TATTOOS

[JimM1228]

Hello all,
i have been born again for about 2 years now and this is a subject i have seen come up alot. i personally have Galations 2:20 tattoed on my arms recently. here is an article about it to help those who also need some light shed. Personally i do like it and also agree with the article about how you should pray and how it is permissable. i believe it is a "gray area" where it calls for personal opinion. whats your thought?

Some Christians have found that having tattoos gives them more credibility, and thereby more possibilities of evangelism, with some groups of people. So what about Christian tattoos?
Obviously, a tattoo of a cross is “better” than a tattoo of a flaming skull, naked woman, or demon. Having a tattoo saying “Jesus saves” could indeed be a conversation starter with some people who would never approach a preacher wearing a suit and tie. Some refer to Revelation 19:16 as an example of Jesus possibly having a tattoo on His thigh, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” The question is not necessarily “is getting a tattoo a sin?” The question is more “is getting a tattoo a good and necessary thing to do?” First Corinthians 10:23 declares, “Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.” Christian tattoos may be “permissible,” but are they beneficial and constructive?
In 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, Paul exclaims, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel.” Becoming all things to save some is perhaps the only good possible reason for getting a Christian tattoo. If having a tattoo genuinely opens doors for evangelism that would otherwise be closed, getting Christian tattoos would likely “qualify” under Paul’s “becoming all things” qualification. At the same time, it is frankly difficult to envision a scenario in which having a tattoo would enable a greater possibility of evangelism. If a person will not listen to you due to a lack of a tattoo, it is highly unlikely that such a person would genuinely listen due to the presence of a tattoo.
With that said, the biblically based conclusion would seem to be that Christian tattoos are permissible, but it is highly questionable whether they can be considered beneficial and constructive. A Christian considering getting a tattoo should pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and ask the Lord to provide pure motives and discernment.

 

[snugpug240]

thank you for this post. i have been struggling with getting a tatoo for some time now. i wanted to get a flower or something like that, certainly not a naked lady but then again, not a bible verse either. and honestly, now that so many people nowadays have tatoos, it is considered unique NOT to have a tatoo. so i think im still going to pray about it. this article is very informative, thank u!

 

[xJoe]

Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD. ESV

for Israel it was a abomination. But for new testament believers I cant say. All ill tell you is be careful. Some people I bet would make it easier for you to reach out to. But obviously some others it would make your chances less. So use discernment. Think of what career path you want to go down then think are these going to help or take away from what I'm trying to do. Just make sure its not going to shame God or else the entire purpose of the tattoo is pointless. If it does no harm or helps Gods purpose go for it. If it takes away then don't do it.
God bless

 

[snugpug240]

for 19, u sure are very mature...i mean im not much older than u are but wow. thank u for ur words of wisdom and scripture references. i think the confusion with tatoos and piercings lies with the fact that those verses that forbid those things are locatedin the old testament. many people no longer live by the old testament though, all the laws there. instead they focus on living by the new testament, grace which isnt as clear about tatoos and piercings as the old testment is. my question is, how is it ok for girls to get their ears pierced, which is still defacing ur body, but piercings elsewhere and tatoos are not acceptable?!

 

[xJoe]

the thing is we are not bound by old testament Israelite laws. The laws God gave Israel are completely different then how were suppose to live now. We would not be able to work on the sabbath. Have to give sin sacrifices, ect ect but we us as believers after Christ's death are not bound by those rules.
There are over 500+ commandments from God in the old testament but Jesus summed it up

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

If we really love God we will be careful. Because of our love for God will be the way we live our life. I don't believe certain things are wrong but because of my testimony I will stay away from there so I don't shame God's name. The thing is with stuff like this "grey areas" there is not a one answer fits all. Depending on where you live and what your trying to accomplish answers the question. I used to think of what I could or could not get away with but now instead I think of if something is beneficial or not. there's a lot of things that are not classified sins but they will shame Gods name. If we loved God with all of our heart we would avoid these things instead of just saying. "well its not a sin so im fine"
This all comes down to judgment. for things that are not specifically noted in the bible I try not to tell anyone what to do because I really can't answer them for someone whose not myself. For grey areas such as this you need to look at the long term and Godly aspects. Will it help or take away for what I stand for? Ask that and you will have your answer.
Hope it helps God bless.

 

[snugpug240]

wow.......

 

[JimM1228]

Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD. ESV

for Israel it was a abomination. But for new testament believers I cant say. All ill tell you is be careful. Some people I bet would make it easier for you to reach out to. But obviously some others it would make your chances less. So use discernment. Think of what career path you want to go down then think are these going to help or take away from what I'm trying to do. Just make sure its not going to shame God or else the entire purpose of the tattoo is pointless. If it does no harm or helps Gods purpose go for it. If it takes away then don't do it.
God bless

Agreed brother. which is why i did pray about having galations tattoed on the inside of my arms. im a mechanic so no worry about appearance. the main reason i actually brought this us was because i had a discussion with my gf about it. she says i have enough. i want to get one more lol i like tattoos. but only with meaning ofcourse. i do get nervous and there are those that use revelation as an excuse(jesus had the tat on his leg "king of kings lord of lords") but i honestly feel and can testify that the bible verses on my arms have started convos and have raised questions. heck even the artist was asking me about my faith lol. like you said it is something you must sincerely pray about. God will provide an answer and show a way. i personally think that if it is for God then it is permissable. but anything other than that i would say no to...

in Christ,
James

 

[Michelle94]

I said in the other thread that I think tattoos are fine. My body is my temple, my shrine. And I want to worship and decorate it with other works of art and beauty. I currently have 2 tattoos on my shoulder. One of which I drew and the other I picked out. I want to have sleeves someday. I don't think your sincerity in your belief in God and worship has anything to do with tattoos personally. But I'm not a model christian either.

 

[JimM1228]

I said in the other thread that I think tattoos are fine. My body is my temple, my shrine. And I want to worship and decorate it with other works of art and beauty. I currently have 2 tattoos on my shoulder. One of which I drew and the other I picked out. I want to have sleeves someday. I don't think your sincerity in your belief in God and worship has anything to do with tattoos personally. But I'm not a model christian either.

be careful with what you say, and there are no "model" Christians in the world today. we are imperfect but that's why we love God so much because he doesn't care how imperfect we are.
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19.

you don't have to just ignore the fact that it may be wrong and go for it. if you are a christian at all you know about what will happen when you die. therefore your life should reflect Christ and the fact that you need to uphold the word in order to reflect him. its not hard at all. I LOVE tattoos which is why i posted this but im actually learning more now about it by talking to you guys and realizing just how important things like this will be to God. if you have tattoos already so be it. but as far as getting new ones i would still say spend time in prayer...

 

[windmill28]

thank you for this post. i have been struggling with getting a tatoo for some time now. i wanted to get a flower or something like that, certainly not a naked lady but then again, not a bible verse either. and honestly, now that so many people nowadays have tatoos, it is considered unique NOT to have a tatoo. so i think im still going to pray about it. this article is very informative, thank u!

FIRST OF ALL, tattoos are wrong---period, contrary to what you, your neighbor, or anyone else says. Do you understand?

God's Word is absolute; it is not subjective. Do you understand?

You mention how people have tattoos now more than ever before. What's your point? WE do not decide what's true; God has said what's true, so don't suggest that truth changes over time or that we in any way can manipulate the truth. Not surprising that you would endorse "Family Guy" and make prejudiced comments. Everything you have said has been of a non-Christian foundation, so don't call yourself a Christian if you're going to promote this postmodern, relativistic nonsense.

 

[candymyne]

funny, I used to make tattoo designs it pays well, but when I realized that it was sin I stopped. I regret not knowing sooner.. now there is quite a good handfull of people with my art on their bodies.... so I recomend no tattoos.

 

[JimM1228]

FIRST OF ALL, tattoos are wrong---period, contrary to what you, your neighbor, or anyone else says. Do you understand?

God's Word is absolute; it is not subjective. Do you understand?

You mention how people have tattoos now more than ever before. What's your point? WE do not decide what's true; God has said what's true, so don't suggest that truth changes over time or that we in any way can manipulate the truth. Not surprising that you would endorse "Family Guy" and make prejudiced comments. Everything you have said has been of a non-Christian foundation, so don't call yourself a Christian if you're going to promote this postmodern, relativistic nonsense.

Wow. Can you say JUDGEMENTAL?? how can YOU call yourself
Christian when you show no love or humility towards others? We are to lovingly challenge and encourage. Not point a finger and say "don't call yourself Christian!" and secondly the new testament has wiped away old traditions through Christ. Not only that but it is the challenge of interpretation that I was addressing. So please humble yourself if you are going to comment on someone

 

[xJoe]

FIRST OF ALL, tattoos are wrong---period, contrary to what you, your neighbor, or anyone else says. Do you understand?

God's Word is absolute; it is not subjective. Do you understand?

You mention how people have tattoos now more than ever before. What's your point? WE do not decide what's true; God has said what's true, so don't suggest that truth changes over time or that we in any way can manipulate the truth. Not surprising that you would endorse "Family Guy" and make prejudiced comments. Everything you have said has been of a non-Christian foundation, so don't call yourself a Christian if you're going to promote this postmodern, relativistic nonsense.

I love how you make this statement with no scripture and TELL US were using a non christian foundation.
Don't bring up the verse in the old testament forbidding it because that law was for Israel not mentioned in the new testament.
Where is your defense?

 

[FrankensteinGirls]

Why do people try to convince others tattoos are a sin with Leviticus 19:28 ? Do they follow lev. 19:27 as well?

 

[xJoe]

or the book of Leviticus in general lol. Tattoos though if misused will bring shame to Christ name. It's not about what you can or can not do. It's about what will bring the world and people your around closer to Christ. Anything that takes away from that is a sin. The body is God's temple. But I'm not the judge of to say what or what not brings glory. That is your decision.

 

[CameronMMS]

There are several texts in the Bible that forbid the cutting or marking of our bodies. You can look these up and study them for yourself: Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5; and Deuteronomy 14:1. I believe these would apply to tattoos and body piercing. The pagans who did not believe they were created by God consequently had no respect for the human body. Satan wishes to erase God's image in man in every way that he can. Virtually every pagan religion of the world has some form of self-mutilation. The prophets of Baal speared themselves with lances on Mt. Carmel in order to please their god. The demoniac deliberately gouged and lacerated his flesh with stones.

As Christians we have an entirely different perspective. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).

(and email from a pastor)

 

[dmdave17]

There are several texts in the Bible that forbid the cutting or marking of our bodies. You can look these up and study them for yourself: Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5; and Deuteronomy 14:1. I believe these would apply to tattoos and body piercing. The pagans who did not believe they were created by God consequently had no respect for the human body. Satan wishes to erase God's image in man in every way that he can. Virtually every pagan religion of the world has some form of self-mutilation. The prophets of Baal speared themselves with lances on Mt. Carmel in order to please their god. The demoniac deliberately gouged and lacerated his flesh with stones.

As Christians we have an entirely different perspective. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).

Amen Brother!

Times may have changed, but God hasn't. He never does. I won't burden everyone with a list of Bible verses to support this point; suffice to say that it is a recurring thread throughout the entire Bible. That means that if God didn't like tattoos in the Old Testament, He doesn't like them today.

The point of the New Testament is not that God changed His mind about anything, but that He provided us with a way to be reconciled to him even though we are sinners. When we are saved, according to the apostle, Paul, we are filled with the desire to be more Christlike, even though we will never attain it. In my opinion, that means that Christians should not even want to get tattoos.

However, if we succumb to temptation, as we all do, God recognizes our human frailties and is willing to forgive us if we repent and ask His forgiveness. This is also a recurring theme in Scripture. Therefore, I believe that the first tattoo, while regrettable, is tolerable, but a second tattoo is really pushing the envelope.

If this sounds like a lecture, I do not mean it to be. It is just what I, one person believe.
God bless you.

 

[xJoe]

There are several texts in the Bible that forbid the cutting or marking of our bodies. You can look these up and study them for yourself: Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5; and Deuteronomy 14:1. I believe these would apply to tattoos and body piercing. The pagans who did not believe they were created by God consequently had no respect for the human body. Satan wishes to erase God's image in man in every way that he can. Virtually every pagan religion of the world has some form of self-mutilation. The prophets of Baal speared themselves with lances on Mt. Carmel in order to please their god. The demoniac deliberately gouged and lacerated his flesh with stones.

As Christians we have an entirely different perspective. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).

(and email from a pastor)

Hey do you also keep the sabbath and sacrifice animals for peace offerings? Do you not do any work on the sabbath?
THOSE LAWS ARE FOR ISRAEL. If your brother died would you marry his wife and help raise his children?
THOSE LAWS ARE FOR ISRAEL so don't say they apply now. Give me a new testament reference forbidding it.
this is the classic example of using scripture OUT OF CONTEXT.
I personally don't agree with tattoos but nothing in the new testament forbids it.

 

[CameronMMS]

a lot of the stuff you're saying I don't agree with dude. but I do believe in the Sabbath. but I don't believe in doing sacrifices diner and that whole other thing you were talking about. I wouldn't do either

 

[CameronMMS]

what about Abram... those laws were for him too...