Todd Clippard

Topic(s): Old Testament, Bible Study

Colossians 2:14 teaches us that Christ took the old law out of the way, nailing it to His cross. Ephesians 2:14-15 teach the same. Therefore, as being a part of the Old Law, the laws of usury are no longer applicable today. Nor is any other command found in the Old Testament.

HOWEVER! There are some New Testament principles that must be taken into consideration. For example:

Matthew 5:42 says "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away."

Galatians 6:10 - "Let us do good unto all men, especially them of the household of faith."

Those these do not speak directly to usury (the charging of interest), but the idea is certainly found in principle. I understand the primary purpose of the Old Testament laws was to keep someone from taking advantage of a poor brother in need (cf Lev 25:35-37; Deut 15:7-11), but I do not think the Old or New Testament forbid business arrangements where money is loaned at a rate of interest.