There is a Greek word we need to examine closely when we study the doctrine called “the rapture” as that word is often spotlighted by the “rapture” teachers as definitely showing Jesus Christ’s return is going to be invisible to all but the truly redeemed. That word is the Greek word parousia (pronounced par-oo-SEE’-ah), meaning “advent, return, or presence.” This same Greek word is found in I Corinthians 16:17; 2 Corinthians 7:6 and Philippians 1:26. Here are those verses: “Paul writes, “I am glad of the coming (parousia) of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.” (I Corinthians 16:17). These three Christians did not appear in Ephesus (from where Paul wrote the Corinthian letter) invisibly, yet Paul said he was glad of their parousia, or coming. Paul uses the word parousia again in 2 Corinthians 7:6, writing, “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming (parousia) of Titus.” Did Titus come to Paul invisibly? Of course not. Neither will Jesus return in two phases, His first appearance being invisible, His second appearance visible to every eye! And once more in Philippians 1:26, Paul speaks of his visiting the believers at Philippi as his “coming (parousia) to you again.”
Nothing in Matthew 24:3 or 27 implies that Jesus’ return is in two phases or that His presence in the clouds will be invisible to anyone! In fact, verse 27 of Matthew 24 states clearly “for as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall (in like manner) also the coming (parousia) of the Son of man be.” And what light, or lightening effect, comes out of the east and shines to the west? the SUN! Jesus was not referring to the momentary flash of lightning during a storm. He was referring to the sun’s bright light as it shines in full strength as it courses across the sky from east to the westt, visible to all but the totally blind. And that brightest of lights is not visible for a split second only. It is visible for many hours, “so shall also the coming (parousia) of the Son of man be.”
Preachers have a bad habit of parroting one another. If most all ministers of their given denomination say such-and-such is the teaching of the scriptures, they generally say the same. Seminary and Bible college graduates of a Lutheran college enter the Lutheran ministry and preach Lutheran doctrine. Young Baptist preachers departing sheepskin in hand from a Baptist seminary preach Baptist doctrine, accepting a pastorate in a Baptist church. Surprise, surprise, surprise! To be continued……
Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley