What Does the Bible Say about a One-World Currency?
There are no prophecies in the Bible that reference a one-world currency directly. However, Bible verses such as Revelation 13:16-18 lead many to infer its coming existence as one avenue by which the Antichrist will gain control. The passage describes economic restriction—no buying or selling without the “mark”—as a means of enforcing allegiance to the Antichrist and his systems. Christians differ on whether this should be read literally or symbolically. Let's look at the topic of a one-world currency and what the Bible has to say about it more closely.
Is a Global Currency Part of End-Times Prophecy?
Consider the words of the apostle John as he references the antichrist:
“Also he compels all [alike], both small and great, both the rich and the poor, both free and slave, to be marked with an inscription [stamped] on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that no one will have power to buy or sell unless he bears the stamp (mark, inscription), [that is] the name of the beast or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:16-17 APMC)
These verses may not provide an exact blueprint for how the Antichrist will employ a global economic system, but it isn’t difficult to recognize that a global currency would prove an efficient, powerful means of control.
Single currencies have dominated in the past, including Spanish silver, British sterling, and the American dollar. After World War II, 44 nations met at the Bretton Woods conference where they established the dollar as the key world currency—rejecting John Keynes' vision of a global reserve currency called bancor.
Although Keynes’ idea remained untested, China later promoted a “super-sovereign reserve currency” through the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Right in 1969. Though not a currency, this “value is based on a basket of five currencies—the US dollar, the euro, the Chinese renminbi, the Japanese yen, and the British pound sterling.”
Proponents of a one-world currency still tout its benefits. The World Economic Forum, for instance, shared that “turning the SDR into a true global currency would yield several benefits for the world’s economy and monetary system.” Not alone in its praise of a one-world currency, the United Nations “proposed a worldwide currency managed by a 'Global Reserve Bank.'”
Some Christians suspect that cryptocurrency paves the way for what many call the “beast system.” Let's look more at what the Bible says about cryptocurrency and digital currency below.
1. What Does the Bible Say about Cryptocurrency?
Even though there is no mention of cryptocurrency in the Bible, both the Old and New testaments provide wisdom and offer practical principles about money and financial management. As G. Connor Salter notes, cryptocurrency “transcends borders” and “a universal digital currency could make every transaction trackable.”
How?
Well, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are digital payment systems that operate outside of a bank’s centralized control. These encrypted transactions use blockchain technology–meaning they are recorded in an unchangeable, online database.
Interest in cryptocurrency continues to grow with many governments expressing interest in developing a similar monetary token called CBDCs.
2. What Does the Bible Say about Digital Currency?
The Bible also doesn't directly mention digital currency, but we can apply biblical principles to this subject. Scripture provides guidance on money-related issues such as to practice honest measures (Proverbs 11:1; Leviticus 19:35–36), steward resources faithfully (Luke 16:10–11), resist greed (1 Timothy 6:10), care for the poor (Proverbs 22:22–23), submit to lawful obligations like taxes (Romans 13:7), and be wary of coercive economic control that compels allegiance (Revelation 13:16–17).
Nearly 50 nations, including China, India, Russia, and Iran have launched CBDCs or central bank digital currencies. The Federal Reserve in the United States claims,“...we have been exploring the potential benefits and risks of CBDCs from a variety of angles.”
According to supporters, benefits include speed of financial transaction for all people—even those in remote locations, and less risk of inflation. Those voicing concerns warn of the centralized bank’s ability to freeze or seize assets, a reduction in credit availability due to a negative impact on local banks, and pronounced cybersecurity risks. Though the Bible doesn't mention any of these things, it is important for Christians to consider them with a biblical framework.
One World Currency and the Mark of the Beast
Signposts of a one-world currency indicate a major economic shift. Powerful governments and individuals are embracing digital monetary systems that give leaders incredible power over individual finances. Even those not invested in cryptocurrency engage in regular online purchases and payments. The swipe of a button or click of an app makes transactions simple.
If our lives or the lives of our children were at risk, how willing would we be to accept broader monetary surveillance? Let’s review recent history. The Coronavirus and its accompanying lockdowns demanded compliance. The result? Most citizens donned masks, complied with social distancing requests, and agreed to receive an untested vaccine to prevent illness and possible death.
Now, let’s consider the possibility of an event that eclipses the virus—perhaps an event like the rapture of the Church or a global financial collapse. How willing would people be to embrace a leader promising answers? Relief. Peace and safety. This is a sobering question and calls us to consider what we are potentially willing to give up for the sake of Christ.
When reading Revelation 13:16-18 did you notice that access to food and finances will be limited to those who take the Mark of the Beast. What is the mark? No one is certain, but Revelation 14:9-10 (LSB) reads, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, and he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God…”
The Greek word charagma, is translated as "a stamp, an imprinted mark" and refers to "the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist."
The Antichrist’s brand will identify those in his camp, reassuring the recipients of short-term life and eternal separation from God.
Will the Antichrist Institute a One-World Currency?
A recent article posted by The Guardian shares about technocrat, Peter Thiel’s recent lectures to sold-out audiences in San Fransisco. Thiel’s thesis? The Antichrist waits in the shadows—ready to take center stage. Thiel remarks, “The harbinger of the end of the world could already be in our midst and… things such as international agencies, environmentalism and guardrails on technology could quicken its rise.”
Is Peter Thiel right? Perhaps. But whether the antichrist steps onto the world stage next month, next year, or in one hundred years, we know he will emerge as a world leader who controls finances worldwide.
We can’t know for certain which monetary system will provide the Antichrist with the sweeping ability to monitor financial transactions worldwide, but today’s technological advances in cryptocurrency and CBDCs seem to be paving the way.
How to Stay Spiritually Ready in Uncertain Times
Headlines trumpet mounting threats of war. The 24-hour news cycle barrages us with alarming statistics about crime, mental illness, and church leaders falling into scandal and away from God. Despite the mayhem, Scripture equips us to remain spiritually healthy and ready for Jesus’ soon return. Here are some biblical practices and reflections for all Christians during these uncertain times:
- Be careful. When he references the day of Christ’s return, Luke writes, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth (Luke 21-34 NIV). The word translated “be careful,” or prosechó in Greek, means “to set a course and keep to it.” Neither we nor Christ’s disciples were beyond quenching spiritual awareness.
- Pray always. When our courage lags and our cares outweigh capacity, Christ will bear our burdens. As Luke 18:1 states, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” These words exhort us to turn to the Lord in all circumstances. Not only that, but the verb translated not give up means far more than losing heart. Strong’s concordance reveals that it “carries the idea of spiritual, emotional, and moral fatigue that tempts a believer to abandon a God–given assignment or attitude.” Jesus cautions us to remain on the narrow road.
- Wait expectantly. Greg Grandchamp describes how we’re meant to anticipate Jesus’ return, “Remember Christmas as a kid, when we eagerly awaited the day? There is a word in the Bible that describes that feeling—apekdechomai. It means to know it’s coming, to expect it fully, and to be incredibly excited about it.”
Grandchamp notes that apekdechomai is also the word Paul uses in Galatians 5:5 (ESV), “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.”
As we notice more signs heralding the fulfillment of prophecy, a one-world currency, and the eventual rise of the Antichrist, we also look toward heaven. One day, we can be sure, the Lord will descend from heaven as He returns to claim those redeemed by His blood.
This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. You do not need to fear or worry about the future!
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