So how does that work that the people cannot buy or sell without the mark? Well, you're seeing it happen right now.
John is being cagy with his words. He can't give away too much or he will alter the course of the future. So he writes in a way that shows the concept of what he's seeing. That's why he says:
Rev 18:13 Let him that hath understanding... He writes the same as the other prophets have in the past. Not too specific so the wicked can't figure it out. They can't see the forest for the trees.
Being fired for being ChristianChristian BakerDe-monetized The list just goes on. It's cancel culture in all it's many varieties. In the UK if you speak up, it will get you arrested.
It's the same as Paul's vision in 2 Tim 3. Paul start's out by saying:
2 Tim 3:
2 For men shall be...
Then he gives a huge list of negative behaviors. Does that mean that every single person in the world will be every single thing on that list? No. He's speaking about the general attitude of the people in the world. When you see this behavior being common place, you'll know it's a sign of the last days. You'll know it when you see it in other words.
Or you can believe that some government some where is going to try to
control every cash transaction in every part of the world. Every flea market. Every garage sell. Every farmer's market in the world.
But the beauty of it is, if you don't accept my explanation of these scriptures, all you have to do is wait and see. The truth will bare out over time.