The Parousia is a theological concept that comes from the Greek word parousia meaning "coming" or "presence." In the study of Bible prophecy, the term Parousia is used in reference to the Coming of Jesus Christ.
The Parousia refers to the coming or presence of Jesus Christ, specifically in the context of Bible prophecy. The New Testament describes two aspects of Christ’s coming: the rapture, where Jesus comes in the clouds to take believers to be with Him, and the second coming, where He returns to earth in victory after the tribulation. The rapture can happen at any moment. Believers will be taken, and then the tribulation will come. Subsequently, the second coming will occur, followed by Christ establishing his reign on earth. These two events have distinct characteristics, and understanding their differences helps clarify biblical prophecy. The Parousia is a key concept in eschatology, requiring careful distinction between the rapture and Christ’s final return.
The Bible speaks of two different "comings" of Jesus Christ. Some believe Christ will return only once, at the end of the seven-year tribulation. However, a study of the passages that refer to Christ's coming note many differences between the rapture and the second coming of Christ. Most notably, at the rapture Jesus will come on the clouds to take His people to be with Him. This will take place at any moment and before the seven-year tribulation period. At His second coming, Jesus will come down to earth with His people to defeat His enemies and begin His reign in Jerusalem for the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:1-7). The following (adapted from www.pre-trib.org/data/pdf/Ice-DifferencesBetweenTheRapt.pdf ) highlights many of these key differences:
RAPTURE
•Translation of all believers
•Translated saints go to heaven
•Earth not judged
•Imminent, any-moment
•Not in the Old Testament
•Believers only
•Before the day of wrath
•No reference to Satan
•Jesus comes in the air
•Jesus claims His bride (the Church)
•Only His own see Jesus
•Tribulation begins
SECOND COMING
•No translation
•Previously translated saints return to earth
•Earth judged and righteousness established
•Follows definite predicted signs, including tribulation
•Predicted often in Old Testament
•All people impacted
•Concluding the day of wrath
•Satan bound
•Jesus comes to the earth
•Jesus comes with His bride (the Church)
•Every eye will see Jesus
•Millennial Kingdom begins
The Parousia is an essential part of the study of biblical prophecy. But any discussion of it should distinguish between the rapture and the return of Christ.