Are tattoos okay?

[CarrierOfChrist]

I will pray for u Angel,I do believe ur the rebel,sorry.I know Jesus had better things to do with His time than want or even think about getting tattoos.He was working n glorifying His Father,I think thats what ya'll should b doing instead of wasting time n God's money on getting tattoos.Thats my opinon,I believe God will agree with me.

Jesus was on a schedule. Jesus had creative ways of reaching His followers (parables). Pastors nowadays have creative ways of reaching the youth (concerts, VBS, etc). Regular Christians do too (witnessing, handing out tracts, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, disaster relief, etc). Even bikers do things for Christ (donating toys to kids, riding to raise money, etc).

Some people wear Christian t-shirts simply to show off their love for God and would probably smirk or say "it's just a shirt" if they were asked about it, or not know what the verse that's referenced on their shirt actually says if they were asked about it.

How would we be "wasting God's money" if the tattoo glorified Him? If the tattoo gave us an opportunity to evangelize someone, who are you to judge?

And please stop using phrases like "God would agree with me" or "God would be on my side of this argument" or "I'm just saying what God would say" to make your opinions seem more legitimate than those of other people. You don't know what God would do or say in the situation any more than His own disciples did. As a matter of fact, if we did half of the things Jesus did in His time on earth, we would get very different reactions from what He received. Times have changed, a lot, and I'm sure if Jesus lived in these days instead, He would act differently than when He was actually around. He'd probably use power tools in His carpentry work... but I digress.

There are two sides to every debate. Obviously God wouldn't be on both sides, and it's quite unfair to try and force Him to be on your side. Let the debate settle that itself. If you can't think of a valid, biblical reason to contradict someone, don't use God to try and validate your opinion, just accept it as what it is: an opinion; nothing more, nothing less, and not a commandment.

If you don't like tattoos, that is fine, nobody is forcing you to get one or even asking you to like them. We're trying to figure out if, BIBLICALLY, they are a sin or not. If you have a verse that would prove they're sinful, then don't keep it to yourself. If you have an opinion on tattoos being gross or ugly or a waste of time and money, do keep it to yourself, or return any Christian jewelry or home decor you have to keep from looking like a hypocrite.

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

Jesus was on a schedule. Jesus had creative ways of reaching His followers (parables). Pastors nowadays have creative ways of reaching the youth (concerts, VBS, etc). Regular Christians do too (witnessing, handing out tracts, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, disaster relief, etc). Even bikers do things for Christ (donating toys to kids, riding to raise money, etc).

Some people wear Christian t-shirts simply to show off their love for God and would probably smirk or say "it's just a shirt" if they were asked about it, or not know what the verse that's referenced on their shirt actually says if they were asked about it.

How would we be "wasting God's money" if the tattoo glorified Him? If the tattoo gave us an opportunity to evangelize someone, who are you to judge?

And please stop using phrases like "God would agree with me" or "God would be on my side of this argument" or "I'm just saying what God would say" to make your opinions seem more legitimate than those of other people. You don't know what God would do or say in the situation any more than His own disciples did. As a matter of fact, if we did half of the things Jesus did in His time on earth, we would get very different reactions from what He received. Times have changed, a lot, and I'm sure if Jesus lived in these days instead, He would act differently than when He was actually around. He'd probably use power tools in His carpentry work... but I digress.

There are two sides to every debate. Obviously God wouldn't be on both sides, and it's quite unfair to try and force Him to be on your side. Let the debate settle that itself. If you can't think of a valid, biblical reason to contradict someone, don't use God to try and validate your opinion, just accept it as what it is: an opinion; nothing more, nothing less, and not a commandment.

If you don't like tattoos, that is fine, nobody is forcing you to get one or even asking you to like them. We're trying to figure out if, BIBLICALLY, they are a sin or not. If you have a verse that would prove they're sinful, then don't keep it to yourself. If you have an opinion on tattoos being gross or ugly or a waste of time and money, do keep it to yourself, or return any Christian jewelry or home decor you have to keep from looking like a hypocrite.

Thank you, I couldn't agree more!We're told all through out God's word if we just repent, then all sins are forgiven. Well we do that, so even if a tat was a sin, it CAN be and IS forgiven, but I personally haven't ever felt convicted or that it's wrong. I also agree no one can say God is on their side or what God feels and things cause they aren't Him, so they don't know. Anyways, that's my take on what you said. God bless.

 

[princessdeb4111962]

After giving instructions to completely destroy a town, including its people and livestock, should the people of Israel be enticed to turn to the worship of foreign gods? Moses tells the people: Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the Lord will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors.


The Lord your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him.

Deuteronomy 13:12-18 NLT​

These verses make it clear that God's mercy is extended to those whose hearts are sincere. The Israelites were headed for a land that, much like our society today, was infested with materialism, the craving of creature comforts and "the good life." God is not interested in sharing his mercy with those who simply need a quick fix for the problems their sinful lifestyles have created. Such people have no intention of accepting God's mercy as a new lease on life; they are simply looking for a way to save themselves from deserved consequences. ​

God wants to show us abundant mercy, but he is looking for those who will gratefully accept it and allow it to change the way they live. Do you want God's mercy as a quick fix or as a permanent new way of life?
a tat was a sin, it CAN be and IS forgiven,This is very sicking to me,so anyone one can go out and kill someone,n just say "oh its ok ,i will just repent
​

 

[princessdeb4111962]

Thank you, I couldn't agree more!We're told all through out God's word if we just repent, then all sins are forgiven. Well we do that, so even if a tat was a sin, it CAN be and IS forgiven, but I personally haven't ever felt convicted or that it's wrong. I also agree no one can say God is on their side or what God feels and things cause they aren't Him, so they don't know. Anyways, that's my take on what you said. God bless.

Father of all lies stick together that's all I have to say

 

[princessdeb4111962]

Thank you, I couldn't agree more!We're told all through out God's word if we just repent, then all sins are forgiven. Well we do that, so even if a tat was a sin, it CAN be and IS forgiven, but I personally haven't ever felt convicted or that it's wrong. I also agree no one can say God is on their side or what God feels and things cause they aren't Him, so they don't know. Anyways, that's my take on what you said. God bless.

Read the BIBLE it's in there,people have shown u scriptures n U just still don't care.I will pray for U

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

You know, i could say many things, but it's not worth arguing with you. First of all though, I'm not looking for a quick fix, I'm saved and know it. Secondly,as far as the father of lies comment, I'l have you to know I don't serve satan, I serve God, and you can't judge me or tell me who I do or don't serve, you don't know my heart. Third, I appreciate prayer, we all need it, however on this issue, I don't need prayer, I know I'm not in the wrong. I do care what others say, I respect their view on things, however you sure don't. Telling us we serve and worship satan and things like that, judging us, etc. you need to beat around your own back door step before you judge others. I don't know your life, but I'm sure you'd find things wrong there, in fact, I know so. You need to stop being so rude to others and judging them.

Psalm 103:3-5
Luke 6:37; 11:4
Ephesians 4:32; 1:7
1 John 1:9; 2:12
Hebrews 9:12

Those are verses on forgiving/forgiveness.

You feel as sick as you want, I will not take back that tat's aren't a sin, because they're not. I mean what I say and say what I mean. I shall say again I KNOW that God told me what tat's to get, I know in my heart, soul, mind, spirit, and all of me. You and no one else knows, as it's not y'all, it's ME and GOD that's it.

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

a tat was a sin, it CAN be and IS forgiven,This is very sicking to me,so anyone one can go out and kill someone,n just say "oh its ok ,i will just repent
​

Deb, deb deb.. are you seriously going as far as to use a murder analogy for something as small as a tattoo? Granted, granted, a sin is a sin, I'll give you that. But... just saying "a tat was a sin" doesn't make it so.

Sticking your nose in the air and refusing to listen when people are steadily giving Bible verses to the contrary of your argument doesn't give your responses any merit whatsoever. We know what sin is. We know how serious it is. We know not to try and find loopholes. This isn't a loophole, there is no commandment against a tattoo! It's that simple, it really is.

I'm sorry you don't like them, and I'm sorry they're associated with people of sinful nature. But what about jewelry? Satanists wear jewelry, upside down crosses, pentagrams, etc. Does that mean we shouldn't? The "Hell's Angels" ride motorcycles, does that mean Christians shouldn't? Wiccans burn candles and incense, should we make sure we don't have any in our homes?

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

Deb, deb deb.. are you seriously going as far as to use a murder analogy for something as small as a tattoo? Granted, granted, a sin is a sin, I'll give you that. But... just saying "a tat was a sin" doesn't make it so.

Sticking your nose in the air and refusing to listen when people are steadily giving Bible verses to the contrary of your argument doesn't give your responses any merit whatsoever. We know what sin is. We know how serious it is. We know not to try and find loopholes. This isn't a loophole, there is no commandment against a tattoo! It's that simple, it really is.

I'm sorry you don't like them, and I'm sorry they're associated with people of sinful nature. But what about jewelry? Satanists wear jewelry, upside down crosses, pentagrams, etc. Does that mean we shouldn't? The "Hell's Angels" ride motorcycles, does that mean Christians shouldn't? Wiccans burn candles and incense, should we make sure we don't have any in our homes?

Thank you for the respect you have for those of us with tat's. I agree with you, just cause someone doesn't agree is no reason to stick your nose in the air. We all have a sinful nature, we're humans, the flesh is what's sinful. God looks at our heart anyways, not the outter apperence. Thanks again for at least respecting us.

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

Thank you for the respect you have for those of us with tat's. I agree with you, just cause someone doesn't agree is no reason to stick your nose in the air. We all have a sinful nature, we're humans, the flesh is what's sinful. God looks at our heart anyways, not the outter apperence. Thanks again for at least respecting us.

i was actually thinking of getting one myself, lol.

 

[princessdeb4111962]

​

Question: "What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?"

Answer: The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). So, even though believers today are not under the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15), the fact that there was a command against tattoos should raise some questions. The New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a believer should get a tattoo.

In relation to tattoos and body piercings, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use that particular activity for His own good purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The New Testament does not command against tattoos or body piercings, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercings.

An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God, then it is best not to engage in that activity. Romans 14:23 reminds us that anything that does not come from faith is sin. We need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercings, it does give us a principle: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do and where we go with our bodies. If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark them up” with tattoos or body piercings.​

 

[Harley_Angel]

a tat was a sin, it CAN be and IS forgiven,This is very sicking to me,so anyone one can go out and kill someone,n just say "oh its ok ,i will just repent​

Whoa whoa whoa, hold up...are you saying that you are SICKENED by the idea that all it takes is for someone to be truly sorry for their sins and repent to be forgiven? You are SICKENED by the grace of God? If you are sickened by the fundamental purpose of Jesus dying on the cross for us, then you have stronger priorities than debating if tattoos are sinful.

 

[princessdeb4111962]

Thank you for the respect you have for those of us with tat's. I agree with you, just cause someone doesn't agree is no reason to stick your nose in the air. We all have a sinful nature, we're humans, the flesh is what's sinful. God looks at our heart anyways, not the outter apperence. Thanks again for at least respecting us.

When u can act like oh well if it is a sin all i have to do is ask forgiveness.I think u need to really search ur heart.like i said i will pray for u.

 

[Harley_Angel]

Do you know what repent means? You can't repent and not truly be sorry and never do it again. Asking forgiveness is not repenting, they are two separate things. You tell people they need to search their heart, but I think you need to stop casting stones, using "I'll pray for you" as a way to flippantly insult people and tell them they are wrong no matter what, and start looking into your own heart to get rid of some of the hypocrisy. How can anyone call themselves Christian and then turn around say they are sickened by the idea of repentance?

 

[princessdeb4111962]

Whoa whoa whoa, hold up...are you saying that you are SICKENED by the idea that all it takes is for someone to be truly sorry for their sins and repent to be forgiven? You are SICKENED by the grace of God? If you are sickened by the fundamental purpose of Jesus dying on the cross for us, then you have stronger priorities than debating if tattoos are sinful.

stand up 4 God said if it is a sin to get a tattoo then I will just ask forgiveness.thinking that she can sin all the time as long as she is forgiven attitiude.thats total wrong attitude ,if u no it could b a sin n u don't flee from it,it sickens me that people can out right sin n just say oh well i guess i will ask God to forgive me.that's what sicken me,not that Jesus died on the cross,for ur sins,the suffering He went through n we don't try harder to stop sinning,when we no we are,kind of attitude
u called me a jerk,but I forgive u ,n u said i am inmature HAHAHAHA.

 

[princessdeb4111962]

this is all i am going to say about this subject
What the Bible Says About God’s View of
Tattoos and Body Piercing

Two Interesting Verses

The Bible’s teaching concerning this issue is complex, not because it is somehow difficult to understand, but rather because it is a “side issue” that the Bible really does not address head on. There is one passage that seems to teach against such things, Leviticus chapter 19, verse 28, which says:

1. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.

However, only nine verses earlier in the same chapter (Leviticus 19:19) the people of Israel were also commanded to avoid mixing fibers in garments:

1. Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you.

Therefore, if someone chose to consider a tattoo sinful, then they would have to toss all their cotton/polyester clothing too!
So What Do We Do?

It helps to know that God originally set aside the Jewish people as a “higher standard” among the pagan nations, through whom the Messiah would come. As a result, many of their laws were given to wean them from pagan customs, habits, and appearance.
The book of Romans (and the rest of the New Testament for that matter) emphasizes that we are no longer under that Law. Jesus paid for our sins, so people no longer have to try “cleaning themselves” to be worthy of being around a holy God. Stated another way, the Old Testament made it clear that people could NOT stay clean on their own, so God sent His Son, who could and did live a sinless, “clean” life. By accepting Christ, we benefit from His work, not ours. (See our page “Why Christ Had To Do The Job” for more information.)
For that reason, the “ceremonial cleanliness” laws were done away with once Christ provided a new way to get right with God. Still, some laws were not ceremonial or fashionable in nature (to set people apart from other nations) but rather civil and moral. Those laws are still valid and many of them were repeated often in the New Testament. If you have not read it lately, read the book of James. It is a good overview of desirable Christian behavior.
Although this is a brief treatment of this subject, you should get the idea. The bottom line is that the Bible does not clearly define tattoos and body piercing as a sin.
There is one thing to consider, though. Since people react to tattoos, short skirts, beards, motorcycles, smoking, and other things in unpredictable ways; a Christian must determine what their “audience” (Christian and non-Christian) will think about Christians (using that person as the example of their admiration or scorn) if they appear or behave in some way. That said, this issue becomes a “matter of conscience.” Romans 14:1-15.6 (chapter 14 verse 1 through chapter 15 verse 6) discusses matters of conscience and uses food as an example. Therefore, each Christian should thoughtfully examine this passage, and modify their appearance or behavior accordingly.

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

​

Question: "What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?"

Answer: The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). So, even though believers today are not under the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15), the fact that there was a command against tattoos should raise some questions. The New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a believer should get a tattoo.

In relation to tattoos and body piercings, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use that particular activity for His own good purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The New Testament does not command against tattoos or body piercings, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercings.

An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God, then it is best not to engage in that activity. Romans 14:23 reminds us that anything that does not come from faith is sin. We need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercings, it does give us a principle: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do and where we go with our bodies. If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark them up” with tattoos or body piercings.​

I recognized this post from GotQuestions.org. Their view is if it glorifies God, and you "ask permission" by praying, and being sure God's cool with it, then tattoos are fine.

I have disagreed with a couple of their articles before, so I don't really use them as a final authority on anything. Good for looking up relative verses though.

 

[princessdeb4111962]

Do you know what repent means? You can't repent and not truly be sorry and never do it again. Asking forgiveness is not repenting, they are two separate things. You tell people they need to search their heart, but I think you need to stop casting stones, using "I'll pray for you" as a way to flippantly insult people and tell them they are wrong no matter what, and start looking into your own heart to get rid of some of the hypocrisy. How can anyone call themselves Christian and then turn around say they are sickened by the idea of repentance?

What does the Bible say about Repentance?

• The Bible speaks about repenting from sin. To repent means to change one’s mind, to turn from, and turn to God. Here mind is referred to but the heart is implied. John the Baptist came crying Repent! Repent! Jesus Christ began His ministry with a call to repentance in Matt 4: 17. This call is not to the nation of Israel or nation but it is now the call of repentance to the individual. When we repent and turn to God for Salvation we must exercise or use our faith to receive Salvation.
  
  Matthew 4:17 (KJV)
  From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  Matthew 4:17 (NLT) From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
  Matthew 4:17 The “kingdom of heaven” has the same significance as the “kingdom of God” in Mark and Luke. Matthew uses this phrase because the Jews, out of their strong reverence and respect, did not pronounce God’s name. The kingdom of heaven is still near because it has arrived in our hearts. Jesus began his ministry with the very word or message people had listened to John the Baptist say: “Repent.” This message is the same today as when Jesus and John presented it. Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness and selfish and controlling ways and turning our lives over to Christ’s direction and control.
  ​
  There are two types of repentance and we can see both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. I will call them this way throughout this text.
  1. WORLDLY REPENTANCE
  2. TRUE REPENTANCE
  What does it mean when I say True Repentance or spiritual repentance?
  What does it mean when I say Worldly Repentance?
  Let us look at both ways through the word of God:
  1. WORLDLY REPENTANCE
  Turn your Bible to Exodus Read Chapter 9:
  9:1 This was the fifth time God impelled Moses back to Pharaoh with this demand, “Let my people go!” Moses may have been tired and discouraged, but he continued to obey. Is there a difficult conflict you must face repeatedly? Don’t give up, don’t quit, when you know what is right to do. Moses discovered, persistence and patience is a virtue of God and God will reward obedience.
  9:12 God gave Pharaoh numerous opportunities to observe Moses’ warnings. But in the end God seemed to say, “All right, Pharaoh, have it your own way,” and Pharaoh’s heart developed into permanently hardened. Did God deliberately harden Pharaoh’s heart and make null and void his free will? No, he merely confirmed that Pharaoh wholeheartedly chose and preferred a life of resisting God. Likewise, after a lifetime of resisting God, people may possibly find it impossible to turn to him. Don’t delay until just the right time before turning to God. Act now as you still have the opportunity. If you persistently ignore God’s voice, eventually you will be unable to hear God’s call at all.
  Focus: 9:27-34 After promising to let the Hebrews go, Pharaoh immediately broke his promise and brought even more trouble upon the land. His actions reveal that his repentance was not real. We do damage to ourselves and to others if we pretend to change but don’t mean it
  Pharaoh represents the world’s type of repentance. Pharaoh cried out to Moses’ and said he repented but as soon as the plague or hardship was removed he returned to the same sin. How many times have been guilty of refusing to obey God’s word and asking for forgiveness and shortly after the hardship is over we return to the same sin or thing that brought us into bondage in the first place. Pharaoh experienced the power and might of the one true living God and the world of Pharaoh would learn about the Lord through these experiences. Pharaoh represents the natural or physical mans reasoning against the word of God or the spiritual conflict between man and God. Natural disasters can cause us to call out in fear and helplessness; along with hardships or difficulties man cries out but this is not the same as true repentance but arises from the terror of the difficulty or hardship. Man will return to his sin when this type of repentance or bargaining is done. Pharaoh feared the hardships of the plagues but he did not fear or turn to the Lord with a true heart repentance.
  Review:
  • 1. Pharaoh did not acknowledge his sin or tendency to do wrong.
  • 2. The nation and Pharaoh did not realize his sin was rebellion against God.
  • 3. They never admitted their sin to God and turned from it.
  • 4. Pharaoh never trusted in God’s willingness to forgive although God demonstrated his patience and Willing to relent.
  • 5. Pharaoh never accepted forgiveness because the hardness of his heart.
  2. TRUE REPENTANCE:
  Turn your Bible to verses Ezra10 and read.
  10:1-2 Focus verses: 3-4-11 Ezra prayed earnestly from the heart. A large coward wept with him. The hearts turned to repentance and turned to God.
  10:3 Why were the reasons these men were commanded to send away their wives and children? Even though the measure was extreme, intermarriage to pagans was strictly forbidden and outlawed (Deut. 7:3-4), and even the priests and Levites had intermarried. This might be compared today as to a Christian marrying a devil worshiper. Although a hardnosed solution, it only involved 113 of the approximately 29,000 families. These marriages were outside the law with pagans who served other gods. They were not covenant marriages. Even today, many are not in covenant marriages. They were believers marrying unbelievers.
  Ezra’s strong action, although very difficult for some people, was necessary to preserve and protect Israel as a nation dedicated to God. Some of the exiles of the northern kingdom of Israel had lost both their spiritual and physical characteristics through intermarriage. Their pagan spouses were the root the people worshiping idols. Ezra did not desire this to happen to the exiles of the southern kingdom of Judah.
  10:3-4, 11 Following, Ezra’s earnest heart rendering prayer, the people confessed their sin to God. They asked for direction and the God’s way and will in restoring their relationship with God. True repentance does not end with words of confession; this would be mere lip service. Repentance must lead to corrected behavior, actions and changed attitudes. When you sin and are truly sorry or remorseful, confess your sin to God, ask His forgiveness, and accept His grace, mercy and forgiveness. Then, as an act of appreciation for your forgiveness, make the needed corrections. 1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  10:11 As believers in Jesus Christ, all our sins are forgiven. Christ Jesus’ death cleansed us from all sin. Why do we still confess our sins? Confession is more than appropriation of Christ’s forgiveness for what we have done wrong, and we do not have to re-confess sins that were previously confessed. Confession is agreeing with God that our thoughts, words, attitudes and actions are wrong and contrary to God’s will. It is recommitting ourselves, to do his will and to renounce any acts of disobedience. Confession is turning away from sin and asking God for fresh power to live for him.
  Focus verses: 3-4-11
  Ezra prayed earnestly from the heart. A large coward wept with him.
  The people repented from the heart but repentance did not stop with confession. The people turned from their sin, wrong deeds and actions or deeds. True repentance will not stop at confession or it is only lip service. Confession is agreeing with God that our thoughts, actions, behaviors and attitudes are opposing to his word and will. True repentance will lead to change. Confession and repentance brings about recommitting to God’s will and word, and renouncing our disobedience to God. Disobedience is rebellion and the Bible or word says this is the same as witchcraft. Disobedience brings death. Obedience brings life.
  

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

"To repent means to change one’s mind, to turn from, and turn to God."

No, repenting means feeling remorse over what you've done, basically regretting the sin you committed. For Christians, this regret stems from our being born again, with a Christian mind, knowing when we've committed a sin against God. If you don't feel regret when you sin, it's time to question if you're saved or not.

 

[MahogonySnail]

I don't think repenting means regret, that's a feeling that may or may not be present, repent really does mean change ones mind about something. The sign of repentance is not a feeling but is a decision of the will which is followed through by corresponding action(s).

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

I don't think repenting means regret, that's a feeling that may or may not be present, repent really does mean change ones mind about something. The sign of repentance is not a feeling but is a decision of the will which is followed through by corresponding action(s).

Look it up, man. If you don't feel regret over what you've done, what makes you think you've repented? A Christian is a new person. Their conscience isn't their own anymore, they're led by the Holy Spirit to know right from wrong. When I do something wrong, when I sin, I regret it. That's how I know God is working in my life.

Grab a dictionary if you don't believe me, jeez!

From Dictionary.com:

to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent.

to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often fol. by of): He repented after his thoughtless act.

to remember or regard with self-reproach or contrition: to repent one's injustice to another.

to feel sorry for; regret: to repent an imprudent act.

1. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.
2. To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.
3. To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.

v. tr.

1. To feel regret or self-reproach for: repent one's sins.
2. To cause to feel remorse or regret.