When Your Money Fails

Mary Stewart Relfe – When Your Money Fails

Mary Stewart Relfe’s When Your Money Fails (1981) is a book focused on biblical prophecy, economic systems, and the spiritual significance of financial events. It combines Christian eschatology (study of the end times) with commentary on the global economy, warning of potential economic collapse and its role in fulfilling scriptural prophecy.

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Key Themes and Ideas

Economic Instability and Biblical Prophecy

• Relfe ties economic instability to predictions in the Bible, particularly those related to the “last days” described in books like Daniel and Revelation.
• She warns that global financial systems will become increasingly unstable, leading to a future where money will fail as a reliable means of trade.
• The book connects this failure with the rise of a one-world government and a cashless society controlled by the Antichrist, as foretold in Revelation.

The Mark of the Beast

• A major focus is on the “mark of the beast” from Revelation 13:16-17, which Relfe interprets as a literal mark or technological system (like microchips or electronic payments) that will be used to control buying and selling).
• She argues that the shift toward a cashless society and global banking systems are steps toward this prophecy’s fulfillment.

Globalization and Control

• Relfe expresses concerns about increasing globalization and its implications for individual freedoms.
• She critiques centralized banking systems, credit systems, and emerging technologies that could pave the way for governments or global authorities to exert economic control.

Faith and Preparation

• The book urges Christians to strengthen their faith and prepare for economic hardship.
• Relfe suggests that believers should trust God as their ultimate provider and take practical steps to become financially independent, such as living debt-free, investing in tangible goods, and focusing on community support.

The Role of Christians

• Christians are called to discern the times and avoid being deceived by false promises of prosperity or security.
• Relfe emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, including prayer, study of the Bible, and reliance on God’s guidance, to navigate the predicted economic collapse.

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Structure and Writing Style

• The book is written in a straightforward, warning tone, aimed at a Christian audience concerned with prophecy and current events.
• It mixes scriptural analysis with contemporary economic observations, making connections between biblical prophecy and technological or financial trends of the late 20th century.

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Relevance and Legacy

• When published, When Your Money Fails tapped into Cold War-era fears of economic collapse and technological control, resonating with readers worried about global instability.
• Although some specific predictions (such as the exact timeline of a financial collapse) have not come to pass, the book’s broader warnings about reliance on money and technology continue to echo in modern discussions about digital currencies and economic inequality.

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Conclusion

When Your Money Fails is both a cautionary tale and a call to faith for Christians, blending biblical prophecy with warnings about economic dependency and technological control. It encourages readers to prepare spiritually and practically for an uncertain future, emphasizing trust in God over material wealth. While its predictions may not have unfolded exactly as described, its themes remain thought-provoking for those interested in the intersection of faith, finance, and prophecy.