Theologians refer to the Second Coming of Jesus as the Parousia, a Greek term with rich associations in first century culture referring to “presence” or “coming”. In the secular world it was used of the visit to a city by a person with royal status, like the emperor. When such a dignity visited a location, a reckoning took place of how the locals had been faithful to their civic responsibilities.
This reality dominates the New Testament expectations of the Return of the Lord. For example, Jesus said, “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,” (Matthew chapter 12 verse 36). Such a vision is enshrined in the words of the Apostles’ Creed, “who will come again to judge the living and the dead.”
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