What Does The Bible Say About Money In The Last Days?

Money has always been an integral part of human society, but what does the Bible tell us about how it will be viewed and used in the end times? This comprehensive article will examine multiple passages to uncover God’s truth about money’s role leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible warns that the love of money and materialism will increase in the end times, and that economic troubles and inequality will be rampant before Christ’s return.

We will explore relevant verses from books like James, Timothy, Revelation, and others to understand important endtime financial trends like the rise of materialism, economic turmoil, the mark of the beast financial system, and how believers should view money and possessions as the coming of the Lord draws near.

Bible Verses Warning of Increasing Materialism

Lovers of Money, Boastful, Arrogant (2 Timothy 3:1-2)

In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul warns that “in the last days there will come times of difficulty” marked by increasing selfishness and materialism. He writes that people will be “lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive” (2 Timothy 3:1-2).

Paul is warning that attachment to money and possessions will increase, with people boasting about their wealth and looking down on others.

Serving Wealth Rather Than God (Matthew 6:24)

Jesus himself warned against materialism getting in the way of serving God, saying “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

As the last days approach, Jesus expects the focus on amassing wealth to increase to idolatrous levels.

Rich Have Hoarded Wealth in Last Days (James 5:1-3)

The apostle James has perhaps the strongest condemnation of materialism among wealthy unbelievers. He warns the rich who have hoarded massive wealth in the last days, saying “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.

Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days” (James 5:1-3).

Clearly, the Bible warns of increasing focus on money and possessions in the end times, rather than on serving God. According to the Barna research group, only 24% of Americans believe the Bible is literally true while 76% do not.

This increasing Bible illiteracy is likely contributing to growing materialism now and in the prophesied last days according to Scripture.

Economic Turmoil Prophesied

Unequal Distribution of Wealth (James 5:1-6)

The book of James in the Bible warns of economic inequality in the last days, calling out the unrighteous rich who hoard their wealth while the poor suffer (James 5:1-6). This passage condemns those who live in luxury and self-indulgence but do not pay fair wages to their workers.

It prophesies God’s coming judgment against such greedy rich people.

Economic data shows that income and wealth inequality has dramatically increased globally in recent decades. Research from the World Inequality Lab in 2021 found that the top 10% own 76% of global wealth while the bottom 50% own just 2%. The Bible foretold this growing gap between rich and poor.

James warns the rich that misused wealth will corrode their souls and testifies that God hears the cries of the exploited laborers. This passage calls readers to combat economic injustice in light of coming divine judgment.

High Cost of Goods (Revelation 6:5-6)

The Book of Revelation also points to economic turmoil in the end times with its prophecy of extremely high costs for basic goods (Revelation 6:5-6). This passage describes a rider on a black horse holding scales to weigh out expensive food staples like wheat and barley.

It signifies economic crisis and famine conditions, with even basic necessities out of reach for many people.

In today’s world of high inflation and skyrocketing food costs, Revelation 6:5-6 seems increasingly relevant. The UN’s Food Price Index shows that global food prices reached all-time highs in 2022. Additionally, the World Bank estimates that the extreme poverty rate increased for the first time in decades due to factors like COVID-19, conflict, and rising inflation.

The Bible foresaw hard economic times would come before Christ’s return. Followers of Jesus must stand with vulnerable and marginalized communities struggling to afford basic needs.

Mark of the Beast Financial System

No Buying or Selling Without the Mark (Revelation 13:16-17)

The book of Revelation warns that during the end times, the Antichrist will set up a system where no one can buy or sell anything without receiving the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16-17). This mark will likely be a chip implant or some form of digital identification tied to a centralized financial system.

Without this mark, people will be cut off from participating in ordinary commerce and obtaining the necessities of life.

This prophecy shows that in the last days, a tyrannical global government will control all financial transactions. They will be able to turn off anyone’s access to the system if they refuse to take the mark or worship the Antichrist.

This mark of the beast financial system will be tied to idolatrous worship of a false messiah and will control populations through economic coercion. Only those loyal to the beast system will be allowed to buy and sell.

Calls for One World Currency in Last Days (Revelation 13:12, 16-17)

Along with control over buying and selling, the Bible predicts that in the end times there will be calls for instituting a global currency system led by the Antichrist (Revelation 13:12, 16-17). Even now, many leaders are advocating for a cashless society with a single digital world currency to replace individual nation’s currencies.

For example, the former head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde has openly called for central banks to issue digital currencies. Facebook proposed the Libra cryptocurrency as a global payment system but it was met with intense opposition.

The current head of the Bank for International Settlements has floated the idea of a global central bank digital currency.

As we move closer to a cashless society, global elites will continue pushing for a unified digital currency. This fits into the end times Bible prophecy of a one world financial system led by the Antichrist.

He will exploit calls for a global currency to bring populations under his authoritarian control during the tribulation.

How Believers Should View Money and Possessions

Do Not Store Up Treasures on Earth (Matthew 6:19-21)

Jesus taught his followers not to store up treasures for themselves on earth, “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). Instead, believers should store up heavenly treasures that last forever.

Jesus explained that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (v.21). A 2022 survey found that 62% of Christians struggle with materialism. However, believers must realize that money and possessions do not provide lasting joy or fulfillment.

Command Those who are Rich (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to “command those who are rich in this present world” not to put their hope in wealth (1 Timothy 6:17). Riches can be uncertain, as the economic crisis and declining wealth in 2022 demonstrated.

Instead, Paul said the rich should be “rich in good deeds” and generous to others, “storing up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (vv. 18-19). Generosity pleases God and stores up eternal rewards.

Where Your Treasure Is (Matthew 6:21)

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Jesus declared (Matthew 6:21). Believers must examine their hearts and what they treasure most. One 2019 survey showed money was the top priority for 55% of American Christians.

However, Scripture says believers should value God’s kingdom and righteousness above all (Matthew 6:33). The state of one’s heart is revealed by their use of money and possessions. True disciples store up eternal treasures rather than earthly ones.

Conclusion

In closing, while money has always been important in human civilization, the Bible makes clear it will take on even greater significance in the end times, both as increasing materialism and economic injustice arise globally, but also as money intertwines with the mark of the beast system that serves the Antichrist.

However, believers are repeatedly warned not to fall into the trap of serving money or materialism, but to keep their eyes fixed on the eternal treasure of the Kingdom of God.