parousia will be a globally recognized event. This event signifies not only the restoration of creation but also a divine judgment, as suggested in Matthew 25:31-32, where Christ gathers the nations to separate the righteous from the wicked. The Parousia serves as a promise of hope for believers, assuring them that God’s plan for salvation and justice will ultimately be fulfilled.
Additionally, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 elaborates on the nature of this return, revealing that it will be characterized by the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the transformation of the living believers. This passage provides comfort to the faithful, emphasizing that the Parousia is not just about judgment but also about reunion and restoration. Thus, the broader meaning of Parousia encompasses not only the anticipation of Christ’s return but also the assurance of God’s eternal kingdom, reflecting a cosmic resolution to the human experience of suffering, sin, and separation from God. In essence, it serves as a pivotal point in Christian eschatology, marking the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the beginning of a new creation.
The concept of Parousia is further explored in the Apostle Paul’s letters, where he often emphasizes the transformational aspect of Christ’s return. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Paul reassures the afflicted church that the Lord’s coming will bring relief to believers while executing justice upon those who do not know God. This dual aspect highlights the Parousia as not merely a moment of divine intervention but also as a pivotal moment of vindication for the faithful. The anticipated manifestations of Christ’s power and glory promise a cosmic reckoning that extends far beyond individual lives, signaling the establishment of a new order ordained by divine authority.
Moreover, the Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the Parousia, portraying Christ’s return as a dramatic confrontation that culminates in the final battle between good and evil. Revelation 19:11-16 depicts Christ as a conquering warrior, reinforcing the idea of His authority and sovereignty in bringing about ultimate justice. This imagery lifts the understanding of Parousia beyond a singular event to an epochal transformation that brings about a renewed heavens and earth (Revelation 21:1), thereby embodying the hope that God’s presence will dwell with humanity once more, restoring harmony and communion. Consequently, the Parousia encapsulates not only the fulfillment of prophetic promises but also the profound themes of restoration, transformation, and communal reconciliation as believers eagerly await the culmination of God’s redemptive history.
The Second Coming of Christ
The term “Parousia” is primarily understood as the “coming” or “presence” of Christ, particularly in the context of His return to Earth. This event is anticipated as a time when Jesus will return in glory to fulfill the promises made to His followers, bringing about the final judgment and the establishment of God’s kingdom. The Parousia signifies not only the physical return of Christ but also the culmination of history and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
The Assurance of Hope for Believers
Parousia also embodies the hope and assurance that believers have regarding their future. It serves as a reminder that despite present trials and tribulations, there is a promise of ultimate restoration and eternal life. This hope encourages Christians to live righteously and remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their efforts will be rewarded when Christ returns. The Parousia thus acts as a motivational force for ethical living and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Call to Vigilance and Preparedness
The concept of Parousia carries with it a call to vigilance and preparedness among believers. The anticipation of Christ’s return encourages individuals to remain spiritually alert and engaged in their faith. This readiness is not merely about waiting passively but involves active participation in the life of the church, service to others, and personal spiritual growth. The Parousia serves as a reminder that the timing of Christ’s return is unknown, prompting believers to live each day with purpose and intentionality.
How to Prepare Spiritually for Christ’s Return
Preparing spiritually for Christ’s return is a deeply personal journey that invites us to cultivate a heart of readiness and anticipation. Start by immersing yourself in prayer and scripture, allowing God’s Word to guide your thoughts and actions. Reflect on passages like Matthew 24:42, which reminds us to “keep watch,” and consider what that means in your daily life. Engage in self-examination, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you may need to grow or change. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you in your faith. Finally, practice acts of love and service, embodying the teachings of Christ in your interactions with others. Remember, it’s not just about waiting; it’s about living out your faith actively, so when He returns, you can stand confidently in His presence, knowing you’ve done your part to reflect His love in the world.
Bible References to the Definition of Parousia:
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17: 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-8: Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers,
2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.
4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
1 Corinthians 15:22-28: 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.
28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
Philippians 3:20-21: 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
2 Peter 3:3-10: 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Revelation 1:7-8: 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 19:11-16: 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.
13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.
14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.
15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Acts 1:9-11: 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
John 14:1-3: 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.