Tattoos or not for the believer

[Firstborn]

When I was a teenager in the 50’s we were brought up believing that tattoo’s were only for people that work with their hands or have not much education. Today, well known people, celebrities, and sportsman even well known Christians have tattoo’s. Although 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 done by Christians. It looks like tattoo’s have taken the world by storm. If you as a Christian have tattoo’s, are you doomed, or unholy for the rest of your life, or doesn’t it matter under the new covenant. Maybe it is not such a big issue, but it keeps me wondering.
Be Blessed
Niel

 

[ladylovesJesus]

I firmly believe that we should not have tattoos on our bodies. I would not have one due to the fact that I do not like suffering unnecessary pain. It was painful enough when I had my ears pierced.

See this thread:http://www.talkjesus.com/scriptural-answers/118-tattoos.html?highlight=tattoos

Those who had them before they were born again sometimes regret having them but have to live with them.

God does forgive us when we confess our sins anyway so they are forgiven.

God bless :rainbow: :rose:

 

[Zulu]

The Bible forbids such mutilation of the body that God created. Listen:

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

"The priests [like the other Israelite men] shall not shave the crown of their heads or clip off the corners of their beard or make any cuttings in their flesh." [Leviticus 21:5; both passages quoted from Parallel Bible, KJV/Amplified Bible Commentary]


These two passages thus prohibit anyone from "printing" on their body, or "cuttings in their flesh". Furthermore, the word, "cutting" in Leviticus 19:28 is Strong's Number 8296, which also means any "incision". Thus, God is also forbidding the practice of body "incision" or "piercing" and for very good reason. When you see a society in which significant numbers of people are tattooing and piercing the body, you know that country has moved its value system to the occult! For over 4,000 years, one of the most important and visible differences between a Godly society and a Satanic society has been tattoos and body piercings. America today is moving strongly into this area.

The ultimate prophetic Mark of the Beast will simply be a Satanic insert! Keep this in mind.

Before we get any further into body piercing and tattoos prevalent in society today, let us review the importance of these practices to the hard-core Satanist. Let us begin with the "inserts" so beloved by Satanists, a practice called "Body Piercing" today.

"Inserts are just about anything that gets inserted under the skin or into the body that has a demon, and sometimes, physical poisons (the most common is cyanide or mercury) attached to it." ["Becoming A Vessel Of Honor In The Master's Service", Dr. Brown, p. 103]. Let us stop here for a moment to consider the shocking information we have just received from this doctor who has ministered specifically to people coming out of Satanism through the glorious work of Jesus Christ. Prior to an insert being placed into the body, it has received an incantation or a spell that ritualistically attaches a demon to the insert ! Thus, when a person receives such an insert, they have just received a demon into their body -- through ritual -- supernaturally attached to the insert!

Be alert!!!

 

[jiggyfly]

If you are going to try and keep any part of the old law you have to keep it all.
Galatians 5:1-4
1*So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
2*Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ cannot help you. 3*I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey all of the regulations in the whole law of Moses. 4*For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.

I am amazed at how many want to pick and choose which parts of the old law we should follow. Most people probably don't even read the whole chapter, just the part about tattoos and that's all. If tattoos are wrong then so is piercing your ear lobes, wearing make-up, plastic surgery for any reason, harvesting all of your crops or being disrespectful to the deaf.

I am not a tattoo advocate, but I am an advocate of the new covenant, walking in Grace and being led and governed by the HolySpirit. Now don't be misled into thinking that I think tattoos are ok. Finding out if tattoos are ok or not is not going to solve this problem because the problem here is not knowing what is and isn't allowed but the real problem here is the lack of understanding the difference between the old and new covenants.

Notice that everything is spelled out in the old covenant for the people to obey and over time man added to the commandments to the point, that when Jesus shows up, the pharisees are now putting more emphasis on their traditons than on God's commands. Here is the condition of the new covenant, follow the HolySpirit's lead, instead of being led by the law, now because of Christ's sacrifice we can be led by the law maker Himself. Just don't be surprised when He leads you by way of self denial and the cross. As you grow in this kind of walk you will find that the less there is of you the less you think about yourself and thus the need to think about getting a tattoo or not will disappear. The things concerning the flesh will no longer concern you.

Romans 8:5-8
5*For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6*For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7*Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8*So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:14
*For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

[Fellowservant]

Would any of you allow a mark on your body for any reason? Be carefull how you answer this:star: Ill return and show you something after you reply. Also good post brother Jiggy, we are not under the old covenant any more. And yes i feel it is vain to mark your body for anything, well almost anything.

God bless

 

[monkeys]

This is an excellent question that you have proposed brother, it is one that I have pondered upon before as well.

Personally, I do not have any tattoos on my body because I don't like them. I see it like I am the temple of God and I shouldn't have any permeant marking like that.

However, like you said, that was the Old Covenant.

I think it's a personal issue. Even though I do not like tattoo on myself, I am guilty of writing reminders on my hand. So, technically that would be considered a temporary tattoo. Interesting.

I am looking forward to your next reply FellowServant as well!

Many Blessings,
monkeys

 

[WingedGrace]

No, you are not unholy for the rest of your life if you have a tattoo. I'll tell you why.

I have a tattoo of a butterfly. I got it before I was born again. I regret it for a couple of reasons. I didn't create my own unique one, my husband wasn't there, and sometimes I'm unsure of His guidance regarding tattoos. For a while, I had been feeling low about it, and everytime I glanced at it, I would have that feeling of regret. Well, one morning, right as I had that thought, God spoke this to me:

"Behold, I make all things new."

That tells me right now that this was in my past, and I am moving forward. He doesn't hold it against me. That is our Savior's opinion on those who had the tattoo before they started their walk.

It's where I am, not where I've been. (Nichole Nordeman)

I probably won't get another tattoo, but honestly, I feel that if it was in honor of the Lord, I think it's ok. I've actually had an idea of one I want, and I though about it when I was in the car and not even on the subject of tattoos.

The mark of the beast and a personal tattoo(that's not satanic) are not at all related, in my opinion. The mark of the beast is something you knowingly put on your body to honor Satan and will be 666. That's much different than getting a tattoo of something you love, such as a cross, rainbow, etc.

 

[Chad]

I'm in agreement with brother Jiggy. While we are not to disregard the old covenant laws, we are to realize something: Jesus!

GOD exposed our sins by the laws (old covenant) and made things new by His grace through Christ Jesus (new covenant). We are a few things:

- born again [spiritually]
- saved by *GRACE* (old covenant = law confirms our need for a Redeem = Jesus)
- new creatures in Christ

God bless!

PS: if one is born again, they should *not* get a tattoo as the Bible states so. We are to walk a life imitating Jesus.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

The tattooing referred to in Leviticus 19:18 was of pagan images representing death. As the ancient Israelites had just finished spending 400 years in the midst of a deeply pagan culture when the Law was promulgated, its obvious why God would not want them to resemble pagans in their appearance.

Its true that many present day tattoo designs fall into the "pagan" category, but, there are many that do not. There is a tattoo parlor about three miles from where I live that is operated by a Christian who refuses to put any pagan, Satanic, or otherwise immoral image on a customer's body. One of his customers is a young man from my church that truly loves Jesus with all his heart. Let's not paint all tattoo fans with the same brush.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
(1 Sam 16:7)


SLE

 

[Zulu]

Although most of the answers here condemn the use of tattoos I am surprised to still see that there is people who would argue the fact that tattoo markings is good. I can accept that those that had the markings before they were reborn have a case, but look at the following extract. It is from another site that I regularly visit and I do have the link avaivlable if anyone is interested to go and read the whole story. If Brother Chad would be so kind to let me post the link I wil do so gladly.

"The debate as to whether this country has slipped firmly into the orbit of Satanism is a debate no longer! The vast majority of our citizens embrace Satanic values every day of their lives, even though most do not realize it. Most people equate Satanism with crazies dressed in white or black robes meeting in covens during the dead of night, and they certainly are not one of these! However, these same people daily pursue the values of Satanism, and that is the definition that makes this country a nation living in Satanism. What are the values of Satanism?

Satanism teaches indulgence in the following areas of life:

1. Greed
2. Pride
3. Envy
4. Anger
5. Gluttony
6. Lust
7. Sloth (Laziness)
8. Man is not created by an Omnipotent God, but is just another animal.
9. No objective, standard is accepted in the conduct of one's life. No moral binding creed is recognized.
("The Satanic Bible", by Anton La Vey, p. 25,
The Bible provides another characteristic of Satanism:
10. Love of, and Obsession with, Death-- "all who hate me love and court death" - [Proverbs 8:36b; Parallel Bible, KJV/Amplified Bible Commentary]


When you read these ten points of Satanic values and attitudes, you will immediately recognize that the vast majority of Americans live according to at least several of these points. You will further recognize that Public School curricula fully teaches Points 8 (Evolution) and 9 (Situational Ethics). Further, Public Schools are encouraging Point 6, Lust, through our "Sex Education" classes; students going through these classes are taught the fine points of sexual technique and find their youthful lusts inflamed.

Our Mass Media and our entertainment combine with Public School curricula to inculcate all ten points firmly within the minds of our citizens. By all reasonable measurements, America has become a nation following after -- no, rushing after -- Satanic values!

A close examination of our culture demonstrate how completely given over to Satanism our country has become. In our Rock Music, MTV, movies, and TV shows, greater and greater emphasis is being placed upon movies that depict Satanism. If you want to verify this fact, just go into a video store and peruse the "Horror" section to see the absolutely huge selection available. Then, go through the rest of their movie selection with the above occult values in mind, and you will discover how completely our videos are appealing to these types of attitudes. "

 

[jiggyfly]

Let me repeat myself , I am not an advocate of tattoos but when you read Jesus' words in Matthew we can see that motive is what needs to be dealt with.
Matthew 25:25&26.
25 “How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26*Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too.
Matthew 5:27&28
27*“You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not commit adultery.’* 28*But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart.


I see no difference between a person getting a tattoo and a man of Gawd (preacher) wearing armani suits. Who puts a tattoo or a armani suit on a dead man? Yet we claim to follow Jesus, oh my heart aches and weeps. How long will we deceive ourselves and allow others to deceive us as well. Jesus said to follow Him we MUST deny self and take up our cross. If this is not evident in someone's life then it is not Jesus that they are following.

HolySpirit shake us and wake us, clear the slumber from our eyes so we can see the truth.

 

[Sharz]

am also a fifteen year old and i know taht having a tattoo is wrong, but i can't help but love them. i guess that sin feels and looks good but that's just how the devil plays with us, the best thing as a christian is to remain true to yourself and not let let the world take you by storm, and also ask the Lord to give you the right desires, because hey, He does know best!

 

[WingedGrace]

Zulu ~ I read your last post. I'm not coming at you in attack mode or anything, just want to give my opinion. Here we go.

We all have different convictions. One example is alcohol. Some Christians don't drink, some do. Some feel that the very act of touching it to their lips is wrong, but others feel that as long as they are not drunk, it's ok. Afterall, Jesus made water into wine, right? But some are convicted to a certain point.
If you get a satanic tattoo, yes, that is bad. If you get a tattoo that is not satanic, not for the wrong reasons, and not based on Pagan beliefs, what is wrong with it? The people who had the marks on their bodies believed differently and did it for different reasons. If you're going to judge tattoos, you need to judge piercings, and that goes for earrings. But MANY Christians think that earrings are not wrong, but an eyebrow ring or etc is. Now, that is picking and choosing what to believe in out of the Bible.
None of us will ever be convicted of the same things, and we all take the Bible differently. We all need to learn to be accepting of one anothers views. I hope you understand my viewpoint. God bless brother.

 

[Zulu]

I have no piercings neither a tattoo so I don't have to defend my actions regarding that. I don't judge anyone as I will be judged. I trust that you can accept that I can also think different that you do. This is a very touchy subject and it will be so for everlong.
I just read an article that the teens in Russia is selling their foreheads for a tattoomark. That "craze" had flowed over to Brittain now!!! Mark on the forehead???? Hmmmm makes me sit up and take notes.
Read Revelations 13:16 onwards.

16 He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. 18 Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.(NLT)

It is part of conditioning the masses or am I wrong??

 

[Chad]

Has anyone here (who /does/ support tattoos) asked themselves this question yet?

"What would Jesus do?"

Can you honestly tell me that you would not be shocked at the thought of finding Christ at a tattoo parlor getting a tattoo? The Holy Spirit enables me to understand that this thought is ridiculous. What about you?

No condemnation to those who received tattoos prior to becoming born again believers, but the rest can you continue your walk and "imitate Jesus" this way?

 

[monkeys]

This is a great question Chad. Wow, that completely changes the perspective of everything.

Personally, I wouldn't want to get a tattoo because I don't want to inflict pain on myself unnecessarily. Also, imagine how the tattoo will look like when you're older and have wrinkly skin.

I don't have anything against older people, I absolute love my grandmother's skin even though it is wrinkly! I tell her that I want skin like her's all the time!

 

[brodera]

have to ask a thing. if ill go and make a tattoo on my shoulder, like a Cross.

Is that i sin ?:embarasse

 

[ladylovesJesus]

Is it a sin?

Brodera I think what Chad says should answer your question here.

Has anyone here (who /does/ support tattoos) asked themselves this question yet?

"What would Jesus do?"

Can you honestly tell me that you would not be shocked at the thought of finding Christ at a tattoo parlor getting a tattoo? The Holy Spirit enables me to understand that this thought is ridiculous. What about you?

No condemnation to those who received tattoos prior to becoming born again believers, but the rest can you continue your walk and "imitate Jesus" this way?

I truly believe that it would be a sin as your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and we need to look after our bodies like Jesus would want us to do.

God bless :rainbow: :rose:

 

[abigya]

When I was a teenager in the 50’s we were brought up believing that tattoo’s were only for people that work with their hands or have not much education. Today, well known people, celebrities, and sportsman even well known Christians have tattoo’s. Although 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 done by Christians. It looks like tattoo’s have taken the world by storm. If you as a Christian have tattoo’s, are you doomed, or unholy for the rest of your life, or doesn’t it matter under the new covenant. Maybe it is not such a big issue, but it keeps me wondering.
Be Blessed
Niel

Brother Chad started a great thread on tattoo and piercing body issue, in the Bible study forum, please go back their and read.

Mean while I just copied what I posted there, this is my perspective towards tattoos and any other piercing body.


I think We need to make sure we are not following this worlds pattern in any way
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 2:29
No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.


One of the tribe from my country has this tradition, piercing them selves all over their bodies because they believe, if they pierce them selves the evil spirit can not attack them.

So for those of us who already has pierced ear, tongue, mouth or lips, tattoo

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (New International Version)
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

So...........

1 Timothy 2:9 (New International Version)
9 I also want women(applies to both genders) to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women (applies to both genders)who profess to worship God.

blessings

 

[jiggyfly]

have to ask a thing. if ill go and make a tattoo on my shoulder, like a Cross.

Is that i sin ?:embarasse

What is the reason or motivation for getting the tattoo?