“Parousia” means “presence.” It may mean “presence after absence,” “arrival” but not “return.” Christ is coming close to His own and abiding with us.

Often, “parousia” is given a theological meaning rather than a literal meaning. The reason for not wanting to understand the Bible as it is written is to uphold certain theological ideas. In the context of a popular theology, “parousia” is claimed to mean “returning.” Christ will return, but changing the meaning of the word “parousia” changes two things. It changes the nature of Christ’s return. It also changes that nature of our relationship to Christ before His return. Unfortunately, those theologies that change the meaning of “parousia” are popular and taught in many churches. These theologies say that Christ may return at any moment. Most of them don’t teach you how to grow in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit for fully form Christ in you and die to the fleshly nature.

However, there is no reason not to use the literal meaning other than the fact that it wouldn’t support theological ideas that say, “It’s all about getting born again and not about growing to the fullness of Christ. In regard to Christ, “parousia” means His coming to His saints right now. Those who aren’t concerned about Christ coming to His body in the present won’t be ready when He returns for His body in the future.