Future Economic System Of The World

Text: Revelation 13:17    IBCSS    February 1, 2009

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

       We cannot ignore what we read, watch and hear today regarding the current global economic problem because of its alarming negative effects in many areas of our lives. The presence of global economic recession is undeniably a part of many depressing events of this ever changing world. People from all corners of the world are perplexed by this unpleasant situation and some may even think that such economic climate could bring us more uncertainties in the future.

       The whole world and its elite economists are trying to contribute possible solutions to our present problems, but the depth and complexity of these problems seem to make them stand in awe. In such a case, who could really help stabilize the once stable economy? We really need help from above. The world’s disturbing economic downturn could be our spiritual turning point to lead us to enjoy God’s miraculous cycle of economy before the Lord comes.

      We may ask one another why we are going through this kind of intricacy, but without considering what the Bible says about the World Future Economic System, it will be hard for us to realize or understand what is going on behind our present economic meltdown. Obviously, the mounting wickedness of humankind has something to do with this horrible situation. The Bible tells us that iniquity shall abound and the love of many shall wax cold. (See Matthew 24:12)

      Many may not be aware, but it’s a common thing to see nowadays more people being more reliant on their worldly philosophy than God’s Word. They even question the credibility of the Scriptures not knowing that what is happening today is just the beginning of sorrows as it is written in the Bible. (See Matthew 24:8) They professed to be wise, but they themselves will become victims of their own philosophic slyness.

       As we continue on our study about the one-world system of economy, many of us will be shocked and at the same time be enlightened by what the Bible says. We must keep in mind that the present system of the world is being influenced by the prince of the power of the air. In Ephesians 2:2, it is written, Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (KJV)

       At the back stage of world economy, there is a mysterious person who is manipulating the affairs of this world so he may fulfil his evil desire to destroy human race. Apparently, the wicked person together with his theatre group are about to establish their own earthly domain. Their future spheres of activity will be the so called one-world government, one-world religion and one-world system of economy. Who is aware of such future domain? It seems that our economic turndown is a thumb up for them.

       In Revelation 13:16-17, it is written, 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 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. (KJV)                                      

(I)            Designed By The Dragon

Revelation 13:1-2   Ephesians 2:2

       One of the many blessings of studying the Bible is the knowledge about the things to come. The more we experience economic turmoil, the clearer we understand what the Bible says. We may not see the devil’s blue print in details concerning his ultimate plan for future business world, but we can perceive that the Bible prophecy is now gradually being fulfilled. Take note that the beasts who will execute the dragon’s evil plan are revealed in the Book of Revelation. In chapter 13:1-2, it is written, 1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. (KJV)

       Studying the whole chapter 13 will give us a glimpse of the future activity of the beasts. We may be wondering why they are called beasts, but a further study about their characters will reveal to us their beast-like natures.         

-The identity of the dragon

 Revelation 12:9

       The identity of the dragon is fully revealed through his evil activities and different names written in the Scriptures. In Revelation 12:9, it is written, And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. KJV) The devil has many names and surely he has many faces too. We should be watchful because he comes to us with multi-tricks and multi-faces.    

-His role behind the beast

       The dragon and his role behind the beast are revealed in the Bible. The dragon will give power, seat, and great authority to the beast. We should also keep in mind that the beast will come in an unnoticeable way, with determined steps and lion-like nature. (See Revelation 13:2)     

(II)            Demonic Role Of The First Beast

Revelation 13:2-10   II Thessalonians 2:3-4

       The first beast will be empowered by the devil and be supported by his allies. The dragon and the beast will seek glory and they will be exalted by their followers. They will seek their own and challenge the authority of God who is in heaven.    

-His defiant words against God

       The beast will speak great things and blasphemous words against God. In Revelation 13:5-6, it is written, 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. (KJV) The beast will impress the world through his demonic wisdom, but his power will continue for just a short period of time.    

 -His hostility against believers

       Believers in the tribulation period will experience severe persecution from the beast. They will be hated for Christ’s Name sake and many of them will be killed under the cruel hand of the beast.  In Revelation 13:7, it is written, And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (KJV) What a blessing to enjoy religious freedom today. May we not waste our opportunity to spread the Gospel of Christ to the lost while we live in this sin-darkened world, and while we still have time. 

 -His worldwide authority over the unbelievers

       The beast’s self-deification will lead many people into a heartbreaking deception. In Revelation 13:8-10, the Bible says, 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (KJV) People whose name are not written in the book of life will be deceived, but believers in the tribulation period will truly display their inspiring faith in the Lord. Death will never hinder them to shine for the Truth.   

(III)                Deceptive Leadership Of The Second Beast

             Revelation 13:11-18

       The second beast’s desire is to dominate the world particularly in the areas of religion, politics and business. If we are a keen observer of our times, we could see that selfish people are well-inclined to all of the mentioned areas of world affairs. 

-His dragon-like way of speaking

       It has been observed that most leaders of nations are eloquent speakers and have the charisma to draw followers and supporters. Truly, the world in crises is looking for impressive speakers to give assurance of survival and it will be timely for the beast to appear and say flattering words of false hope. In Revelation 13:11, it is written, And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. (KJV) This passage tells us about the second beast as the false prophet who will speak like the dragon. Through the power of the devil, he will gain short-lived authority over the inhabitants of the world.  

-His impressive miracles

      The false prophet will show impressive miracles to vindicate his well-claimed superior capability before the troubled world. In Revelation 13:13-15, it is written, 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (KJV)

       The world today is so eager to see impressive miracles and the beast will deceive people by means of his miracles. In our so called modernized planet, sending fiery missiles and creating talking images will not impress us much, but the beast will create more jaw-dropping but deceptive miracles for his own interest. The false prophet will not only show great wonders, but will also lead people to sin by forcing them to worship the image of the beast. One-world religion will be enforced and he who will oppose will be eliminated by death.

        May true Christians today pray to God intensely so people who are blinded by the god this world may be freed from the bondage of falsehood and come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-His one-party rule

       The Bible tells us in Revelation 13:16, And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: (KJV) Through this alarming passage, we will realize the one-party rule of the beast. He will dominate all kinds of people and force them to submit to his leadership. He will surely justify his evil ways in the midst of chaotic society. By that time, he will take position and try to establish his evil empire.

       May we not overlook what is going on in our world economy, global politics and in the area of religion because we are in a critical stage heading to a timeframe where people will lose their once enjoyed freedom.      

-His ultimate economic system

       The devil’s well-planned economic system for tomorrow will be carried out by the beast and those who will resist him will be put to death. In Revelation 13:17, it is written, 17 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. (KJV) The economic system of the world will be totally controlled by the beast and no man will have the right to do business without receiving the mark of the beast. Economic survival will be more difficult during those critical years. Surely, it will cost one’s soul to survive. On the other hand, it will also cost one’s head to stand for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.        

       We praise God and thank Him for the preserved Word we have in our hands today. Without the Word of Truth, we will become one of those who will panic and lose hope upon seeing the threatening presence of unstable world economy. Be warned that those who don’t believe the Word of God will become easy prey of the devil. They will find themselves deceived, exploited and trapped in the devil’s snare and have their part in the lake of fire.

      In Revelation 1:3, It is written, Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (KJV) This passage from the Bible reminds us to take heed of the Bible prophesy because its fulfilment will surely take place and will not be hindered.

       Believers must keep on telling the world that Jesus saves so the lost may put their trust in the Lord and find rest for their souls. Keep on trusting the Lord till He comes.