Implications of the Parousia - Christian Hope and Mission

The Parousia is often understood as referring to Jesus' "second coming," but it actually designates Jesus' one appearing - His presence in the world - that occurred with the incarnation, continues through the present age, and will be consummated when He is openly and bodily revealed at the last day. This reality of Jesus' abiding presence as Lord over all has profound impact on the nature and orientation of Christian hope and how Christ's people perceive and carry out their mission in the world.