Parousia

A Greek word meaning “presence” or “arrival,” parousia is often translated as “second coming.” It is part of the area of theology called eschatology, the study of the last things or ultimate end of creation. The parousia is understood as the completion of God's gift of salvation, which will not take place until Jesus' return to earth. Jesus' parousia or second coming refers to his return to earth at a future time when he will act as judge. Jesus' second coming is the completion of history, when evil will cease to exist and God's purposes for creation will be fulfilled. The parousia is also related to the “new age” which Jesus' return will initiate or bring to its highest level.