The term “parousia” refers to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It is derived from a Greek word that means “coming” or “arrival.” The Parousia is when Jesus will return to earth in glory and power to judge the living and the dead. This event is one of the central teachings of Christianity and is mentioned in various places throughout the New Testament.
The Parousia is distinct from Christ’s first coming, when He was incarnated as a human being and gave His life on the cross for the sins of the world. At the Parousia, Jesus will return bodily and visibly, but in a glorified state. His return will mark the consummation of God’s kingdom and the final triumph over evil.
There are many names and titles used in Scripture to describe this climactic event. It is called the “Day of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), the “day of God” (2 Peter 3:12), and the “great day” (Jude 1:6). Jesus Himself referred to it as the “coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37). The Apostle Paul called it the “day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8). Regardless of the terminology, they all point to the same glorious event.
The exact timing of the Parousia is unknown. Jesus stated that no one knows the day or hour it will occur, not even Himself or the angels in heaven (Matthew 24:36). Many passages indicate that it will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, like “a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). For this reason, Christians are instructed to be ready at all times for Christ’s return.
There are many signs that will precede the Parousia. Jesus spoke about wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution of believers as birth pains that will increase before the end (Matthew 24:7-8). The gospel will be preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14). There will be a great apostasy as people fall away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3). These and other signs indicate the approaching Parousia.
At the Parousia, the dead in Christ will be resurrected and believers who are alive will be transformed. Their mortal bodies will become incorruptible and immortal (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). The bodies of unbelievers will also be resurrected to face judgment (John 5:29; Acts 24:15).
Jesus will descend from heaven with power and glory, accompanied by the angels and the saints (Matthew 24:30-31; 1 Thessalonians 3:13). The trumpet will sound and He will gather His elect from the ends of the earth (Matthew 24:31). This ingathering is sometimes called the Rapture of the church.
Jesus will destroy the Antichrist, the false prophet, and their followers upon His return (2 Thessalonians 2:8). Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss (Revelation 20:1-3). Christ will throw the beast and the false prophet into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). This defeat of evil ushers in Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:4-6).
At the Parousia, Jesus will judge all people from all time. Believers will be rewarded according to their works (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Unbelievers will be condemned to eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). No one will escape this final judgment (Revelation 20:12-13).
The entire creation will be transformed at the Parousia. Romans 8:18-23 describes how creation is eagerly waiting for the revealing of the sons of God when it will be set free from decay and brought into glory. 2 Peter 3:10-13 points to the coming cosmic regeneration that accompanies Christ’s return.
The Parousia marks a key turning point in redemptive history. It brings to completion God’s saving work through Jesus. His enemies are vanquished, and death – the last enemy – is destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). The age to come is fully realized as God dwells with man on the new earth (Revelation 21:1-5).
In summary, the Parousia refers to the Second Coming of Christ when He will return bodily, gloriously, and powerfully to consummate His kingdom. It will be accompanied by the resurrection and final judgment, the defeat of evil, and the regeneration of creation. This climactic event is the blessed hope for believers and has shaped the faith and mission of the church throughout the ages as Christians live in readiness for Christ’s return.
The doctrine of the Parousia is based on many Scriptural passages. Here is a sampling of key verses:
- “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
- “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
- “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
- “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.” (Revelation 1:7)
- “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)
- “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.” (Matthew 25:31)
- “God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
- “He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28)
The Parousia was a common theme in the teachings of Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and others inspired writers. It has given hope to believers for centuries that the best is yet to come when Christ returns to make all things new. This glorious truth should inspire Christians to live godly lives in holiness and service as they watch and wait for their Savior’s return.
While the timing remains a mystery, Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus Christ will visibly and bodily come again to consummate His eternal kingdom. The Parousia will be the triumphal culmination of His redemptive work throughout history. Therefore, Christians must be ready at all times for the glorious appearing of the Lord and Savior, who will one day return just as He promised.
