The making of a future cashless society
By Merrill Olson
Every time a person opens up a computer and buys something online, it may be simply pointing to a future cashless society ruled by an evil world dictator (Dan. 7:23-25). Many people know that just about everything can be purchased by a mere click of a button. This includes food, clothing, groceries, books, tools, electronics, household items and many other things that can be delivered directly to one’s doorstep.
Another amazing thing is the number of store purchases that are accomplished by a sheer swipe of a credit card. If one observes closely a checkout line at a grocery store, most purchasing is done by the plastic card. In just seconds, someone’s bank account can be checked for adequate funds to cover the purchase. If there are insufficient resources, the purchase is denied to the embarrassment of the purchaser. Even major department stores have their own credit cards used by customers for in-store buying offering discounts to the many who use them. Subsequently, hardly any cash is passed during the day between shoppers and the person behind the counter.
Therefore, what the world has been experiencing for some time is a big change over what it was thirty or forty years ago. The role of technology has made the economic situation of today to be wonderfully successful by the measly swipe of a card or the click of a button. As long as one’s financial income is sufficient, there is no limit as to what a person can do with a small card held in one’s hand.
Nevertheless, this may possibly be pointing to what can happen when the Antichrist (1 John 2:18) is revealed and begins to rule. There will be no need for people to hold cash in their pockets, wallets, or purses. Neither will it be necessary to draw money out of their checking accounts because there will be none. A Global Bank will record all their wages and income. In order to make purchases, it will be by the “mark” of “the beast, or the number of his name” (Rev. 13:17). As this personal “mark” is used by them, the amount of the purchase will be deducted from their accounts at the Global Bank or controlling center. In this way, there will be no longer a need for credit cards and cash. Everything will be run by a cashless society accountable to the Antichrist.
What will this mandatory mark be like? We do not know. However, it could easily be an implanted micro-chip or an electronic engraving in the skin of some type. Whatever it is, it will be required by the Antichrist. Without it, no one will be able to “buy or sell” (Rev. 13:17). The Bible says, “And he [the false prophet] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads; and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast [the Antichrist], or the number of his name” (Rev. 13:16-17).
Tragically, people who choose to take this “mark,” will suffer an eternal hell. There will be no salvation for them. Their eternal condemnation is set. For those who refuse the mark and bow in allegiance to Christ, multitudes will be put to death (Rev. 7:9-17) by the authorities of the evil system. However, their eternal reward is secure (vv. 15-17). This same safekeeping is always true for everyone redeemed in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Merrill Olson served as a senior pastor for thirty-four years. He received a B.S. from Minnesota State University-Mankato, an M. Div. from Bethel Theological Seminary, and a D. Min. from Columbia Evangelical Seminary. He is currently involved as an interim pastor along with a teaching and writing ministry. His emphasis is on apologetics and training believers to defend their faith in Christ from God’s Word. He is well versed in Bible prophecy as it pertains to end times. He is a gifted speaker with the conviction that only by the Word of God can people experience inward transformation by the Holy Spirit. He has been married to his wife, Jan, for many years and resides in Minnesota.