We are living in the time of the Parousia, the time of His presence where Jesus will appear to us. We are going to see ever-increasing manifestations of Jesus to His people.
This term PAROUSIA has virtually always been used exclusively in reference to the second coming of the Lord. IT DOES REFER TO THAT EVENT. BUT! NOT JUST TO THAT EVENT
The word: PAROUSIA Is a Greek word, which means Presence.
In the King James Version it is translated 22 times as coming and just 2 times as presence, which is misleading. The word is mainly translated as presence and secondly coming.
The word Parousia also has the meaning of a visit.
Special preparations had to be made for these visits.
The word is used in … I Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
It means a literal person’s presence. It is used in 2 Peter 3:4 for the coming of the Lord
II Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? (Parousia) for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.
In 2 Thessalonians, It is used for the coming of the Antichrist.
Thessalonians 2:9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
It does not just refer to the Second Coming of Jesus.
It refers to a number of different things
The Parousia is a special time during the last days, when the presence of the Lord will come in special ways. He will begin to appear to His people, and in His people.
The similitude of the Lord will be seen in the time of His Presence.
WE HAVE NOW ENTERED THIS PERIOD OF TIME.
There are going to be ever increasing appearances of Jesus to His people
The book of Revelation is regarded as a book of end -time events, and it is.
In the classic or Hellenistic Greek it was a technical word used for the visit of an important person.
Jesus will come to His people before He comes for them
But we must not forget the word “revelation” is the Greek word apoklupsis. Which means to unveil, Uncover , Appear.
He will begin to be revealed, uncovered, and unveiled.
When Jesus left this earth he left with a final statement, which is very significant
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
HE WILL COME IN LIKE MANNER. WHAT DID HE MEAN?
He was not just referring to his mode of departure, slowly ascending into the heavens. He is not coming back that way.
After His death and prior to His ascension into heaven, Jesus appeared to the disciples and others at least 12 times
On the road to Emmaus Luke 24:15
To Mary Magdalene Mk 16:9,
The 11 apostles John 20:20.
He appeared to 500 people at one time.
I Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:
I Corinthians 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
I Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
I Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
We see a Phenomenon taking place just before Jesus left. He began appearing to many people.
We can expect this to happen to individuals, groups and whole churches
IT’S PART OF THE PREPARATION TO PREPARE THE BRIDE
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
THIS IS NOT REFERRING TO THE SECOND COMING. It is referring to Jesus being manifested in us.
I John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
This is not referring to the second coming but Jesus being manifested to us and our becoming like Him.
HE WILL BEGIN TO APPEAR IN THE PAROUSIA
So we see that Jesus is going to appear like never before to His people in these end-times.
IN PERSON, VISIONS, DREAMS.
HE IS ALSO GOING TO APPEAR IN HIS PEOPLE
II Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming (PAROUSIA) of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
II Peter 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
II Peter 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. WHAT MOUNT? THE MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION- MAT 17
During the unfolding of the events of the book of Revelation, Jesus will be manifest like never before. Jesus will begin to appear to His people like never before
IN THE SAME MANNER IN WHICH HE LEFT HE WILL COME AGAIN, WITH MANY PRIOR APPEARANCES.
STEPHEN … Acts 6:15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
II Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
I John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
TRANSFIGURATION – JESUS WILL APPEAR IN HIS PEOPLE
We will see the person’s face shining, and when they speak it will be Jesus speaking. The similitude of the Lord will be upon them.
So, we see Jesus will:
1. APPEAR IN PERSON
2. APPEAR IN HIS PEOPLE
BEFORE HIS FINAL SECOND COMING
There will be a time, a period when Jesus will appear to His people. These appearances will increase at a rapid pace, and will be a build up to the literal coming of the Lord