Buying and Selling in the Context of Revelation 13

Regarding the notion that the phrase that no man might buy or sell (Rev 13:17 KJV)
should primarily be interpreted literally is questionable in my mind. We are counseled:
The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning,
unless a symbol or figure is employed. Ellen G. White, Great Controversy, page 599.
Since the book of Revelation is primarily symbolic and Revelation Chapter 13 is filled
with symbols, I believe that we should look for the symbolic meaning of buying and
selling. We have the following Biblical admonition regarding buying : Ho, every
one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy,
and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah
55:1 KJV) It seems that God is trying to tell us that we can buy salvation without
price or restriction. If the nations of this world put restrictions on the dissemination of
the truth that we can have eternal life free of any cost or any obligation to obey the
powers of this world, then these worldly powers inspired by Satan would be restricting
access to the true everlasting gospel. We are also told that: Several have written to
me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message,
and I have answered, It is the third angel's message in verity. Ellen G. White,
Review and Herald, April 1, 1890. It should be clear that Satan will move the powers of
the world to enforce a salvation by works policy by forcing people to obey them in
very specific ways. Thus, only the powers of this world will be authorized to sell
salvation.
I am not saying that there will not eventually be an enforcement of a no buying and
selling law at the very end. Also, the idea of financial distress in the last days is
portrayed many times in the Bible. One such instance is in Luke 21:25: And there shall
be upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves
roaring. (Luke 21:25 KJV) The Greek word for "distress" is which means
"imprisoned, in the narrows, or straits." The added phrase -- "with perplexity" (
) -- conveys the picture of nations unable to meet the demands placed upon them
financially, or the inability to solve the monetary stress. (See The Vocabulary of the
Greek New Testament by Moulton & Milligan, page 68.)