What Does Scripture Really Say about Drinking, Smoking, and Tattoos?

[faroukfarouk]

Throughout the entirety of God's Word, it is reiterated that we do not follow human rules and human regulations any longer. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed". However, The real question is how much of a stumbling block is this to others and to yourself? We are heavily encouraged to set the example and I feel the more we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice out of perfect love we may find that we do not need to "try" to stop doing these things. Simply an opinion (I have 2 concealed Tattoos underneath my garments so they do not affect Job Employment, in hindsight it also serves a double purpose).

So are they faith based tattoos in their design? and are you done getting inked yet?

 

[Victor E.]

So are they faith based tattoos in their design? and are you done getting inked yet?

The one on my back is a large one of angel wings on a cross that says "BLESSED" and the small one on my right shoulder is a green symbol signifying good luck. I got both at the age of 18-19. I hope to be done with Tattoos. Our body is a Holy Temple, and I want to honor that.

 

[faroukfarouk]

The one on my back is a large one of angel wings on a cross that says "BLESSED" and the small one on my right shoulder is a green symbol signifying good luck. I got both at the age of 18-19. I hope to be done with Tattoos. Our body is a Holy Temple.

Sounds like one of them can be a talking point in witness. (On the beach, at least.)

Do you think motive has a lot to do with it? like, if the man or woman wants to use a faith based tattoo in witness?

My wife and I talked to a young lady with the whole of John 3.16 tattooed on her wrist area; it was her favorite Bible verse, and mine also; and I'm sure other conversations have arisen as a result of her willingness to become tattooed in this way.

 

[Victor E.]

Sounds like one of them can be a talking point in witness. (On the beach, at least.)

Do you think motive has a lot to do with it? like, if the man or woman wants to use a faith based tattoo in witness?

My wife and I talked to a young lady with the whole of John 3.16 tattooed on her wrist area; it was her favorite Bible verse, and mine also; and I'm sure other conversations have arisen as a result of her willingness to become tattooed in this way.

When I received mine I really just wanted to feel like an "adult" (young and rebellious) as I grew older I realized that the one on my back was done out of a hidden motive in my heart to thank God for what He had done for my life. It was very painful and took 4-5 hours in one sitting. The one on my shoulder was more of a selfish one. I think we should be free to do as we please to share Jesus with others and to grow closer to Him. In my faith, I can't imagine my dear Jesus being disturbed at what this young lady has done to honor Him.

"It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice" Philippians 1:15-18 (NLT).

 

[faroukfarouk]

I think full body tattoos are fine because they can mark your attachment to God

Hi; like, you mean like a tattoo sleeve with a faith message?

Seems like at 18 it's become like a rite of passage; and it used to be a man thing, but now in North America 59% - 70% of parlor clients are female.

 

[faroukfarouk]

When I received mine I really just wanted to feel like an "adult" (young and rebellious) as I grew older I realized that the one on my back was done out of a hidden motive in my heart to thank God for what He had done for my life. It was very painful and took 4-5 hours in one sitting. The one on my shoulder was more of a selfish one. I think we should be free to do as we please to share Jesus with others and to grow closer to Him. In my faith, I can't imagine my dear Jesus being disturbed at what this young lady has done to honor Him.

"It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice" Philippians 1:15-18 (NLT).

So you think it's become a pretty doable option now to get faith based tattoos? because a lot of Christians find that they are proven effective in faith based conversations and to do it has become rather a young adult rite of passage at 18 anyway.

 

[Victor E.]

So you think it's become a pretty doable option now to get faith based tattoos? because a lot of Christians find that they are proven effective in faith based conversations and to do it has become rather a young adult rite of passage at 18 anyway.

I think we need to remember that His Grace is endless. His FAITH and FORGIVENESS is beyond our comprehension. His ways are unfathomable if we try to understand on our own. That's what I think. It is important to remember also that a Father protects their child out of love, so they do not wander off the path that has been laid before them. The straight and narrow.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I think we need to remember that His Grace is endless. His FAITH and FORGIVENESS is beyond our comprehension. His ways are unfathomable if we try to understand on our own. That's what I think.

I was thinking of the doing it with a clear conscience end of things, especially if the person's motive is to witness to one's contemporaries; so have you yourself had opportunities to talk to ppl about your faith based tattoo design?

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes u did. I thought that tatoo was a nice reminder for her and a goid opening point to talk about jesus.

Yes, and these days it's done pretty much as a rite of passage at 18, isn't it?

So it's not unusual if young ppl now choose this means of witness expression with a faith based design.

 

[faroukfarouk]

When I received mine I really just wanted to feel like an "adult" (young and rebellious) as I grew older I realized that the one on my back was done out of a hidden motive in my heart to thank God for what He had done for my life. It was very painful and took 4-5 hours in one sitting. ...

PS: Maybe for some people it really is a sort of defining event as one enters adulthood?

It certainly is a rite of passage for so many at 18; and if mom and/or dad also have tattoos already (and let's face it, the parents - especially moms - 18 year olds will not unusually be inked themselves) it's hard to portray the 18 year old as thereby rebelling against his or her parents.

(If this makes any sense?)

 

[Victor E.]

PS: Maybe for some people it really is a sort of defining event as one enters adulthood?

It certainly is a rite of passage for so many at 18; and if mom and/or dad also have tattoos already (and let's face it, the parents - especially moms - 18 year olds will not unusually be inked themselves) it's hard to portray the 18 year old as thereby rebelling against his or her parents.

(If this makes any sense?)

I never knew my biological Parents growing up but I can see why this would be the case. I always did what I wanted as long as It didn't land me with a felony. That would make life a bit more challenging than it was at the time.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I never knew my biological Parents growing up but I can see why this would be the case. I always did what I wanted as long as It didn't land me with a felony. That would make life a bit more challenging than it was at the time.

Like, it's not unusual for 18 year olds to be given a tattoo voucher to spend, as a rite of passage on or after their b-day.

So I guess this is all part of the broader background, even if it is also an individual decision, right?

 

[Victor E.]

Like, it's not unusual for 18 year olds to be given a tattoo voucher to spend, as a rite of passage on or after their b-day.

So I guess this is all part of the broader background, even if it is also an individual decision, right?

Yes it was still a rite of passage of sorts, even though it was an individual one and not with any familial affiliation.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes it was still a rite of passage of sorts, even though it was an individual one and not with any familial affiliation.

Although I guess that if you eventually get married and learned that your wife had gotten her own ink rite of passage done at about the same time as you did, it wouldn't be unusual; I still don't regard it as strictly necessary as a rite of passage; widespread, indeed, but not strictly necessary.

But it sure reminds oneself and others who know you also that adulthood has been reached, right?

 

[Victor E.]

Although I guess that if you eventually get married and learned that your wife had gotten her own ink rite of passage done at about the same time as you did, it wouldn't be unusual; I still don't regard it as strictly necessary as a rite of passage; widespread, indeed, but not strictly necessary.

But it sure reminds oneself and others who know you also that adulthood has been reached, right?

I'm not worried about a wife. I really have no interest in women although I get my share of female attention (not to boast). I firmly believe when it is time, He will show someone whom He has prepared for me since before I was born. Until then I have no need for an intimate relationship with a sub-optimal partner that will obstruct my walk with the Lord. This may sound cold-hearted to some but it's brought me much happiness. Verily. Although I would be lying if I said I do not appreciate beautiful women who show interest.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 (KJV).

 

[faroukfarouk]

I'm not worried about a wife. I really have no interest in women although I get my share of female attention (not to boast). I firmly believe when it is time, He will show someone whom He has prepared for me since before I was born. Until then I have no need for an intimate relationship with a sub-optimal partner that will obstruct my walk with the Lord. This may sound cold-hearted to some but it's brought me much happiness. Verily.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 (KJV).

I would agree with the sentiment! it's Scriptural to leave the matter in the Lord's hands.

(Don't be surprised if she's tattooed, though, if you do marry a nice Christian woman under the Lord's leading. Some ppl try to insist that a Christian woman is somehow 'nicer' if she's not inked; but I don't necessarily buy that.)

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes it was still a rite of passage of sorts, even though it was an individual one and not with any familial affiliation.

PS:

Sometimes members of the same family get tattoos that are similar in design or placement, as a matter of family bonding.

But I guess your tattoo choices were entirely your own initiative and decision.

 

[ewq1938]

What Does Scripture Really Say about Drinking, Smoking, and Tattoos?

Says not to over drink, doesn't address smoking, says getting tattoos for the dead is wrong but that's only applicable to Judaism and only tats for the dead not other tats. The NT is silent on tattoos.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Says not to over drink, doesn't address smoking, says getting tattoos for the dead is wrong but that's only applicable to Judaism and only tats for the dead not other tats. The NT is silent on tattoos.

It's partly a matter of customs, but your observation about the apparent lack of tattoos in the NT is probably why many Christians find it helpful to have faith based tattoos which are proven effective in witness.

My wife and I talked to a young lady with the whole of John 3.16 tattooed on her wrist area; it was her favorite verse and mine also; and I'm sure that other conversations have arisen as a result of her willingness to go under the inking needle for something faith based.

 

[ewq1938]

It's partly a matter of customs, but your observation about the apparent lack of tattoos in the NT is probably why many Christians find it helpful to have faith based tattoos which are proven effective in witness.

My wife and I talked to a young lady with the whole of John 3.16 tattooed on her wrist area; it was her favorite verse and mine also; and I'm sure that other conversations have arisen as a result of her willingness to go under the inking needle for something faith based.

Here is something I wrote on this topic. Perhaps there will be something in it ppl can enjoy:

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

Leviticus 19:28 You may not make cuts in your flesh in respect for the dead, or have marks printed on your bodies: I am the Lord. (BBE)

This appears to be related to putting marks on your body for the dead rather than marks for other reasons.

In many cultures people will cut or tattoo themselves as a way to remember and honor their dead. One tribe I know will cut a finger or toe off. I think God is simply banning that type of thing especially since the dead are alive and with God so there is no need to honor them in such a way.


Print:

H5414
???
na^than
naw-than'
A primitive root; to give, used with great latitude of application (put, make, etc.): - add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, X avenge, X be ([healed]), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit consider, count, + cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute do, X doubtless, X without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up). + sing, + slander, strike, [sub-] mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, + weep, X willingly, + withdraw, + would (to) God, yield.


Mark:

H3793
?????
ketho^beth
keth-o'-beth
From H3789; a letter or other mark branded on the skin: - X any [mark].


H7085
????
qa?a?qa?
kah-ak-ah'
From the same as H6970; an incision or gash: - + mark.



Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.



God marked Cain.




Ezekiel 9:4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.



Ordered one here.




Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.



And something very similar here.




Leviticus 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 still maintain that the printing of marks is directly related to the cutting the flesh....in honor of the dead as opposed to other reasons.

Both Tattoos and cutting the flesh is banned "for the dead". It just is worded for the cutting first and the ban on tattoos for the dead is added afterwards. Doesn't change the context.



It isn't "don't cut your flesh for the dead, and don't get tattoos for any reason" The tattoo statement is directly related to the last thought.




Did not the flesh get cut during circumcision and yet that wasn't banned by God. No, it was cutting the flesh "for the dead" that was banned and I suggest marking the flesh also for the dead which was also banned.




Isaiah 49:16 - Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.


2710

02710 chaqaq {khaw-kak'}


a primitive root; TWOT - 728; v


AV - lawgiver 6, governor 2, decree 2, to grave 2, portray 2, law 1,
printed 1, set 1, note 1, appoint; 19


1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to cut in
1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe
1a3) to trace, mark out
1a4) to engrave, inscribe (of a law)
1b) (Poel)
1b1) to inscribe, enact, decree
1b2) one who decrees, lawgiver (participle)
1c) (Pual) something decreed, the law (participle)
1d) (Hophal) to be inscribed




God has marked himself for us!


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


marks


4742

4742 stigma {stig'-mah}


from a primary stizo (to "stick", i.e. prick); TDNT - 7:657,1086; n n


AV - mark 1; 1


1) a mark pricked in or branded upon the body. To ancient oriental
usage, slaves and soldiers bore the name or the stamp of their
master or commander branded or pricked (cut) into their bodies to
indicate what master or general they belonged to, and there were
even some devotee's who stamped themselves in this way with the
token of their gods



And, we bear the marks of Christ in a spiritual way upon our bodies.