“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six (666).”
Revelation 13:16-18
In late January 2017, I published one of my very first posts on this website titled The Mark of the Beast in which I tried to explain the “selling points” which could be given to all people in the world to convince them why they SHOULD take the coming Mark of the Beast (the antichrist). Of course, as the Bible says, without the mark you WILL NOT be able to buy or sell anything regardless of your status: small or great, rich or poor, free or slave. Interestingly, it does not say only with the cash of the anti-christ will you be able to buy or sell. Instead, it says you will need his “mark” to buy or sell. In reviewing that post a few things now come to mind with the recent turmoil with FTX, bitcoin and other crypto currencies which strengthens my belief the bitcoin, or some other cryptocurrency, may still be the global “currency” of the future.
First of all, if you are like me, you may not fully understand what the bitcoin is or perhaps its potential role in future end time prophecies. An interesting article in the November 30, 2017, Wall Street Journal calls it “…a stateless digital currency…” Take just a moment to let that sink in. It is 1.) a currency that does not belong to any single nation, and 2.) it is digital, meaning it is not a coin or piece of paper. Its value is in the “cloud” and can only be accessed electronically. It is also referred to as cryptocurrency meaning it is only online, not in your physical possession. This means you won’t be able to throw down a couple of dollar bills or euros for a cup of Starbucks coffee. Rather, it means you would place a debit for your purchase against your internet holdings of bitcoins using your MARK in a quick and anonymous transaction. This ability did not exist only a few years ago! When you realize both the smart phone AND the bitcoin are less than 15 years old, the distinct possibility of Biblical prophecies regarding the Mark of the Beast being fulfilled in our lifetime are very real.
What then is bitcoin? Bitcoin was “invented” in 2009 by an individual using the fake name of Satoshi Nakamoto and sold as an anonymous, more secure, ONLINE alternative to cash so you would not need to use a bank. Many originally assumed it would be used for shady transactions with no ability to “follow the money.” Their assumption also was it would cut transaction costs, but because so few businesses today accept bitcoin, the approval process can take days to go through. With that said, a number of commodity traders are now planning in 2018 to allow the public to trade for bitcoins in the same manner today they trade for gold, silver, euros, pesos, dollars, etc. Once that happens (and as of 2022 it now has!), the bitcoin will be more accepted as a valid form of currency. Having done a fair amount of international travels during my career, I can tell you that converting dollars to euros, pesos, etc. can be time consuming and costly. What if you had a single international currency regardless of where you are which is accepted for its stated value? And, if its transfer was only done electronically, think how much simpler it would be. That will be the future of a global currency!
Still confused? Think of it another way. If you travel and earn frequent flyer airline miles or frequent “stayer” points at hotels, you know you have an account with points in it with which you can use to fly or stay for free, regardless of where you travel. A hotel in NYC might cost 10,000 points per night, the same as a hotel in Paris or Beijing. The airline points to fly to those cities are available to use, regardless of where you go. By themselves they are not linked to any currency. In these examples, think of bitcoin like these points you have earned. Now, what is the financial value of these points other than what you can use them for? Can you hold in the palms of your hands these “points” or are they on an app on your phone? Do you trust the points will be there for your future use?
To make this prophecy come true a few things need to happen. First, the currency of the antichrist (bitcoin?) will need to be accepted globally. Secondly, national currencies will not be usable any longer. Third, all bank accounts, debt, payroll, etc. will be converted to the bitcoin. To bring it home, if you make $30,000 a year and have $2,000 in your bank after conversion your payroll may be 30,000 bitcoins and you will have 2,000 bitcoins in your savings. Will that make a difference in your daily life if you now use bitcoins instead of dollars? Of course not! Finally, this conversion will eliminate the currency fluctuation that occurs today around the world when the American dollar, European euro of Chinese yuan goes up or down. Since non-believers will all be using the SAME currency, it WILL NOT be affected by other now non-existent currencies. ATTENTION! The Bible specifically warns us all to NOT take the Mark of the Beast. “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived THEM THAT HAD RECEIVED THE MARK OF THE BEAST (capitals mine), and them that had worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” – Revelation 19:20.
If you are concerned that without the Mark of the Beast you will not be able to buy or sell anything (including food, water or clothing) and worry how you could survive, please take comfort in God’s Promise to those who refuse to take the Mark of the Beast:
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:31-33
Isn’t it comforting to know that God has given us the pre-knowledge of End Time events, what will happen, and how He will provide and take care of us in this time of Tribulation? Those who do not know or who elect still to worship the Beast and take his Mark will suffer for eternity while we will enjoy the everlasting ability to be in the presence of Jesus. If that is not comforting, I don’t know what is! If you are also comforted by God’s Word, please remember we are ALL asked to “…therefore comfort one another with these words.” Helping to get this message out to more and more please Like and/or Share on Facebook and/or LinkedIn.
May God continue to Bless You!
Wow, thank you for that clarification. I am comforted knowing that God is truly in control no matter what.
That’s so correct! I have a feeling we will be seeing each other again soon!
Spot on Brother! Keep the faith!!
It is somewhat difficult to wrap my mind around the bitcoin concept. Thank you for your explanation. It has certainly helped.