Tattoos?!?!?!?!

[FOMWatts<><]

Hello guys and gals! I seek your advice on getting a tattoo. In Leviticus 19:28 God tells the people of that group NOT to cut their bodies for the dead and mark their bodies with tattoos. This, in my opinion and interpretation, was for a specific group of people for a specific reason. God wanted that group of people to be culturally different as He does for His children today. I want yalls opinion on getting tattoos. I personally do not think it is wrong. The tattoo I am contemplating is an icthus with the Greek letters IXOYE inside of it. It will also have a cross through the back. It will be on my shoulder blade and most of the time will not be visible. Anyway I am just seeking some opinions and advice before I make my final decision. Also, if any of you have tattoos what are your feelings on them now that you have them? Thanks and God bless.

FOMWatts<><

 

[Mandy]

The tattoos as you pointed out in Lev. were part of idol worship for those people.
I personally don't think there is anything wrong with a Christian getting a Christian tattoo. I know of people who have gotten a Christian tattoo and it brought about witnessing opertunities.
I know many people get tattoos and later regret having gotten one, but I think this also depends on what kind they had.
I have a tattoo around my ankle and I don't regret it.
I think though that it would be a good idea to pray about it.

 

[TABITHA]

I have a belly ring at first i feltlike there was nothing wrong with it. But now I do regret it. It's different from you getting a tattoo because i can take mine out. So I just pray about it.

 

[Redeemed1]

Pray about the tattoo. And remember, God looks at the heart (motives). We are not under law, but under grace. Do all things as unto the Lord. My personal opinion? If you like tattoos, and you want to get one, get one. If you are not attempting to look worldly, to seek attention, to dishonor God, or to rebel against something...then what is the harm?

 

[JohnR7]

>>We are not under law, but under grace.

We are still to do the righteous requirments of the law. Jesus said that anyone who breaks the law and teaches other to do the same, will be considered least in the Kingdom of God. So, that is exactly where you will end up at.

I do not always keep the law. But I think we should. For example, every now and then I will eat ham or something prohibited by the Bible, but I think we would be better off and more healthy if we ate right. Most doctors agree. Thanks, JohnR7

 

[PrinceJeff]

Ever heard of what Jesus said when he told us that it is not what goes in but comes out of our mouth that can defile us? Food goes out of the body eventually.....it is fine to eat ham.

 

[soulsisterclaire]

Interesting fact: Musician Lenny Kravitz has a tattoo across his back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade that says "I belong to Jesus" It is very big and ornate.

 

[soulsisterclaire]

Originally posted by PrinceJeff
Ever heard of what Jesus said when he told us that it is not what goes in but comes out of our mouth that can defile us? Food goes out of the body eventually.....it is fine to eat ham.

I agree, though I don't eat it cause I don't like it.

 

[SenseiPiccolo]

Would what ever you are considering honour Jesus?
And-- make sure it is not for YOU for personal gain

 

[Terri]

1CO 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. (NIV)

I have found it a great help to pray that I only do what is beneficial.

 

[Redeemed1]

Originally posted by JohnR7
>>We are not under law, but under grace.

We are still to do the righteous requirments of the law. Jesus said that anyone who breaks the law and teaches other to do the same, will be considered least in the Kingdom of God. So, that is exactly where you will end up at.

I do not always keep the law. But I think we should. For example, every now and then I will eat ham or something prohibited by the Bible, but I think we would be better off and more healthy if we ate right. Most doctors agree. Thanks, JohnR7

The righteous requirements of the law were met by Christ. I have no righteousness that comes from obeying the law. I have been given the righteousness of Christ, by grace, through faith. If you are going to go by law, the Bible also says that if you break even one part of the law, you have broken the whole law. Therefore, if you are going to count yourself as under law, and you eat ham, then you have broken the whole law. You cannot have it both ways. You are either under law, or under grace.

 

[StogusMaximus]

My only advice is to be very certain about what you are getting. It is there forever.

I will pray for you.

 

[Terri]

Originally posted by Redeemed1


The righteous requirements of the law were met by Christ. I have no righteousness that comes from obeying the law. I have been given the righteousness of Christ, by grace, through faith. If you are going to go by law, the Bible also says that if you break even one part of the law, you have broken the whole law. Therefore, if you are going to count yourself as under law, and you eat ham, then you have broken the whole law. You cannot have it both ways. You are either under law, or under grace.

I agree with you Redeemed1! You can accept Jesus sacrifice and his righteousness or you can be under the law with your own self-righteousness. The choice is yours, but you can't have it both ways!

 

[amie]

I use to want a tattoo of a dolphin on my ankle...but it is permanent...so...never did it!
Amie

 

[Harmony]

I have a tattoo of a rose on my ankle, I got it when I was 18 and wanted to be like friends and family. Most of the time I comlpletely forget it is there. I don't even really like it that much now. So definately pray first and be sure it is something you want to do.

 

[Dewjunkie]

That passage in Leviticus also says men cannot to trim the sides of their beards or approach women during their periods or wear clothing of 2 different materials. We're all guilty if those are the laws. They were laws for a different time and different culture. Laws that were antiquated with the death of Christ.

I have 8. Most of them clearly demonstrate my faith, three of them demonstrate my complete love for my daughters and my wife. I don't regret any of them and will probably get more. I am an artist, have designed most of mine, and feel that my body is another canvas for me to express my creativity. Having 8 tattoos in no way changes my love for God, my faith, or my commitment to living as Christian a life as I can.

I agree that you should think about it, make sure it is what you want. They are permanent, and do make a statement about who you are. If you are sure, go for it.

 

[coastie]

I got a Sailor's Cross tattooed on my left shoulder a couple of years ago.

It's a Cross with a bent shank danforth anchor leaning against it. Bleive it or not, it has started quite a few questions in the gym and locker room about my faith and has given me the opportunity to witness to quite a few people.

It is also good for an identifying symbol that says to people, "this guy is a Christian and he's not afraid to show it in a very secular atmosphere."

God can use all things for good.
But always pray before diving into something permanent. The thing about mine is that even when I'm an old Grandpa I wont be embarrassed to show it to my grandkids. That's definately something you should consider.

God Bless

 

[FOMWatts<><]

Thanks guys your advice has helped me considerably

FOMWatts<><

 

[allieisme]

Well I personally dont see anything wrong with tattoo's, as long as they are vulgar or anything like that..I have a tattoo of a sun on my ankle and its just like what Harmony said, half the time I forget its there..Completely up to you, I think they look kind of nice, if you dont get to carried away, I'm thinking of getting one on my toe, but I'm thinking that would hurt pretty bad!..

 

[Mr.Cheese]

A breathtaking amount of people who get tatoos end up with hepatitis even from the shops who are squeaky clean. I honestly believe the figure was at least 66 percent. I'm not kidding.
I decided to let the life I live bear the evidence of my faith. We can all wear the t-shirt, get the earring and the lucky astro-Jesus true love waits ring, but what does it amount to if we don't live right?
I don't think it's a "sin" to get a tatoo, I do think you'll be happier in the long run if you don't get it.