The Place of Digital Currency in Bible Prophecy

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The world is moving towards a cashless society. Central banks in many countries around the world are already experimenting with the digital version of their national currency in preparation for an eventual switch to a digital form of transaction. China is leading the rest of the world in its push towards a cashless society. It recently launched a digital yuan (not a cryptocurrency) and about 3,000 merchants participated including Walmart.  

Digital currencies are legal tenders that retain the same features as other currencies but do not have physical form – coins, bank notes. They have progressively gained attention with the seeming success of decentralized cryptocurrencies. Digital currencies allow for instantaneous transactions without the physical handling challenges or cost of cash-based transactions. They may have a centralized or decentralized ledger-based system depending on implementation.

Currently, the decentralized system, where there is no central point of control is being popularized by cryptocurrencies. However, national, and regional banks are evaluating the use of a digital currencies with control domiciled with each central bank. The regulatory framework for digital currencies remains one major huddle but there is a will and the technology for making it happen is already available and advancing. Evidently, the world is heading towards a cashless society. But who will control the systems once they are in place?

How does this fit into bible prophecy?

National digital currencies do have advantages if implemented. It offers cheap seamless transactions. It should be easier for individuals and businesses to conduct transactions. Economies could become more integrated and better organized with a single currency. And it is a brilliant idea whose time seem to have arrived especially with current health concerns regarding COVID-19 among other competing concerns.

Nevertheless, the Bible in Revelations 13:17, says that none will buy or sell without a mark specifically on the right palm or on the forehead during the time of the Anti-Christ. Certainly, the specific words “digital currency” or “currency” was not mentioned in the Bible passage. However, it is not difficult to extrapolate how a centralized global digital currency could easily transform into a mark or chip that carries individual transaction information and eventually become a legal tender. Still in doubt?  It is noteworthy that Amazon recently launched Amazon One, a contactless payment system that allows shoppers to use the unique signature of there palm to shop at any of their stores or affiliate shops. While not a digital currency, this is an example of how technology aims to unify humans with legal tenders. The need for greater security and privacy of the palm features of individuals registered in this system for example will for the arguments for greater integration using chip-based technology. Swedes started testing the use of chip-based implants instead of cash transactions since 2018.

What can we do as Christians?

As Christians, we are asked to do two major things until the coming of the Lord; evangelize (Matthew 28:19) and pray (Luke 18:1). Through intercessory prayer we align ourselves and the world with the will of God. Through our personal and cooperate evangelical efforts we ensure that the message of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ is preached all over the world as a witness. There are specific timelines and milestones in Bible prophecy and though we may not know the day nor the hour, the coming of the Lord is increasingly nearer than ever.   World events and technologies required for a one world government and economy are gradually fallen into place. But we should not be afraid, we should be bold in our readiness for the coming of the Lord as we preach the gospel and pray for the will of God be done in our time.

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