The “New World Order” is a term that refers to a conspiracy theory which claims that a secretive global elite is conspiring to eventually rule the world via an authoritarian world government. This theory is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, but some believe it relates to biblical end times prophecy.
According to this theory, organizations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization are part of the New World Order conspiracy to control the world’s resources, wealth, and population. Some theorists believe a one world currency and one world religion will also be established.
While the Bible does warn of end times deception and a coming world ruler, it does not specifically describe this as a “New World Order.” However, some try to connect dots between biblical prophecy and the theory. Here is an overview of some of the potential biblical connections people have made:
One World Government
The book of Revelation chapter 13 talks about a coming one world government system under the authority of the Antichrist:
“And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it 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.” (Revelation 13:5-8)
This has similarities to the idea of the New World Order being a worldwide authoritarian government. However, the Bible specifies this will be a temporary system led by the Antichrist, not a secret cabal of human elites.
One World Currency
There are also biblical warnings about the “mark of the beast” which the false prophet will require people to take to buy and sell:
“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, 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)
While not specifically a cashless currency, this economic control again shares similarities with conspiracy theories around a one world digital currency associated with the New World Order.
One World Religion
The book of Revelation also warns of a false religious system that will emerge in the end times:
“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and 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?” (Revelation 13:1-4)
This corrupt religious system is associated directly with the power of the Antichrist, not with a secret society. However, it could be linked with the idea of a New World Order unified religion.
Global Control through Economics and Technology
The book of Revelation warns of control over commerce that could involve technology:
“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, 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)
Some link this to emerging technologies like digital IDs, facial recognition, cashless payment systems, cryptocurrency, and vaccine passports. They see it potentially tied to increased surveillance and control by authoritarian governments globally.
While the Bible does point to an economic and technological system that will be used by the Antichrist to assert global control, it does not mention a secretive cabal of elites working in the shadows to accomplish this. Rather, it is part of the deception of the end times led by Satan and the man of lawlessness.
In summary, while there are certainly some biblical themes around centralized global government, economics, religion, and technology that resonate with aspects of the New World Order conspiracy – the Bible itself does not specifically use this term or claim it will be orchestrated by a secret coalition of human elites rather than by the Antichrist and the spirit of the age.
Biblical Warnings about End Times Deception
The Bible repeatedly warns that the end times will be characterized by widespread spiritual deception. For example:
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)
“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 1:7)
So while the Bible does not confirm or deny specific conspiracy theories, it warns of mass end times deception through false prophets, signs, wonders, ideologies, and unbiblical worldviews. This includes those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:3).
Christians are exhorted to test the spirits (1 John 4:1), guard their hearts (Proverbs 4:23), renew their minds in Christ (Romans 12:2), reject what is contrary to sound doctrine (Titus 2:1), and expose deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). We are to test worldly ideas against Scripture and place our faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation – not in human global agendas.
God is Sovereign Over Human Authorities
Another key biblical truth is that God is sovereign over all earthly authorities. All systems of human government – both good and evil – ultimately stand under God’s sovereign oversight and serve His purposes. For example:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Daniel 2:20-21)
Jesus told Pilate: “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11)
So even if a one world government does emerge, God remains in control. No human authority can thwart His ultimate plans and purposes. All things will be made to serve His glory and goodness in the end.
Avoid Fear or Fatalism
While we should be alert to global deception, Christians must guard against fear, panic, or fatalistic resignation about the future. Scripture instead calls us to:
– Faith: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
– Wisdom: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
– Hope: “…according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)
– Good works: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
– Evangelism: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” (Mark 16:15)
God is able to protect His people and cause all things to work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Christians can walk in confidence, joy, and hope – no matter what happens.
Focus on Jesus
Rather than obsessing over speculative end times scenarios, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus – the “author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). We can trust Him who said:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
No earthly power or principality can ever shake Jesus’ lordship or thwart God’s eternal purposes in Him. He alone is worthy of our worship and allegiance.
The book of Revelation promises God’s people ultimate victory through the Lamb of God. The future belongs to King Jesus and His eternal Kingdom which will never end. He is our solid rock and only sure hope, now and forever.
Rather than putting faith in human counter-theories or predictions, Christians are to continue making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), being witnesses of the gospel with the help of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), living holy lives (1 Peter 1:16), being devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2), screening out false teaching (Romans 16:17), testing the spirits (1 John 4:1), and studying God’s word diligently (2 Timothy 2:15).
Come what may, God remains sovereign over human authorities. Jesus is Lord no matter what schemes or deceptions arise. By walking closely with Him through prayer and Scripture, resting in His promises, and being led by the Holy Spirit, Christians have nothing to fear. Greater is He who is in us than anything in this fading world (1 John 4:4).