Will there be a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times according to Bible prophecy?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not specifically mention a "one-world government" or "one-world currency" but speaks of the Antichrist having global influence and authority. During the tribulation, the Antichrist will be worshiped by all unbelievers and control a global system, including the use of the mark of the beast, to demand worship. The mark of the beast will also be required to buy or sell (Revelation 13:17). While the Bible connects the mark with currency, it does not state that only one currency will exist, and multiple currencies could be used, similar to how transactions occur between countries today through digital means. The prophecy does not require a single currency for fulfillment, although it remains a possibility. In light of this, we know the Antichrist will seek to control and deceive. We are called to choose faith in Jesus now and live with the assurance of our salvation and the ability to stand against deception.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Daniel 7 describes the Antichrist as having political authority over the nations, which corresponds to Revelation 13’s description of the same character.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible does not use the terms "one-world government" or "one-world currency," but it does express similar ideas. For example, the future Antichrist will have much influence. Revelation 13:3–4, referring to him as "the beast," says, "the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?'" The Antichrist will clearly have global influence and power.
• Revelation 13:7–8 adds that authority will be given to the Antichrist, "over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain." However, this may be different from claiming the Antichrist leads a one-world government. The tribulation period is described as being full of conflict and strife. The specific governmental structures and contexts in which these things unfold are not directly stated.
• All unbelievers will give allegiance to this Antichrist during the tribulation period. This worship will be tied with a mark of the beast that will be required on everyone in order to buy or sell items during this time (Revelation 13:17). The government will be globally controlled, though there may or may not be an official one-world government.
• The mark of the beast will also be connected with currency, as it will be required to buy or sell (Revelation 13:17). However, the Bible does not state there will be only one currency. As a result, there are many ways this could unfold that may or may not include a single currency. Already today, credit cards or online financial transactions can take place between multiple currencies in most countries. A single currency would not be required to fulfill the prophecy regarding the mark of the beast, though this is possible.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Those who live during the tribulation period will face incredibly difficult choices, as they will be forced to choose between allegiance to the Antichrist or enduring severe suffering, persecution, and starvation. Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist and receive his mark will be ostracized and persecuted, but many who come to Christ during this time will remain steadfast in their faith, choosing to endure whatever trials come their way, rather than compromise their allegiance to Christ. We, too, are called to take seriously the choices we make today. The Bible encourages us to choose faith in Jesus now, in this present time, to avoid facing the wrath and judgment of the tribulation period. In John 3:16, Jesus promises eternal life to all who believe in Him, and Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace, not by our own works, so we should not wait until it is too late. The Antichrist will seek to control and deceive the world. We are called to choose faith in Jesus now and live with the assurance of our salvation and the ability to stand against deception.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not mention a one-world government or currency but describes the Antichrist's global influence and authority.
• The Antichrist will require the mark of the beast for buying and selling, though the Bible does not specify a single currency.
• Standing against the Antichrist’s political power is possible by faith in Christ.

REFLECT

• How can you prepare yourself spiritually to stand firm against deception, especially when facing societal pressure or difficult choices?
• In what areas of your life can you strengthen your commitment to faith in Jesus to ensure you're ready for whatever challenges may come?
• How does the idea of the Antichrist’s global authority influence your perspective on the importance of allegiance to Christ?

ENGAGE

• How can we support each other in making decisions that align with our faith in preparation for the challenges ahead?
• What are some practical ways we can remain vigilant and discern God's truth in the face of widespread deception in society?
• How does the Bible's warning about the mark of the beast shape the way we view our current relationship with technology and global systems?