We are dealing with the topic of the endtime roles of money … deliberate strategies hatched a long time ago, which carry out the dark intentions of a Conspirator. It is a topic that is not well understood nor acknowledged … especially so in the prosperous, developed nations.
As readers of this column will already know, money plays a key and necessary role in the cosmological agenda that is aimed at the entrapment of mankind. The reader, therefore, understands that were there no such thing as money—in all of its guises, its financial systems and roles—the Conspirator would have little means (possibly none at all in our view) of implementing a scheme that successfully entraps and enlists mankind in his final and great (pre-Millennial) conspiracy to rebel against God.
Critically, mankind’s proclivities to worship Mammon instead of God greatly aid the agenda of the Conspirator.
And, by the way, does the reader know that God Himself has designed His Creation in such a way that it enables the universe to choose to rebel? Mankind (and also the angels) is free to make choices and is enabled to use various means to organize a controlling, universe-wide insurrection against God.
Very few recognize that there are malign spirits behind Money (Mammon).
As such, Mammon (Money) has a metaphysical and spiritual dimension. (That is why we always capitalize its names. A number of Bible translations use the terms Money and Mammon.)
In conclusion, Money is grossly misunderstood in our societies today. This may be even more so the case in nations that have had Christian influence.
Current Financial Affairs
Indeed, unprecedented times are upon the world’s financial markets and economies. Many professionals are bewildered as to what has happened … and what will yet occur.
Very definitely, we are persuaded that what is being experienced today is an unprecedented expression of the “signs of the times.” Indeed, developments are of “biblical” scale. Why is two-thirds of the world’s bond market suddenly paying negative interest rates?
This, in turn, has contributed to a massive rise in the value of financial and real assets. Just in recent months, more than $10 trillion in paper value has been inflated. Indeed, the stocks of several companies are now valued in excess of a trillion (USD). In these treacherous times, therefore, market observers are deceived by this specter of false prosperity.
Much of the financial perversion and warping we witness today is really of no surprise. It is, for the most part, a direct cause of the choices that mankind has made.
These do not happen randomly or by accident. No, they are a direct function of human wants and decisions. Consider that there has been a massive “humanist” shift in values and wants for the human race (i.e., godlessness, lusts, independence from God, etc.) in recent decades.
These value shifts have consequences. Why? Because God exacts that there will be consequences. These cannot be escaped. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). Clearly, these consequences can already be identified today.
Indeed, endtime financial and economic market conditions are unfolding before our eyes, we argue. Some of the developments being witnessed today are foreshadowed in the Bible. The ultimate outcomes will be grave … much of which is prophesied in Scripture.
In our understanding of the Word, a major world financial collapse will not happen until sometime during the Tribulation period. Why?
The answer is very simple: Satan needs to disguise his horrible agenda with the appearance of broad prosperity—for example, by rising financial markets—and smug humanism. This is the key deceiving tactic that hoodwinks most of the world. False prosperity is the main bait in the endtime Money trap.
Satan is the primary spirit behind Mammon and Money. He has been given control over Mammon as well as all the kingdoms of the world. He is the god of this world. When he sought to tempt Christ, the Bible records the following: “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to'” (Luke 4:5-6).
Clearly, Satan has authority over all the worldly kingdoms on earth, these being enmeshed with Mammon. As such, the long-term courses of financial markets and economies are commandeered by the devil, though not directly. He has many human minions that aid him in this endeavor. The Bible suggests that many, if not all, will be either wealthy or globally influential.
This writer sees these elites mentioned in the Bible. Consider Daniel’s account of those who will be honored by the Antichrist. “He […] will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price” (Daniel 11:30). These individuals are definitely motivated by price (Money).
An insightful perspective on the dynamics of these elites was mentioned to this writer by the late Dave Hunt (a well-known Bible teacher and Christian apologist). Just as Jesus Christ will discipline those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), Satan must also discipline his greedy minions.
However, these latter actions must be done for different reasons. If Satan did not do so, global financial markets would likely have witnessed even greater manias and destruction … running far ahead of Satan’s endtime agenda. There is no chastening like suffering a steep financial loss (physical health issues aside).
Elites under the influence of Mammon/Satan are not the only players aiding in the endtime agenda. The reader will likely be surprised to learn the identity of another major agent—doomsters both within and without the pulpit.
The Mission of Predicting Crisis
It is no surprise that the “doomster business” appears to be prospering in this time of perplexity. We identify many “anxiety merchants.” They see it as their mission to warn Christians (and others) about financial and economic crises. Some will even sell “emergency supplies.”
Fear sells. This writer (being in his fifth decade of managing money globally) will attest to that statement. Unfortunately, we also witness this type of sales tactic being endorsed in so-called Christian forums.
I have sat through more than a few presentations of so-called “financial prophets” at Bible or prophecy conferences, all of them engaged in some measure of fearmongering. Some made outrageous claims—for instance, stating that they were in touch with “inside high contacts” who confirm that a financial collapse is planned to occur “within a month.” None of their predictions were accurate. Far from it.
Others who were financial advisers took advantage of their perceived legitimacy. After all, they were speaking at a conference, weren’t they? They had staff ready on site with account opening forms. Assuredly, gold bullion has always been a good seller on this circuit. Especially so when the prices of said gold have already risen.
Anxiety Merchants Playing into Hands of Policymakers
Doomsters and crisis forecasters (whether in the pulpit or not) will be surprised to learn that they fulfill an important function for the Destroyer. After all, policymakers are not blind, realizing that the grimmer the outlook for global economies and financial markets, the more financial interventions and ruses will be required.
When policymakers around the globe are trapped and desperate, one must not forget that they can and will respond with virtually infinite monetary deceptions. These government officials are also vulnerable to fear. They choose to err on the side of caution … pouring whatever amount of monetary liquidity (and government budget stimulus) into financial systems as may be needed.
This contributes to a perverse condition that we observe. The more negative or worrisome the outlook of fearmongers, the more prosperous assets will appear to be eventually. This indeed is a perversity that serves to deceive the masses. As mentioned, people assume that all is well, so long as financial markets and economies reach new heights.
In reality, however, the exact opposite is likely to be true.
In the meantime, global fragility is being fostered, indebtedness continues to soar, and global wealth distribution is becoming ever more extreme. As such, the wealthy of the world are becoming even more rich, thus concentrating global wealth and influence. These conditions are prophesied to occur in the end times.
Doomsters tend to forget that the Destroyer must first lure as much of humanity as possible into the trap before it suddenly snaps shut (Luke 21:34). That is best achieved through deceptively sweet (but deadly) entreaties and the warm glow of rising wealth.
As the case may be, most people will actually be gladly deceived, so long as it offers the hope of more prosperity and serves to slake their lusts. That may sound perverse. It is.
Nevertheless, it is considered to be a good bargain for most people. Why? Because a materialistic humanity wants to hear that prosperity (as they may perceive it) will continue as far as the eye can see. They will not care that it is false wealth. This is the same type of mistake that people will make in the Tribulation period. They will take the mark in order to gain the promise of “buying and selling.”
As mentioned, mankind has made choices that have had and will have great consequences. It is apparent that this is already unfolding today in the most treacherous of ways. Conditions are far advanced.
Thoughts to Ponder
What is grievous most of all is that the majority of Christians feel pressured and fearful. This is a serious malady, especially as we are specifically instructed not to fear.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV). Why then are Christians robbed of their God-given promises? The reader will be surprised to discover the answer.
Why should Christians be caught up in worries … being cast “to and fro”? After all, we are charged to “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).
Why has much of Christianity lost its peace, “[…] the peace of God, which passeth all understanding [and] shall keep [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)? Why are Christians caught unawares by the Destroyer’s tactics?
Who is to blame? There indeed is a great primordial conspiracy playing out in the cosmos. It is not a theory. Rather, it is the one major conspiracy that is fomented by Satan, as alluded to earlier. One should keep in focus the dark, primordial, “master” conspiracy.
Scripture makes clear that Satan ensnares the world through deception, taking advantage of traps, lies and conspiracy. He understands the behavioral biases and vulnerabilities of mankind like no other strategist.
Crucially, therefore, the Destroyer preys on human weaknesses, gullibility, and penchants. He expressly concentrates on manipulating human emotions of fear and greed.
To be sure, financial and economic crises and destructive developments are unfolding … though many of these are deceivingly masked.
In Part 2, we will resume this topic and point to the promises of peace found in the Bible.
Wilfred J. Hahn is a global economist/strategist. Formerly a top-ranked global analyst, research director for a major Wall Street investment bank, and head of Canada’s largest global investment operation, his writings focus on the endtime roles of money, economics and globalization. He has been quoted around the world and his writings reproduced in numerous other publications and languages. His 2002 book The Endtime Money Snare: How to live free accurately anticipated and prepared its readers for the Global Financial Crisis. A following book, Global Financial Apocalypse Prophesied: Preserving true riches in an age of deception and trouble, looks further into the prophetic future.
Contact Wilfred at: staff@eternalvalue.com