The concept of *parousia* (Greek for "presence") is a central theme in many Gnostic texts, and particularly in the *Gospel of the Egyptians* and the *Apocalypse of Adam*. In these works, the three *parousias* are described as significant events in history that purify and cleanse humanity. Each of these three visits by a savior figure corresponds to a historical catastrophe and is understood as a means of spiritual purification for the "Elect," those chosen for salvation. These *parousias* are related to a broader cosmological framework that includes a series of "aeons" or ages in which humanity is guided through different stages of spiritual development.
### The Three Parousias
The three parousias are referred to as the Flood, the Conflagration, and the Judgment of the Archons, powers, and authorities. Each of these corresponds to a historical event that serves both as a purification and a test for humanity. In the *Gospel of the Egyptians*, it is written:
> "He passed through the three parousias which I mentioned before: the flood, and the conflagration, and the judgment of the archons and the powers and the authorities, to save her (the race) who went astray, through the reconciliation of the world..." (Gospel of the Egyptians)
The first of these, the Flood, is described in Gnostic texts as a cataclysm that brings about the destruction of a corrupt world. The spiritual redemption of humanity is marked by the descent of a savior who brings salvation to the Elect. This savior figure is often portrayed as the Logos incarnate, as seen in the *Gospel of the Egyptians*:
> "...the baptism through a Logos-begotten body which the great Seth prepared for himself secretly through the virgin, in order that the saints may be begotten by the holy Spirit, through invisible, secret symbols..." (Gospel of the Egyptians)
This process of spiritual rebirth is seen as essential for the salvation of humanity, which must pass through a purging or cleansing, symbolized by water and the flood.
The second parousia, the Conflagration, is described as a fiery cleansing that follows the flood. In the Gnostic cosmology, fire represents the element of destruction and purification. In *On the Origin of the World*, we are told:
> "There are [...] three men, and also his posterities, unto the consummation of the world: the spirit-endowed of eternity (i.e., pneumatic), and the soul-endowed (i.e., psychic), and the earthly (i.e., hylic)... Likewise, the three phoenixes in Paradise—the first is immortal; the second lives 1,000 years; as for the third, it is written in the Sacred Book that it is consumed. So, too, there are three baptisms—the first is the spiritual, the second is by fire, the third is by water." (Origin of the World)
This passage highlights the role of fire as both a purifying and transformative force. The fiery baptism is said to refine and separate those who are spiritually prepared from those who are not. The third parousia, therefore, becomes a final trial for humanity, involving the judgment of the powers that have governed the world.
### The Third Parousia: Judgment and Salvation
The third parousia is the most dramatic and involves the judgment of the Archons—the ruling powers that control the material world. In the *Apocalypse of Adam*, it is written:
> "Once again, for the third time, the illuminator of knowledge will pass by in great glory, in order to leave (something) of the seed of Noah and the sons of Ham and Japheth... And he will perform signs and wonders in order to scorn the powers and their ruler." (Apocalypse of Adam)
This "illuminator of knowledge" is a divine figure who comes to reveal the truth, perform miracles, and challenge the authority of the Archons. The Archons, disturbed by this figure’s power, will seek to punish him. However, the savior figure will remain untouched, and the Elect will receive salvation. As the text continues:
> "...the god of the powers will be disturbed, saying, ‘What is the power of this man who is higher than we?’ Then he will arouse a great wrath against that man. And the glory will withdraw and dwell in holy houses which it has chosen for itself. And the powers will not see it with their eyes, nor will they see the illuminator either. Then they will punish the flesh of the man upon whom the holy spirit came." (Apocalypse of Adam)
Thus, the third parousia culminates in the final redemption of the Elect and the defeat of the forces of ignorance and corruption. It is a manifestation of divine justice, where the powers of the world are overthrown and the Elect are made free from the influence of the material world.
### The Consummation of the Parousias
The culmination of the three parousias is referred to as the "consummation." In Gnostic texts, this marks the completion of the cosmic drama, where the world is fully reconciled with the divine. The Elect, having passed through the purging fire and water, will be fully purified and united with the divine. This final stage is the realization of spiritual enlightenment and the return to the original state of grace.
In the *Gospel of the Egyptians*, the consummation is associated with the return to a state of purity and incorruptibility. The savior figure, in this case, the Logos-begotten body of Jesus, becomes the vehicle through which humanity is redeemed, bringing them into communion with the divine light of the Father.
> "...he nailed the powers of the thirteen aeons, and established those who are brought forth and taken away. He armed them with an armor of knowledge of this truth, with an unconquerable power of incorruptibility." (Gospel of the Egyptians)
This passage underscores the victory of the divine over the powers of the material world and the ultimate salvation of those who are initiated into the secret knowledge of the divine.
### Conclusion
The three parousias—Flood, Conflagration, and Judgment—serve as pivotal moments in Gnostic eschatology. Each one represents a purification that the Elect must pass through to achieve spiritual salvation. These parousias are not merely historical events but are also symbolic of the inner transformation required to achieve enlightenment. Through the intervention of the Logos, the powers of the material world are overcome, and the divine order is restored. The culmination of these events in the consummation signifies the return of humanity to its original, divine state, free from the corruption of the material world.
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