The fear that many people have with a cashless society is that the government or the Anti-Christ will be able to limit one’s ability to be able to buy or sell, since a merchant must get payment approval from the issuing bank or financial institution. Whereas with cash, one is able to conduct business and procure services without anyone knowing what has happened. In recent months, the idea of a cashless society has gained more momentum due to several reasons.
One, the Bible speaks of an end-time scenario in which the beast power “causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their 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.” (Revelation 13:16, 17). Clearly, a day will come in which humanity will not be able to participate in commerce unless they receive a mark.
Second, Revelation 17 & 18 speak of Mystery Babylon ruling the nations and controlling the merchants of the earth through the abundance of her delicacies. In order for them to continue to profit, they go along with her demands and use their muscle to enforce her policies. As such she will lead a grand rebellion against the Lamb and his followers.
Third, the ten kings of Revelation 17 are viewed as representing the New World Order, the Illumanti, etc. The nations of the Earth will surrender their empire (sovereignty) to Babylon! Once again, she will control the monetary supply.
What many fail to consider is that money is not needed to conduct business. In fact, US dollars, etc. are excepted as a medium of exchange but anything could be used as a medium of tender (assuming both parties agree). Hence, you have bartering systems, black markets, etc. As such, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers bartering a form of revenue and something that must be reported as taxable income1. Additionally, the US has been in a “hybrid” digital economy for a number of years. As a child, I remember that many credit card transactions were done through carbon copies and checks were not run through a funds verification system. Today, we operate in a digital space.
It is important to remember that Revelation is not a warning of digital currency/banking. Rather, it is warning against individuals receiving the mark so that they may be able to buy and sell instead of remaining steadfast in their allegiance to the Lamb. The mark is associated with forced worship (see Revelation 13). Any monetary “system” can be used to control; therefore a digital one or cashless society is not intrinsic for an end-time scenario nor is it a fulfillment of prophecy. Consider that Ezekiel (7:19) states that men will cast their silver and gold in the streets in the day of the Lord. Why silver and gold if one is “cashless”? The emphasis is that finances will not save – only Christ can.
1. Internal Revenue Service. “Topic No. 420 Bartering Income.” https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc420 Accessed May 1, 2022.
Prophetic Insights 