Suffering from mistakes from the past (regretting tattoos)

[TheBarrd]

...which you basically don't regret , right?

If your kids/grandkids haven't yet started their inking journey, however, I'm sure grandma says check out the parlor and the design well in advance...

Blessings.

I can't say I've never regretted it...I was very very young, and oh-so-in-love.
If I had it to do over again, I'd want someone professional to do it, and I'd use more color rather than just flat black. Of course, he was just learning how to do it, and when I whimpered a bit as he did my ankle he kind of hesitated, so that was done in two sessions...
Nana's advice would be first, make very very sure that this is something you will be able to live with for the rest of your life, because it is permanent.
Second, choose your design wisely...let it be something that represents who you truly are, not just what is popular right now.
And finally...do make use of a numbing agent. I know, for some folks it's all about proving that "you can take it"...but there will be enough pain in your life without forcing yourself to undergo needless pain...

Oh, and yes...check out the parlor and the design well in advance.

 

[TheBarrd]

Because I know the Word of the Lord concerning tattoos would never be license to jump all over someone else because she did get one. That isn't the point in any of this. I do what I know is the word of the Lord in the midst of a million others who don't. And I gave you both the mind of God in the O.T. concerning this, as well as N.T. scriptures that are consistent. Please know that attempting to talk about beards with this is a losing argument, if that is what you are attempting to do with God here, to argue with Him about it... are you? It isn't my word that says it lol. It is the Word of God. You can't tell me when or where to apply it. Who are you to say? And none of that has anything to do with "imposing rule". And again, the Church IS Israel Redeemed, unless you are one of those following off after dispensationalism, you would know that the N.T. is the fulfillment of the O.T. You don't possibly think that God is different in the N.T. towards His People in the N.T., regardless what you call them, do you? Picking and choosing and rearranging the Word of God is very unappealing to the Spirit.

Uh, actually, yes, God is different in the NT...that's the whole point. We are under a New Covenant now.
And I seriously do not believe God is going to send anyone to hell over something like this.
I think He is more concerned with what is in your heart than some silly tattoo...

 

[Winepress777]

Not to start a debate but the counter to this is 1. I Cor. 6 does not say anything about piercings or tatts, 2. the OT law does not apply today and 3. even the OT talks about piercing your ear as a bond servant promise.

My point is, it isn't as cut and dry as you might think. I'm not saying it isn't there, nor am I saying we shouldn't take heed, I'm saying there is another, reasonable way to look at it and in addition to all that, the poster already got tatts and regrets it, thus to him it is clearly an issue of honoring his Lord, but the deed was done in his time before Christ, thus the issue remains off topic to discuss here. Oh, and we can also make the argument that it is not mutilating the flesh but enhancing it. Like I said, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with either side as it is off topic, I am however pointing out that it is worthy of discussion on a proper time and place and will yield some very interesting back and forth if everyone is in the HS and not in an emotional state.

My point is; Regardless of what emotional state someone may be in, or whether someone already got a tattoo, the Mind of God is clear on the topic. It is only the carnal mind that has trouble aligning itself with the Mind of Christ. It is cut and dried in scriptures, so it is cut and dried to me. That is why we are sooooooo fortunate to have scriptures, BOTH O.T. and new as I've provided. That's why nothing anyone says can alter it and it is cut and dried.

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

Shouldn't a man be asking the "Why" of things here to know the Mind of God on people marking up their bodies like heathen, rather than attempting to teach me that it is now meaningless?

Why would anyone argue with God about this?

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

 

[Winepress777]

Uh, actually, yes, God is different in the NT...that's the whole point. We are under a New Covenant now.
And I seriously do not believe God is going to send anyone to hell over something like this.
I think He is more concerned with what is in your heart than some silly tattoo...

What is in my heart is the same thing that is in God's heart. Regardless what Covenant he said it. And nothing is being said about going to hell over it. I never think about it. It is a non-subject in my world.
But the OP requested to know, so I gave God's Mind about it. I sure know God's mind about it...

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

(Mal 3:6) For I the LORD change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

(Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and for ever.

 

[TheBarrd]

What is in my heart is the same thing that is in God's heart. Regardless what Covenant he said it. And nothing is being said about going to hell over it. I never think about it. It is a non-subject in my world.
But the OP requested to know, so I gave God's Mind about it. I sure know God's mind about it...

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

(Mal 3:6) For I the LORD change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

(Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and for ever.

And of course, you also do not wear clothing that is made from more than one material...no cotton blends...or eat pork or shellfish...etc, etc...
I recall reading somewhere that there are some 613 laws that you must adhere to.
Of course, there is the thing about not being justified by works of the law...but, hey...if you're gonna be righteous, you gotta do it right!

 

[faroukfarouk]

Because I know the Word of the Lord concerning tattoos would never be license to jump all over someone else because she did get one. That isn't the point in any of this. I do what I know is the word of the Lord in the midst of a million others who don't. And I gave you both the mind of God in the O.T. concerning this, as well as N.T. scriptures that are consistent. Please know that attempting to talk about beards with this is a losing argument, if that is what you are attempting to do with God here, to argue with Him about it... are you? It isn't my word that says it lol. It is the Word of God. You can't tell me when or where to apply it. Who are you to say? And none of that has anything to do with "imposing rule". And again, the Church IS Israel Redeemed, unless you are one of those following off after dispensationalism, you would know that the N.T. is the fulfillment of the O.T. You don't possibly think that God is different in the N.T. towards His People in the N.T., regardless what you call them, do you? Picking and choosing and rearranging the Word of God is very unappealing to the Spirit.

My point, Sir, is that hermeneutics does make a difference to how one approaches things. Personally I do see a difference between Israel and the church, and if I try to apply Lev. 19.28 in a certain way, then consistency would also impel me to try to apply Lev. 19.27 in a similar way also, or else ask whether context is significant. Blessings.

 

[Winepress777]

And of course, you also do not wear clothing that is made from more than one material...no cotton blends...or eat pork or shellfish...etc, etc...
I recall reading somewhere that there are some 613 laws that you must adhere to.
Of course, there is the thing about not being justified by works of the law...but, hey...if you're gonna be righteous, you gotta do it right!

I'm sorry, did someone inform you that it crossed my mind to attempt keeping ANY law, let alone 613 laws? My justification is strictly in Christ and the Law of Righteousness, of which He kept.
But again, this thread has absolutely nothing to do with this attempted diversion of my posts. It has nothing to do with the "Law". It has to do with the MIND OF GOD CONCERNING TATTOOS. I don't know and don't care how that fits in to another person's concept of the Law. Nor do you have any idea how I perceive of "Law" issues. This isn't a "Law issue". You will have noticed in my posts, the only thing I have been witnessing is this one thing that shows us the Mind of the never changing God who caused it to be written for us to at least TRY to consider it's significance, instead of grasping at a dozen reasons NOT to lol! What is up with that?
Start here...

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

(Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and for ever.

 

[Winepress777]

My point, Sir, is that hermeneutics does make a difference to how one approaches things. Personally I do see a difference between Israel and the church, and if I try to apply Lev. 19.28 in a certain way, then consistency would also impel me to try to apply Lev. 19.27 in a similar way also, or else ask whether context is significant. Blessings.

As I said earlier, that point isn't significant in the least to my assertion that the "Mind of God on Tattoos" is the topic, and that He doesn't change. His Mind is clear on the topic of something He detests, enough to have had it written down. Regardless of when. Regardless of how smart a man's theology seems to himself.
The point here isn't anything at all but, this. What does God's Word say about it?
And what I will always Rock stand on is the Word of God...

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

I stand and affirm again as all along that I believe, a little more effort for discernment of God's Mind is in order before we begin substituting our pre-packaged arguments against His Word. And some here are using every 'hermeneutical' reason in theology to nullify comprehending the tremendous in depth comprehension our GOD is attempting to get us to lift up our eyes to Him in attempting to know the Mind of God on this and the why behind it. The attention to the flesh... the carnal spirit behind it, how one presents ones self before God and man as His son or daughter... who/what are we moved by the Spirit of Christ to show the world? ... isn't any of this obvious to folks?
Once you begin dwelling on the richness of meaning in His Word and how that impacts our very Life in such Godly ways of our very Father in Heaven, then that soul can understand why this Psalm;

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I'm sorry, did someone inform you that it crossed my mind to attempt keeping ANY law, let alone 613 laws? My justification is strictly in Christ and the Law of Righteousness, of which He kept.
But again, this thread has absolutely nothing to do with this attempted diversion of my posts. It has nothing to do with the "Law". It has to do with the MIND OF GOD CONCERNING TATTOOS. I don't know and don't care how that fits in to another person's concept of the Law. Nor do you have any idea how I perceive of "Law" issues. This isn't a "Law issue". You will have noticed in my posts, the only thing I have been witnessing is this one thing that shows us the Mind of the never changing God who caused it to be written for us to at least TRY to consider it's significance, instead of grasping at a dozen reasons NOT to lol! What is up with that?
Start here...

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

(Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and for ever.

I guess one could also quote the excellent verse from Hebrews 13.8 in conjunction with Old Testament verses about the Levitical priesthood, etc., except that the revelation from the New Testament (indeed, from the same book of Hebrews) shows that it has been superseded.

Admittedly, one's whole scheme of interpretation does affect one's outlook.

 

[razzelflabben]

My point is; Regardless of what emotional state someone may be in, or whether someone already got a tattoo, the Mind of God is clear on the topic. It is only the carnal mind that has trouble aligning itself with the Mind of Christ. It is cut and dried in scriptures, so it is cut and dried to me. That is why we are sooooooo fortunate to have scriptures, BOTH O.T. and new as I've provided. That's why nothing anyone says can alter it and it is cut and dried.

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

Shouldn't a man be asking the "Why" of things here to know the Mind of God on people marking up their bodies like heathen, rather than attempting to teach me that it is now meaningless?

Why would anyone argue with God about this?

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

Not really sure why you would say this to me, being that my point was that this isn't the time or place to discuss it since the OPer got his before Christ and now regrets them, the discussion should be about how he proceeds from this point, not what he should or shouldn't have done in the past. Not sure why that is such a hard concept for many here.

 

[faroukfarouk]

As I said earlier, that point isn't significant in the least to my assertion that the "Mind of God on Tattoos" is the topic, and that He doesn't change. His Mind is clear on the topic of something He detests, enough to have had it written down. Regardless of when. Regardless of how smart a man's theology seems to himself.
The point here isn't anything at all but, this. What does God's Word say about it?
And what I will always Rock stand on is the Word of God...

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

I stand and affirm again as all along that I believe, a little more effort for discernment of God's Mind is in order before we begin substituting our pre-packaged arguments against His Word. And some here are using every 'hermeneutical' reason in theology to nullify comprehending the tremendous in depth comprehension our GOD is attempting to get us to lift up our eyes to Him in attempting to know the Mind of God on this and the why behind it. The attention to the flesh... the carnal spirit behind it, how one presents ones self before God and man as His son or daughter... who/what are we moved by the Spirit of Christ to show the world? ... isn't any of this obvious to folks?
Once you begin dwelling on the richness of meaning in His Word and how that impacts our very Life in such Godly ways of our very Father in Heaven, then that soul can understand why this Psalm;

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

I love Psalm 119, also; in fact, my wife and I have just finished reading through it.

My point is that under grace the church has moved on from the legal regulations of the Old Testament. Where principles are continued clearly in the New Testament, they still apply, but basically we are under grace, and it's people's motives in the Gospel that count rather than their legal conformity. This is hardly a case of 'prepackaged arguments against His Word'. Blessings.

 

[Winepress777]

Admittedly, one's whole scheme of interpretation does affect one's outlook.

Lol for sure. That's why I entirely avoid interpretation.

(2Pe 1:20 YLT) this first knowing, that no prophecy of the Writing doth come of private exposition

To avoid that, I believe the Word of God revealed to me Himself without someone else's ideas included;

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

And the ONLY "marks" I'll ever show someone on my body are these marks;

(Gal 6:17) From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Not really sure why you would say this to me, being that my point was that this isn't the time or place to discuss it since the OPer got his before Christ and now regrets them, the discussion should be about how he proceeds from this point, not what he should or shouldn't have done in the past. Not sure why that is such a hard concept for many here.

I think there's a difference between 'now that I am a believer, would I do the same again?' and 'can other people's motives about how to display the Word or symbols in witness be different from my own motives?'

 

[faroukfarouk]

Lol for sure. That's why I entirely avoid interpretation.

(2Pe 1:20 YLT) this first knowing, that no prophecy of the Writing doth come of private exposition

To avoid that, I believe the Word of God revealed to me Himself without someone else's ideas included;

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

And the ONLY "marks" I'll ever show someone on my body are these marks;

(Gal 6:17) From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Nothing is interpretation-free.

And your interpretation or mine are not the standard to define what is and is not private interpretation; we need to compare Scripture with Scripture. At least on matters not at the heart of the Person and Work of Christ, some Christians' approaches to various matters are likely to be distinct from time to time.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I can't say I've never regretted it...I was very very young, and oh-so-in-love.
If I had it to do over again, I'd want someone professional to do it, and I'd use more color rather than just flat black. Of course, he was just learning how to do it, and when I whimpered a bit as he did my ankle he kind of hesitated, so that was done in two sessions...
Nana's advice would be first, make very very sure that this is something you will be able to live with for the rest of your life, because it is permanent.
Second, choose your design wisely...let it be something that represents who you truly are, not just what is popular right now.
And finally...do make use of a numbing agent. I know, for some folks it's all about proving that "you can take it"...but there will be enough pain in your life without forcing yourself to undergo needless pain...

Oh, and yes...check out the parlor and the design well in advance.

Ms Barrd: Think you'll use Dr Numb (etc.) if you do go to the parlor in Pensacola or Mobile?

 

[razzelflabben]

I think there's a difference between 'now that I am a believer, would I do the same again?' and 'can other people's motives about how to display the Word or symbols in witness be different from my own motives?'

Off topic, therefore my understanding will remain with me unless or until someone starts a thread and invites me over. I take forum rules seriously and staying on topic is one such rule. Here's a hint though...I see both sides, thus my conclusion will not be based on convincing arguments...

 

[Winepress777]

I love Psalm 119, also; in fact, my wife and I have just finished reading through it.

My point is that under grace the church has moved on from the legal regulations of the Old Testament. Where principles are continued clearly in the New Testament, they still apply, but basically we are under grace, and it's people's motives in the Gospel that count rather than their legal conformity. This is hardly a case of 'prepackaged arguments against His Word'. Blessings.

I know your point about Grace. Acknowledged. I think that's quite basic understanding. It wasn't a point I was confusing my topic with though, about God's mind concerning tattoos. Grace doesn't alter anything about God's mind concerning tattoos. Since it is about His Mind concerning them that is the only issue here. Any thing else thrown in, like the topic of grace or that we are in the Kingdom Age aren't the issue. But yes, the one thing you did say IS the issue, and that is a person's "motives". Nothing of any of this subject is about legal conformity, as you say. So bring up ANY of those side issues are in fact pre-packaged arguments against a topic those points have nothing to do with, which is; "The Mind of God on Tattoos".

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

This is the Lord's MIND concerning tattoos. That is all I can say because this is what my Father says. Makes it really simple

(Rom 3:4) ... yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Off topic, therefore my understanding will remain with me unless or until someone starts a thread and invites me over. I take forum rules seriously and staying on topic is one such rule. Here's a hint though...I see both sides, thus my conclusion will not be based on convincing arguments...

Well maybe 'now that I am a believer, would I do the same again?' is definitely on topic directly, anyway. The OP has his view, which we all understand.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I know your point about Grace. Acknowledged. I think that's quite basic understanding. It wasn't a point I was confusing my topic with though, about God's mind concerning tattoos. Grace doesn't alter anything about God's mind concerning tattoos. Since it is about His Mind concerning them that is the only issue here. Any thing else thrown in, like the topic of grace or that we are in the Kingdom Age aren't the issue. But yes, the one thing you did say IS the issue, and that is a person's "motives". Nothing of any of this subject is about legal conformity, as you say. So bring up ANY of those side issues are in fact pre-packaged arguments against a topic those points have nothing to do with, which is; "The Mind of God on Tattoos".

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

This is the Lord's MIND concerning tattoos. That is all I can say because this is what my Father says. Makes it really simple

(Rom 3:4) ... yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Some good thoughts here. I guess also when we read Romans 14 - especially as it may relate to the individual believer's motives about how to present the Gospel - there is envisaged some good measure of latitude. Blessings.

 

[TheBarrd]

I'm sorry, did someone inform you that it crossed my mind to attempt keeping ANY law, let alone 613 laws? My justification is strictly in Christ and the Law of Righteousness, of which He kept.
But again, this thread has absolutely nothing to do with this attempted diversion of my posts. It has nothing to do with the "Law". It has to do with the MIND OF GOD CONCERNING TATTOOS. I don't know and don't care how that fits in to another person's concept of the Law. Nor do you have any idea how I perceive of "Law" issues. This isn't a "Law issue". You will have noticed in my posts, the only thing I have been witnessing is this one thing that shows us the Mind of the never changing God who caused it to be written for us to at least TRY to consider it's significance, instead of grasping at a dozen reasons NOT to lol! What is up with that?
Start here...

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

(Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and for ever.

It seems to me that if you're going to tell others that they should not get tattoos based on that verse that you ought to be keeping all of those laws yourself.
Otherwise...well, otherwise, perhaps you just need to drop those stones you're carrying around.