Tattoos

[Trench777]

There is NOTHING wrong with having tattoos, as long as it's not for worshiping any other gods, or represents evil.

....as long as the owner of the temple doesn't mind. Its NOT our body. We are the stewards of it, but it most definately not ours. Something that many people seem to conveniently forget when it comes time to make decisions regarding it.

 

[Krystina661]

As long as the owner of the temple doesn't mind? Please tell me where you got this from. Also, it's NOT our body? Again, please tell me where you got this from.


Thanks!

 

[Trench777]

As long as the owner of the temple doesn't mind? Please tell me where you got this from. Also, it's NOT our body? Again, please tell me where you got this from.


Thanks!

1COR 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1CO 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1COR 6:19 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?
1CO 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's

EPH 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
EPH 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

There ya go.

Your most welcome!

T777

 

[pwilson]

First off, let me say that I am a Youth Pastor and bible school student, as well as a musician.
I have a few things to say in regards to tats.
I played Defensive End in college, and some of my D-line buddies had barbed wire tats around their left arms. I thought that was pretty cool, so I looked into getting one, except that I wanted mine to show my newfound faith in Christ (Since I had just given my life to Him at age 19)....so I decided to get a crown of thorns instead of barbed wire. One of my little cousins was with me when I decided to get it (we grew up close----she is more like a sister to me than a cousin), and she begged me not to do it. Because of her insistance, I got a temp one instead to "make sure you like it, it's permanant you know." The temp one lasted only 6 weeks.
The first week or so, I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and just knew I'd be going back to have it filled over with ink.
After about 2 weeks it got really anoying-----like a stain in your shirt you can't wash out.
Glad I didn't get the real thing: however I have never (and will never) condemn someone else who does.

Point of the story is this...........If you had a bunch of tats before you got saved, great; It is kind of like a marker to show others the roads you have walked down. Use them to identify with others, and in that way you can use them to glorify God.

But the real question is what about tats on this side of salvation?

I have read numerous people posting the Levitical law to show that we shouldn't mark our bodies. Then I read a post that some one put this in: "For one the law was never given to the gentiles and second the law is done away with."

Hmmmmm. I agree and disagree. (Stay with me till the end on this, don't get offended just yet)
1) The law was never given to the gentiles, however Paul also tells us not to use our liberty as a cloak for vice.
2) Jesus said "do not think that I came to destroy the law, but to fulfill it." He also said that Heaven and Earth would pass away, but not one jot or tittle in the law would EVER pass away.

So why is it that we always try to make the New Testament appear to be a "lowering of the bar" in regards to lifestyle? (Don't get mad at me now just because I'm telling the truth. Trust me, I got caught in this web for a few years myself.)Greasy grace is what we call it. You know, the whole "Christians aren't perfect---just forgiven" thing. Is that statement a fact? Yes. But truth is a Spirit, and the "spirit" of that statement is that Christians can live just like the rest of the world but still go to heaven if they "believe" in Jesus. True belief is evidenced by obediance and conformity to Christ, it is not merely mental assention (e.g. believing Christ was a real person, who really died a substitutionary, vicarious death, who rose bodily, etc.)
The Bible says that even the demons believe that, and tremble.
True faith is evidenced by its outworking in our lives (for faith without works is dead----B.T.W., that is a NEW TESTAMENT scripture.)
Isn't the New Testament a raising of the bar?
Let me give an example of this. In the Old Testament, you had to run a sword through someone to be considered a murderer. In the New testament, you just have to hate your brother without a cause to be considered a murderer. In the Old Testament you had to jump in bed with another woman to be considered an adulterer, but Jesus said that whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has already commited adultery in his heart.

Am I trying to preach legalism to you? NO. Some commandments have been altered because of the cross; however the REASON they have been altered is because Christ is concerned with the motives of the heart, not just the actions themselves.
The Bible says "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the Sons of God."
God will lead you by a few different means, but the Cheif of these are His Word, and his peace.

If you are having to ask others if it is ok, then it tells me that you don't have a peace about it in your heart. If you don't have a peace about it, then don't do it.
Obviously, the oldrooster above has no problem with having a peace about getting inked: but the oldrooster isn't you.
Paul said to "work out YOUR OWN salvation with fear and trembling". Working out your salvation with FEAR and TREMBLING, I think, means not doing things that in your own mind are questionable. If you have ANY reservations inside your heart, then you already have found the answer of whether getting a tat is right for YOU: so listen to the Holy Spirit's inner promptings. That way you'll never have to be guilty of grieving God's Holy Spirit.

Getting a tat wasn't right for me, and I don't have a full peace about it myself FOR ME.
That doesn't mean that I dis-approve of others who have them; I've seen some that were pretty "cool", and even a few that I thought were "cute" on a few different girls that I know (friends of mine....though one of them hates her tat: a small cross on her lower back, I think it's kind of cute)
I don't think you should let anyone put you under a yoke of legalistic bondage, but I also have found that I've never regreted what I didn't have to attempt to explain away.
Hope this helped.
HONOR, COURAGE, WISDOM
-Frosty

 

[secretdawn]

I ask myself, does my tattoo glorify god...well when i get it, it will because i am getting something to represent god and show how proud i am to be one of his kids

 

[rainbowprism]

You opened up a whole can of worms with this!!!! Here is my view....1)We are NOT bound to Levitical law, if we were we'd be sacrificing goats in our front yards and not being able to shave. 2) If you are getting a religious tattoo, imagine what an awesome witness tool that could be! 3)Plus, it can be an act of worship and glorification to God if it is a religiously themed tattoo Personally I myself am drawing a tribal fish symbol with Gal. 6:17 (Finally, let no one cause me trouble becuase I bear on myself the marks of Jesus) incorportated into it. I'm really excited about it!!!

 

[AngelDancer]

I have two. The first I got on my shoulder to cover an ugly scar that was there since I was eight. It is three Lilies of the Valley (and we know who that is), I had them put on to celebrate 10 years of being baptised in the Spirit. It showed me that God had taken something ugly (me/scar) and was turning into something beautiful (lillies of the valley/Him). The 2nd is a butterfly on the inside on my wrist to symbolise Colossians chapter 2:14, it's there to remind me that I am free (ergo a butterfly). I really don't care if people think that I will go to hell for it. I have my assurance of my salvation.

Do I recommend to others? Yes, but not if the guilt is going to kill you.

Angeldancer

 

[lladybugg]

My secular opinion of stuff like tat's and piercings is that its fine, as long as you dont overdo it... then they look horrible. My Christian perspective is the following:

Our body is just that... our body. It is nothing. It does not matter. The body is merely the shell for the soul to live in. You might say, yes, but what about lust and adultery? If we commit adultery, thats just the body right? No, its not... when you commit adultery, that is a very emotional and soul-decaying sin. If tatoos or piercings affect your walk with God, or show to other people (falsly or not) that you are a "bad person" then they probably should not be there. But, also... Jesus showed himself to be Jesus to the Twelve by his body markings.

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

Granted, those were given to him by God... but, if you feel God leading you to get a tatoo, then whats the difference? I personally dont have any tatoos, but i do have piercings. Two on each ear... and I dont feel guilty about those at all. They look nice, and they dont affect me spiritually... so why would they make a difference? Angeldancer-- Wonderful motives. I love the three lilies idea.

 

[TheMainException]

few verses i found....Leviticus 19:28 AMP
"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead nor print or tattoo any marks upon you; I am the Lord."

That is an old testament law. Not only that, but that was told because in that time, tattoos were symbols that you were owned. Christians aren't to be owned. That is what I've been told, I am very interested on the subject and will look into it more.

 

[Risen Tree]

*mod hat on*

[notroll]

*mod hat off*

 

[Yitzchak]

I don't have the foggiest idea if it is right or wrong to have tattoos.....To my thinking it is like asking if it is right or wrong to wear perfume or jeans or to get certain hairstyles....We do lots of things to our bodies and if the concern is doing harm to our bodies, then we better pull out a whole list including junk food and lack of exercise.
I am going with the poster who said pray and ask God if there is some doubt in your mind......

 

[Caelum]

few verses i found....
Leviticus 19:28 AMP
"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead nor print or tattoo any marks upon you; I am the Lord."

Like someone said, this is an OT law, and if you still choose to adhere to them, I hope you observe the law that proceeds it:

Leviticus 19:27
" 'Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.

Start throwin out your mach3 razors

I plan on getting two large tattoos on each shoulder/arm...one side will be a water mosaic with St. Florian in the middle, and at the bottom Romans 4:25 in Norwegian...and on the other arm, a fire mosaic with an undetermined symbol and another verse to represent the separation from God, and the despair that comes with it. Both represent quite a lot to me, and if I thought for a second that God had any problem with me doing such, i'd delete the idea immediately

 

[sparkypunkette]

I have a jesus fish and five footprints on my foot.....i think its all in the persons head and heart, and what they feel God says...

 

[TasManOfGod]

In view of what God says in Lev:19:28 I cannot conceive any reason that supports a Christian getting a tattoo. And I still do not think that saying so is trolling

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

I am personally against tatttoos b/c it for a few reason I know they is a verse or two about it in the bible though

I feel b/c the body is the lord's and not mine I would but a permant marking/stain/print onto my body without asking him.I wouldn't want to have a permant marking on myself, that is the type of thing that is done in Rev. the mark of the beast to be clear I am not saying a tattoo is one but I do feel it is a marking I would want to be made on his body caused by someone without his consent

 

[TheDag]

few verses i found....

Leviticus 19:28 AMP
"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead nor print or tattoo any marks upon you; I am the Lord."

As previously said this is talking about the custom of some at the time of cutting and marking themselves in mourning for the dead. That is very different to getting a tattoo.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "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."

Let us remember that the temple was decorated so we could read this verse to say we should decorate ourselves seem as our bodies are a temple. I don't actually believe that we should all get tattoos but in and of itself there is nothing wrong with marking the temple. I agree that we should be guided by God's will. If it is God's will then do it. He may use the fact that you have a tattoo to reach a group of people who wouldn't otherwise listen. Finally as long as it isn't offensive is another consideration.

John 14:15 NIV: "If you love me, you will obey what I command."

Great advice but how many churches will speak against tattoos but refuse to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves or fight for justice for the oppressed. They seem to me to be some of the most ignored commands of God.

1 John 5:3-5 NIV: "This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

Great advice once again but shows nothing in terms of if tattoos are ok or not. Yes we should follow God's will and yes God's will is not burdensome.

 

[TheDag]

In view of what God says in Lev:19:28 I cannot conceive any reason that supports a Christian getting a tattoo. And I still do not think that saying so is trolling

The same passage in Leviticus also says we are not to wear clothing of a mixed blend. That means polyester coton is forbidden. I would be extremely surprised if I went through your wardrobe and found no clothing of a mixed blend. (polyester cotton is not the only common type of mixed blend). If we do take Lev 19:28 to mean no tattoos rather than in its proper context then we MUST follow the law about clothing as well.

 

[TasManOfGod]

The same passage in Leviticus also says we are not to wear clothing of a mixed blend. That means polyester coton is forbidden. I would be extremely surprised if I went through you wardrobe and found no clothing of a mixed blend. (polyester cotton is not the only common type of mixed blend). If we do take Lev 19:28 to mean no tattoos rather than in its proper context then we MUST follow the law about clothing as well.

Actually I cannot fathom your reasoning.
Personally I see tattoos as mutilation of a God given , God designed , God perfect body which in this covenant is also said to be the temple of the Holy Spirit -which really makes it doubly applicable today.
On the other hand a word of wisdom from God suggesting that mixed materials that cannot be successfully washed (due to irregular shrinkage) are inappropriate for wearing when gathering (due to the smell factor), is totally unrelated .
Perhaps you might like to tell us using your rationale how allowing your daughters to become prostitutes is now acceptable also.

 

[snoogans460]

My statement isn't directed to anyone personally, but individuals that truly believe tattoos are wrong... well, they might be a bit too detached from Christ's True Love in that we should accept everyone for who they are and whatever choices they might choose to make.

Now, I completely understand that tats aren't everybody's cup of tea... fine, I accept that in the same way someone should accept me because I'm covered in them. Yes, I have nearly twenty different tattoos and not one of them I regret - nor, does my conscience feel burdened on whether they affect my walk with God.

I was born were deformities from my buttocks down to my toe (entire right leg), and was also given a colostomy about nine years ago. With the personal hell I've experienced, tattoos have become a right of self-expression, and healthy outlet that's helped tell the story of my life.

Quite a few of my tattoos incorporate Christ on the Cross, his name, praying hands, etc. - and these markings have helped me to come to terms with my body and self - while also providing a tool to witness to this disgraceful world. Now, Christ is the center of my life and he's the only aspect of my life that makes me complete, but these tattoos also do help out a bit.

Now, obviously my body image problems somehow must fall under the Old Testament Law - because my body is a temple and shouldn't be marked up. Thus, the doctor's who performed my surgeries shouldn't have scarred me beyond belief (*rolls eyes*).

Anyhow, why don't we all start sacrificing unblemished young goats now. Hmm, maybe I've go swipe one from the neighbor's farm down the street?

 

[TheDag]

Actually I cannot fathom your reasoning.
Personally I see tattoos as mutilation of a God given , God designed , God perfect body which in this covenant is also said to be the temple of the Holy Spirit -which really makes it doubly applicable today.
On the other hand a word of wisdom from God suggesting that mixed materials that cannot be successfully washed (due to irregular shrinkage) are inappropriate for wearing when gathering (due to the smell factor), is totally unrelated .
Perhaps you might like to tell us using your rationale how allowing your daughters to become prostitutes is now acceptable also.

I don't actually see where temple prostitutes were given as an instruction from God so that is irrelevant unless you can find instruction from God. However it was an instruction from God to not wear clothing of a mixed blend which is in the same passage as the verse you quoted to say people shouldn't get tattoos. So if you want to use that verse as proof then you must accept the other verses and their instruction and cease to wear clothing of a mixed blend. It is your choice.