Expert: Brenda Martin - 12/12/2006

Question
Brenda,

Since you are a "bible only" sect.  Please show me where scripture says that Jesus' parousia is to be an invisible one?

Answer
"JESUS' PAROUSIA AN INVISIBLE ONE?"

The first-century Bible writers make a distinction between his COMING and his PRESENCE. Christ Jesus’ presence in kingly power would be felt and recognized many years before his “coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30) Christ’s invisible presence (Greek, pa•rou•si´a) would precede this coming (Greek, er´kho•mai) to execute judgment against a rebellious and wicked generation.

As recorded at Matthew 24:3, the apostles asked: “Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” In his answer,Jesus gave the disciples a sign that would be "visible proof of his invisible presence" in Kingdom power.

This is in keeping with Jesus’ statement at—

John 14:19: “A little longer and the world will (behold me no more)” Since he would not be physically visible, he gave a sign that would indicate his return and invisible presence as Jehovah’s reigning King.

If anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. Look! I have forewarned you.” (Matt. 24:23-25) This indicates that Christ’s presence will not be visible at this or at that geographical location.

“Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, that he might lead you to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit.” (1 Pet. 3:18)

The apostle Paul adds to the testimony, saying: “Consequently from now on we know no man according to the flesh. Even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, certainly we now know him so no more.”—2 Cor. 5:16.

“Christ Jesus is the one who died, yes, rather the one who was raised up from the dead, who is on the right hand of God, who also pleads for us.” Mankind would gain nothing if Christ were to abandon that position in order to appear in the flesh on earth.—Rom. 8:34.

Jehovah’s Witnesses btw are not a “sect”; we are not an offshoot of some church but include persons from all walks of life and from many religious backgrounds. We do not look to any human, but rather to Jesus Christ, as our leader.

All the best
Brenda