Tattoos

[JWat]

I just wanted to get everyones feelings and maybe some literature feedback from the bible about tattoos. I have heard many different opinions and on some occasions depending on the argument understand both stand points. Yes I do have a tattoo and am thinking of getting another. I think that as long as it dosnt represent evil or sin then it is ok to me. I have a tribal image of Jesus and Holy spirit down my side that I drew and had drawn on me last June. Most people like it although some hink it is disgusting and say that God would not like to be represented in this way. I think that if it sparks someone elses interest from a different culture or background and brings conversation of Jesus and a chance to evangalise than it is a good thing. Maybe I am wrong. I guees thats why God will be the one to judge on judgement day not us.
Revelation 19:16; " On his robe and on his thigh he has the name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"
Revelation 7:3; "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the doreheads of the servants of God."
Isaiah 44:5, Isaiah 49:16, Exodus 13:9, Exodus 13:16, Ezekiel 9:4, Galatians6:17 also speak of marks and words on the body. Maybe someone has some more insight on this or even better some more scripture. I am interested see everyones position on this it seems to meet that it is a very divided subject.

 

[Baptistrw]

28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Lev 19:28 (KJV)


I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)


Using a tattoo for evangelism would be like placing a church ad on the cups in a bar or printing a church ad in a pornographic magazine. It may seem like a good idea, but isn't because there is no separation involved, which is a command, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you"
2 Cor 6:17 (KJV)

 

[JWat]

I am not saying to use it as evangelism Iam saying that by people seeing it it may cause them to ask questions which gives you the oppurtunity to talk to them about Jesus. God works in mysterious ways. I found him in a place that I should have never been. Doing things that were sinful and the complete oppsite of christlike. And yet he used that to speak to me.

 

[Derek]

I have alot a good portion covred by tattos, but i got them before I was saved. I havent had any desire to get any more since, but thats just me. Ive known some really spiritual people who know the bible well and continue to get tattoos. Id say its a matter of preference. Youll always find someone who disagrees with you. I mean, some find scriptures that say theres a pre tribulation rapture, some find scripture to say theres a post tribulation rapture. Im sure there will be some know it all who will push some verse on you that he found. I think you should ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. If it is a sin, He's the one to let you know, right? This whole tattoo thing reminds me of the pharasee's and how they had to wash their hands a certain way, and eat a certain way, and dress a certain way. Then Jesus came along and said it's not what goes in you that makes you unclean, but what comes out of your heart. If mother Teressa decided to get her belly button pierced, would that change the person she was on the inside? People still tend to strain at a knat and swallow a camel, you know what I mean?

 

[Baptistrw]

That just shows God works in spite of us, not because of us. Reflecting Christ and living a holy life is a better way to get questions than body art my friend.

 

[Baptistrw]

I have alot a good portion covred by tattos, but i got them before I was saved. I havent had any desire to get any more since, but thats just me. Ive known some really spiritual people who know the bible well and continue to get tattoos. Id say its a matter of preference. Youll always find someone who disagrees with you. I mean, some find scriptures that say theres a pre tribulation rapture, some find scripture to say theres a post tribulation rapture. Im sure there will be some know it all who will push some verse on you that he found. I think you should ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. If it is a sin, He's the one to let you know, right? This whole tattoo thing reminds me of the pharasee's and how they had to wash their hands a certain way, and eat a certain way, and dress a certain way. Then Jesus came along and said it's not what goes in you that makes you unclean, but what comes out of your heart. If mother Teressa decided to get her belly button pierced, would that change the person she was on the inside? People still tend to strain at a knat and swallow a camel, you know what I mean?

The Bible is the ultimate judge on things, not what someone feels could be a sin.The human heart is wicked and would justify any sinful behavior. Search the scriptures and see what it says on the matter.

 

[Derek]

Hey Baptistrw,
Do you have a beard and long hair?

 

[carpetmanswife]

do this, dont do that...legalism....its whats in our heart that counts.

 

[Derek]

Leviticus 19:28 says not to cut yourself and get tattoos.
Leviticus 19:27 says not to cut the hair at the sides of your head or trim your beard.
Are you guilty of that one?

 

[goth4god]

this is what i have been taught about tattoos, and since i was too lazy to type it all out i found it on a website lol. I personally got my tattoo because i used to cut and when i didnt want to i would draw a cross on my wrist to remind me that God is there. so i got a tattoo of a cross on my wrist as a permanant reminder.


Question: "What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/tattoos-sin.html

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 cause us to question. The New Testament does not say anything about whether a believer should or should not 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 the 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.

Another issue to consider is modesty. The Bible instructs us to dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9). One aspect of dressing modestly is making sure everything that should be covered by clothing is adequately covered. However, the essential meaning of modesty is not drawing attention to oneself. Tattoos and body piercings most definitely draw attention to the body. In this sense, tattoos and body piercings are not modest.

An important scriptural principle on issues that the Bible does not specifically address is that if there is room for doubt as to whether it pleases God, then it is best to not 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 it up" with tattoos or body piercings.

 

[goth4god]

this is what i have been taught about tattoos, and since i was too lazy to type it all out i found it on a website lol. I personally got my tattoo because i used to cut and when i didnt want to i would draw a cross on my wrist to remind me that God is there. so i got a tattoo of a cross on my wrist as a permanant reminder.


Question: "What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/tattoos-sin.html

Answer: The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites,

 

[goth4god]

gah! sorry my comp tweaked out!

 

[JWat]

Derek I could not have said it any better. There are many things in the bible that the old testament said not to do such as the hair issue that we do not abide by. Also goth4God had a very good reason to put something that is symbolic to our religion that prevets him or her not do do harm to herself. Therefore i think that that woud please God. Which brings us back where a lot of decision making conversations go. God will be the ultimate judge on judgement day and he will decide what was or was not right in his eyes. We can not see through his eyes therfore we can not judge what he will ultimately decide

 

[EconGrad]

Many people's view on getting tattoos depends on their view of the Law. Some people believe Christians are still obligated to follow the law as if they were Jews. If you try to keep one part of the law you will be held responsible for all of it.

I believe we are free to receive tattoos however it's very foolish to do so. Tattoos come with health risks.

We're not being wise stewards of our bodies if we take unnecessary health risks. So I'd encourage someone considering getting a tattoo to listen to the wisdom of God and not do it even though Christians aren't responsible to obey the Levitical Law.

 

[Derek]

Thats a good point Econgrad, I like your reason behind it. A person may think that it could be clean and safe but we should always remember to care for these bodies and be aware of our decisions.

 

[farouk]

carpetmaswife:

The heart is the most important.

(Do you have one, Denise? or did you ever consider one?)

Take care.

do this, dont do that...legalism....its whats in our heart that counts.

 

[MahogonySnail]

Did you know Jesus has a tattoo:

Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

 

[Abing]

i dont have a tattoo, my skin is too sensitive for that, and i have needle allergy

 

[CristenJ]

What does everyone think about tattoos that are gotten in remembrance or support of a loved one?

For instance, one of my close friend's mothers has been battling breast cancer for several years...they thought at one point that the cancer was gone, and to commemorate that she and my friend went together and got the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon tattooed on their ankles. Unfortunately, the cancer has recently returned, but they display the tattoos proudly to show the battle they faced/are still facing.

I personally believe that sort of ink is totally acceptable. I've read through the scriptures, I know what they say about it, but even still, why would a God of Love condemn His children for representing love in such a way?

The same goes for people who get tattoos of their children's names. They love their children; a tattoo merely tells the world and saves them having to speak.

I kind of think this is one of those things that when done in moderation is harmless. Like having a glass of wine with dinner. Having a couple of tattoos that mean something, that stand for some battle or the love in your life, or your faith...nothing wrong with that.

But what about piercings? Those are not symbolic...

I actually have 6 piercings, mostly in my ears, but my nose is pierced, too...not good for much of anything except snagging on towels or sweaters. What's the general consensus about holes in your head?

 

[thefightinglamb]

Personally, as a Christian, before I got a tatoo, I felt repulsed by them...as if it trashed the body or whatever...but the Lord humbled me and I got a tattoo, now I have a few, but all of them so far have to do with God...

On my back I have a picture of Medusa praying to a cross inside a heart (the first I got), in water and blood coming from the cross...I saw it in a dream I believe and so followed, though yes the pain just felt insane the whole time I was getting it...
No one could see it as it was on my back and I like wearing shirts everywhere and it was between me and God. It means and has meant a lot to me, because pictures both say and don't say things, depending on what you are looking for...

Then I was going to get bad words on my right wrist, not curse words but words like slow ignorant sinner (but harsher than that) and I called the pastor of the church I was attending and asked him about tattoos...and he said that they were okay but when I told him what I was thinking about getting he said I should look up and not down...so I went and got
PURE
LOVING
PERFECT
SON OF GOD

on my left wrist--so I would always remember him--though I know its not the tattoo that does it, but sometimes I'm dumb and forget Him when I think about sinning and it almost just seems by chance I remember the Lord and I can tell you seeing that on my body causes me to think twice about what I do and think...it also is kind of wierd to me that people like it usually even most Christians...I have thought about getting HOLY because its one of the most important ones I left out...

Anyway then, I saw that the story on my back wasn't complete...for medusa still had a head full of snakes, so I got medusa's head on the side of the heart with the snakes cut out and a sword going straight through the heart, and on the cross a full sun flower, and lower on that side a sunflower with six fallen petals and 1 still attached, as a little kid pulling apart a flower to see if God loves them and finding he does...

Anyway, the sword handle stuck up onto my neck, so I was afraid to get it at first...I think a lot of Christians (or people that claim to be) are like this, I was afraid if it showed everyone would think less of me but as long as nobody saw my faith it was fine...and surely that is true...Nominal Christians and non-Christians don't care if you don't show your faith, but show it and you'll get the cross...

"We are temples because of whats inside and not because of whats outside', baptist " lest you say it is my body that makes the Lord and not the Lord that purifies my body." (that is paraphrases Paul's letter)

Also, interestingly, I saw that line from Leveticus shortly after getting my first tattoo and was like God why didn't you show me this verse before? But now maybe I would have, and I don't really see how this way of worshipping other gods back then still applies to people seeking the LORD and his glory alone...But someone told me that it does say, you shall not tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord your God...as perhaps (someone has pointed this out to me) that we should not tattoo that saying to our bodies, spiritually meaning we should not consider our bodies the lord of our lives...which is one of the deepest meanings I believe to be found from this text...

If you think less of people who have tattoos, I would pray the Lord would either change your mind or humble you with one of your own. The Lord can remove tattoos from physical bodies as easily as soap removes dirt, and if whatever scarlet letter you see it as must be removed or is bad the Lord shall do it whenver he pleases.

God bless--
tony