“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming [presence] of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:27

Twenty-five hundred years ago God foretold through Daniel’s prophecy that in the time of the end knowledge would be increased. Not only do we see this increase of knowledge in earthly things, we also see it in spiritual things. God’s plan was hidden from the world for hundreds of years—until our Lord returned in 1874.

Since that time the truth of God’s word, the Bible, has become available to thousands of people. Ideas and myths that had been prevalent throughout the Middle Ages could not stand in the light of truth. An enlightenment of minds to spiritual things started and is still going on.

The lightning referred to in Matthew 24:27 is from the Greek word astrape, which can be translated bright-shining. Since lightning actually gives little light, the reference is to the sun which floods the earth with light as it progresses from east to west. So the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus Christ, will shine into all corners of the world, bringing to light the hidden things of darkness and revealing the truth on every subject!

When children are born into a world of television, computers, jet planes, and space exploration, it is hard for them to realize their grandparents when they were young knew nothing of those inventions. Looking back at the way things were done in the past, we quickly realize we are, indeed, in the time of increased knowledge, and the time of the end (the end of the present age of evil).

Not only has the industrial age changed life on earth, but nature is also experiencing changes which will prepare the earth for habitation in areas never before possible. Major earthquakes, storms, and floods all contribute to these changes. In due time the curse will be removed and the blessings of God will flow to everyone. Isaiah 35:1; 45:18; 65:17, 21, 22

The Bible tells of the coming glory of earth; it will become a wonderful paradise. This will fulfill God’s plan for all mankind and bring blessings beyond what we can imagine. The earth is God’s footstool and he will make his footstool glorious! Isaiah 60:13; 66:1; Acts 7:49

In the time of the end knowledge would increase.