When it comes to the issue of tattoos, emotions run deeper than ink. Those familiar with this debate have undoubtedly heard of the verse relating to tattoos (Leviticus 19:28). There is also verse people point to regarding the body as a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).
It is true that Leviticus forbids tattoos, but it is equally true that we are no longer held under the confines of the Law. Someone might point out that Jesus declared the Law would not pass away, and it is true that He said that (Matthew 5:18).
What matters is the context of each of these verses. As I have already pointed out, Leviticus 19:28 is part of the Law given to Moses. When Christ states that the Law shall not pass away, it is important to look closely at what He said.
Matthew 5-7 is one sermon, if you will, beginning when Jesus was before the multitude on a mountain, and ending when He came down from the mountain.
There is nothing in that sermon regarding tattoos, first of all. Secondly, when Christ spoke about the Law not passing away, He said:
Matthew 5:17-18 said:
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
Notice that Christ did not say, "the Law will not pass away until Heaven and Earth pass away." Paraphrasing, what He said is, "the Law will remain until either Heaven and Earth pass away, or until all is fulfilled." This is less a commentary on the permanence of the Law, and more on Christ's sole authority to fulfill the Law and thereby enter us into a new covenant with God.
When Christ cried out "it is finished" on the cross just before He died, He was referring to the fact God had removed us from the covenant of the Law, and into the covenant of grace. The temple veil being torn in two represents this even further (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45). Thus, Leviticus no longer applied, and we were free from the commandment against tattoos.
Now, to the issue of the body as a temple, there is a single reference to this, in 1 Corinthians 6:19. The context of 1 Corinthians 6, specifically verses 12-20, refers to sexual immorality. Paul states in verses 12-13 that:
The Apostle Paul said:
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
From this, we can see that we can indulge the body, but not allow those indulgences to overcome us and control us. It is not a sin to enjoy your favorite food, but if you become addicted to it, you sin in pursuing it. The same can be applied to any comfort or indulgence, including tattoos. We are permitted to get tattoos, but we are not permitted to become addicted to them.
There are also verses relating to modesty, and--quite frankly--I haven't the time to list them all out. However, each of them makes reference to refraining from the practice of drawing attention to oneself, for their own glory. That is the distinction we must make in regard to tattoos: what is our motive? As with all things, God concerns Himself with our heart, rather than our outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).
I am free to tattoo myself from head to toe if I wish, but doing so may not be beneficial to me, and it would certainly attract attention to myself. However, if I tattoo my body from head to toe and my heart's intent is sincerely to bring glory to God, then I can stand before God in all modesty and a clean conscience.
There are those who would say it is impossible for a person to tattoo themselves for the glory of God, but that is a judgement for the person being tattooed and for God, and no one else. We cannot judge a person's salvation, even based on their actions. I cannot tell you with certainty whether Adolf Hitler--regarded as one of the most vile men in history by most--was a Christian, and it is not my place to do so.
Not all Christians are permitted to indulge in the same things, and not all Christians are prohibited from indulging in the same things. We are unique people with our own experiences and callings, and because of that, we are called to do different things for the Lord. There are those who are called to have non-inked skin, and it is a sin for them to get a tattoo. There those who are called to ink their skin, and it might be an act of disobedience to God (and therefore a sin) for them not to get a tattoo.
In closing, let me present the bottom line: tattoos themselves are not evil. They are simply inked pictures in the skin of a person. What makes a tattoo evil or not is the intent of the person who owns it, and their intent in how they present it. Is it for God's glory that you choose to get a tattoo or not, or is it for your own glory to be inked or not? You can only speak for yourself, and no other person.
