The question of whether a Christian should take out a mortgage to purchase a home is one that does not have a definitive yes or no answer according to the Bible. There are good arguments on both sides of the issue that thoughtful Christians have considered when making this decision for their families. Looking at the principles found in Scripture can help provide wisdom when thinking through the pros and cons of taking out a home loan.
The Case for Taking Out a Mortgage
There are several biblical principles that can support the decision to take out a mortgage:
- God owns everything anyway – The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). Since God ultimately owns all possessions, borrowing money to purchase a home is not ultimately taking ownership but stewarding resources from God.
- Freedom in Christ – The New Testament emphasizes freedom in Christ. “Everything is permissible for me” Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12. Christians have freedom to make financial choices like taking loans within biblical constraints.
- Providing for family – If borrowing money can help provide shelter and stability for a family, it may be a wise choice. 1 Timothy 5:8 says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
- Using resources wisely – The parable of the talents shows God wants us to use resources wisely, not just preserve them. Taking a loan to purchase a home can be using money resourcefully (Matthew 25:14-30).
In many circumstances, a mortgage can be a reasonable financial tool for a Christian family to provide housing. The Bible does not forbid debt outright, so it can be utilized if done so wisely and not in excess.
The Case Against Taking Out a Mortgage
There are also biblical principles that lead some Christians to avoid debt like mortgages:
- Avoid debt – Several Bible verses warn against going into debt. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Romans 13:8 says to “owe nothing to anyone.” While not absolute prohibitions, these verses warn of dangers of debt.
- Debt adds worry – Jesus taught in Matthew 6:24-34 that being free from the love of money and worry about provision allows greater focus on the kingdom of God.
- Freedom is sacrificed – Just as slavery is negative, excessive debt takes away freedom and options. Proverbs 22:7 warns “the borrower is slave to the lender.” Mortgages take years to pay off and limit flexibility.
- Interest feels exploitive – Paying interest can feel like profiting from money itself rather than labor which feels wrong (Exodus 22:25). Some Christians avoid interest-based loans for this reason.
Given these warnings about debt, some Christian families choose to save up to purchase a home with cash and avoid mortgages altogether. This takes patience and financial discipline but can be done with God’s help and seen as the wiser option.
Biblical Principles to Guide Wise Mortgage Decisions
More important than the decision itself is how it is carried out. Here are some biblical principles to help guide the process:
- Motives – Do not purchase out of pride, jealousy or greed but honest needs for your family (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Be content with simplicity if that is God’s will.
- Wisdom – Take time to seek wise counsel on both financial implications and spiritual motivations (Proverbs 1:5, 19:20). Do thorough research before choosing.
- Stewardship – Remember that God owns it all and we manage resources for His purposes (1 Chronicles 29:14). Make choices honoring His values.
- Debt limits – If borrowing, be very careful not to overextend. This puts family stability at risk (Proverbs 22:3). Set wise limits and boundaries.
- Tithe – Honoring God first with the tithe can help keep money in proper perspective (Malachi 3:10). This aids wise saving and spending habits.
- Generosity – Having a mortgage should not hinder giving generously to kingdom work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Manage money to allow for generosity.
With prayer, wise counsel, stewardship and caution against excess, mortgages can be a reasonable choice for some Christians to provide for their families. The decision should be made carefully with biblical priorities in mind. There is freedom and wisdom to do so in faith when circumstances make it prudent.
Questions to Consider When Deciding About a Mortgage
For Christians seeking God’s wisdom regarding taking out a mortgage, here are some questions to reflect on:
- – What are my motivations? Am I acting in greed or faith? (1 Timothy 6:6-9)
- – Have I sought thorough counsel on pros/cons? (Proverbs 1:5)
- – Can I steward well without going into debt? (Romans 13:8)
- – Is this home an excessive expense we can’t truly afford? (Proverbs 21:20)
- – Does a mortgage compromise my ability to give generously? (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
- – Will debt interfere with eternal priorities for my family? (Colossians 3:2)
- – Have I bathed this decision in prayer? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- – Am I comfortable with the level of financial risk? (Proverbs 22:3)
- – Could there be freedom in renting awhile and saving up? (Proverbs 21:5)
- – Is my spouse equally yoked in this decision? (Amos 3:3)
Wrestling with questions like these can help illuminate if it would be wise to take on a mortgage or if there might be a better path. It also surfaces potential issues or pitfalls to watch out for if you do proceed with borrowing. Careful reflection from a biblical perspective will guide you to the right approach for your family.
Warnings for Those Deciding to Take Out a Mortgage
If after prayerful consideration a Christian family believes a mortgage is prudent for their situation, here are some important warnings to heed from Scripture:
- – Do not borrow out of selfish desire or social pressure (1 Timothy 6:9, Romans 12:2)
- – Take extreme care not to overextend your budget (Proverbs 22:7)
- – Do not make an idol out of your home and mortgage (Exodus 20:3)
- – Leave room in your finances to invest in eternal things (Matthew 6:19-21)
- – Never compromise integrity to qualify for more house (Proverbs 10:9)
- – Make sure both spouses are in full agreement (Amos 3:3)
- – Do not hurt your witness by living beyond your means (1 Peter 2:12)
- – Be very cautious of risks should income decline (Proverbs 22:3)
Applying these warnings ensures the decision is carried out in a wise and godly manner. It reminds Christian families to make choices out of faith rather than fear or excess.
Advice for Staying On Track Financially With a Mortgage
Once a mortgage is taken out, here is some biblical advice for staying on sound financial footing:
- – Make budgeting a priority to repay debts (Proverbs 21:5)
- – Avoid the temptation of more debt like home equity loans (Romans 13:14)
- – Tithe faithfully to keep money in perspective (Malachi 3:10)
- – Give generously to invest in eternal rewards (Matthew 6:19-21)
- – Live below your means to pay off faster (Proverbs 21:20)
- – Pray for God’s provision and wisdom daily (Matthew 6:11)
- – Trust God’s sovereignty should hardship come (Romans 8:28)
- – Rejoice that God is your ultimate home! (John 14:2-3)
Staying grounded in biblical financial principles makes the weight of a mortgage more manageable. It also blesses families for sticking close to God’s wisdom and priorities when making major money decisions.
Closing Thoughts
Deciding if getting a mortgage is right for a Christian family is often not a clear yes or no choice. There are good arguments on both sides. More important than the decision itself is the biblical process and motives behind it. Bathe it in prayer, wisdom, sound counsel, and stewardship over emotions like greed or pride. If in the end you decide to borrow, do so cautiously, within limits, and while standing firm in scriptural truths that keep eternity in focus during something as far reaching as purchasing a home. God promises to bless those who commit their plans to Him and follow His principles, whether renting or owning.