"No One Can Buy Or Sell Unless He Has The Mark"

Adolf Hitler rose to power during a time of economic chaos and upheaval. The "Great Depression" bank failures and stock market crash of the 1920s and 30s had devastated national economies all around the world, including that of Germany which had been the "superpower" of Europe for centuries (see also How To Bring Down A Superpower; note that the study was written nearly 6 years ago - was it correct, so far, in what it prophesied? Yes, it surely was). The value of the German currency had plummeted at home and abroad. People were scared; they wanted someone who would restore economic order to their lives. Hitler was neither a capitalist nor a communist (despite the fact that "Nazi" meant "National Socialist Worker's Party"). Hitler was a fascist - a "strong man" with simple answers to the people's complex problems and fears i.e. dictators and tyrants thrive in times of economic stress and uncertainty. Many people see alarming similarities between then and now, particularly since the "mark of the beast" will be as much economic ("no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark") as political and religious:

"^13:16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, ^13:17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name" (Revelation 13:16-17 KJV)

Another "Hitler" Is Coming In Europe

Bible prophecy plainly describes a great dictator who will rise in Europe, a final revival of the ancient Roman Empire (see The Holy Roman Empire), just before Christ's return. He will not be alone; he will also have a powerful religious ally, the pope, and a very powerful, and evil, spirit ally - Satan (see Emperors and Popes, Emperor and The Little Big Horn).

What is Christ going to do to those two men when He comes? "^19:19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army [see War With The Lamb]. ^19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Revelation 19:19-20 KJV).

"^2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him [see Spiritual and Physical Gatherings], ^2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. ^2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition [see Sons Of Perdition In Prophecy]; ^2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God [see The Spirit of Antichrist].

^2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? ^2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. ^2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. ^2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming [i.e. see Revelation 13]: ^2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan [see Satan's Throne] with all power and signs and lying wonders, ^2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ^2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ^2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 KJV)

Throughout all of time, regardless of the severity of Trials and Tribulations (see also No Pain, No Gain), Christ's people are to remain Bulwarks Of The Truth, to not merely "hold the line," but to advance it regardless of the strength of the opposition: "^4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 KJV).

"^2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning [see How Old Is God? and Christ The Creator] chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit [see Sanctify and The Cure For The Carnal Mind] and belief of the truth: ^2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ [see To Meet The Lord In The Air]. ^2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

^2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself [see The Messiah], and God, even our Father [see Abba], which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, ^2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 KJV)

Fact Finder: What were some of Hitler's "easy" answers to people's economic fears?
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