The Bible's teaching concerning this issue is complex; not because it's somehow difficult to understand, but rather because it's a "side issue" that the Bible really doesn't address head-on. There's one passage that seems to teach against such things. In Leviticus 19:28, it says:
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.
However, only 9 verses earlier in the same chapter (Leviticus 19:19) the people of Israel were also commanded to avoid mixing fibers in garments:
Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you.
Therefore, if someone chose to consider a tattoo sinful, then they would have to toss all their cotton/polyester clothing too! @_@
Hang on... don't get me wrong...
It helps to know that God originally set aside the Jewish people as a "higher standard" among the pagan nations, through whom the Messiah would come. As a result, many of their laws were given to wean them from pagan customs, habits, and appearance.
The book of Romans (and the rest of the New Testament for that matter) emphasizes that we're no longer under that Law. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and to purchase a place in heaven for us; so people no longer have to try "cleaning themselves" to be worthy of being around God. Stated another way, the Old Testament made it clear that people could NOT stay clean on their own (Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God) so God sent His Son, who COULD and DID live a sinless, clean life. By accepting Christ, we benefit from His work, not ours. For man cannot save himself. Heaven is a GIFT, ya know. It's not earned or deserved! ;)
For that reason, the "ceremonial cleanliness" laws were done away with once Christ provided a new way to get right with God. Still, some laws weren't ceremonial or fashionable in nature (to set people apart from other nations) but rather civil and moral. Those laws are still valid and many of them were repeated often in the New Testament. If you haven't read it lately, read the book of James. It's a good overview of desirable Christian behavior... =)
Although this is a brief treatment of this subject, you should get the idea. The bottom line is that the Bible DOES NOT clearly define tattoos and body piercing as a sin.
There's one thing to consider, though. Since people react to tattoos, short skirts, beards, motorcycles, smoking, and other things in unpredictable ways; a Christian must determine what their "audience" (Christian and non-Christian) will think about Christians (using that person as the example of their admiration or scorn) if they appear or behave in some way. That said, this issue becomes a "matter of conscience." Romans 14:1 through 15:6 discusses matters of conscience and uses food as an example. Therefore, each Christian should thoughtfully examine this passage, and modify their appearance or behavior accordingly... *shrugs*
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.
However, only 9 verses earlier in the same chapter (Leviticus 19:19) the people of Israel were also commanded to avoid mixing fibers in garments:
Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you.
Therefore, if someone chose to consider a tattoo sinful, then they would have to toss all their cotton/polyester clothing too! @_@
Hang on... don't get me wrong...
It helps to know that God originally set aside the Jewish people as a "higher standard" among the pagan nations, through whom the Messiah would come. As a result, many of their laws were given to wean them from pagan customs, habits, and appearance.
The book of Romans (and the rest of the New Testament for that matter) emphasizes that we're no longer under that Law. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and to purchase a place in heaven for us; so people no longer have to try "cleaning themselves" to be worthy of being around God. Stated another way, the Old Testament made it clear that people could NOT stay clean on their own (Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God) so God sent His Son, who COULD and DID live a sinless, clean life. By accepting Christ, we benefit from His work, not ours. For man cannot save himself. Heaven is a GIFT, ya know. It's not earned or deserved! ;)
For that reason, the "ceremonial cleanliness" laws were done away with once Christ provided a new way to get right with God. Still, some laws weren't ceremonial or fashionable in nature (to set people apart from other nations) but rather civil and moral. Those laws are still valid and many of them were repeated often in the New Testament. If you haven't read it lately, read the book of James. It's a good overview of desirable Christian behavior... =)
Although this is a brief treatment of this subject, you should get the idea. The bottom line is that the Bible DOES NOT clearly define tattoos and body piercing as a sin.
There's one thing to consider, though. Since people react to tattoos, short skirts, beards, motorcycles, smoking, and other things in unpredictable ways; a Christian must determine what their "audience" (Christian and non-Christian) will think about Christians (using that person as the example of their admiration or scorn) if they appear or behave in some way. That said, this issue becomes a "matter of conscience." Romans 14:1 through 15:6 discusses matters of conscience and uses food as an example. Therefore, each Christian should thoughtfully examine this passage, and modify their appearance or behavior accordingly... *shrugs*
If you beg to differ, please leave your comments in this post... =)
8 comments:
So far I have seen most people regret getting tattoos later on in life. It's also pretty expensive to get the m removed.
As for the Bible, even if it does not clearly define it as a sin, it that does not mean it is not. But as far as tattooing goes I think it is clearly defined in Leviticus 19:28.
Also, when you tattoo yourself, it's like 'branding' yourself, making yourself look different. Are you not happy with the way you look and the way God has created you, or do you have to tattoo yourself to blend in with the crowd, look 'hip' and 'cool', etc? Our body is God's temple, and why desecrate it with tattoos? And if you're tattooing yourself with satanic icons, that's even worse.
Sure we as a society might do certain things that contradict what the Bible says, but that does not mean we can continue doing other things that are deemed sinful as well. We are all sinful people, but that is not an excuse for continuing to sin.
Anyway I don't see any benefits of tattooing, so why go through the trouble?
This is IMO and from my POV.
i am just wondering and nothing but wonders..to those, followers of Jesus, planning to get a tattoo or already got one..
i know tattoos, piercing etc are only trends that comes and goes.. and i also know from the verses that has been mentioned about tattoos and in Corinthians about your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, and honor God with your body. And also very famous sayings that God looks at your heart, the true place. This may all seem right and yes God truly sees our hearts..
But one question that rings my mind, WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY? before you get ur tattoo.. while u are doing your tattoo.. Or WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? would he get a tattoo?
I am a Christian, and I have my tattoo on my right arms too. It's a cross with a thorn armband.
I prayed to God a week before I finally had my tat, and during the process.
But the most important I have in my mind is, I love God always, and even MORE after I had my tat on, why? because i could feel the pain of Jesus being put a thorn band on His head.
I really cried after I had my tat, in the car, alone. And because of the tat, it reminds me everytime how Jesus sacrificed for us.
To answer your question,
WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY?
Jesus says He loves me.
And I say, I love you, Jesus.
personally, i think all 3 of u r right in ur own ways... this issue is debatable... and jerry, i didnt realize ur tattoo had a meaning behind it... =) that was beautiful...
we go thru trials and tribulations in life so that we can experience what He went thru when He was on earth as a Man... difficult ppl and difficult circumstances in our lives r to shape us to be more Christ-like... and that's when we should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" in a situation like this...
i think there's no right or wrong in getting a tattoo... it really depends on ur motive... is it to glorify God or merely urself?
heng woon, i guess u didnt read my post properly... in Leviticus 19:28, it says that "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD."
God originally set aside the Jewish people as a "higher standard" among the pagan nations, through whom the Messiah would come. As a result, many of their laws were given to wean them from pagan customs, habits, and appearance... so that means the law doesn't apply NOW... the book of Romans (and the rest of the New Testament for that matter) emphasizes that we're no longer under that Law!
some laws in the Bible (not the 10 commandments la of coz) r only meant for a specific time and for a specific purpose... that law doesn't apply now la...
coming back to the motive of getting a tattoo...
in jerry's case, it's more to glorify God and to testify to others thru his tattoo... so thanks for making me realize that, jerry... =)
btw, Joel Houston of Hillsong United band has a tattoo also... and he's still glorifying God thru his songs... and so many churches r worshipping God with Hillsong music... *shrugs*
You're welcome Mich. It was just my personal motivation.
Well as you may noticed, there are people, i mean alot people, were asking what's the meaning behind my tat, and i said, "NO meaning", well merely because i was too lazy to preach them about how Jesus sacrificed for them using a "tattoo-way"?!
Because it wasn't look holy or proper enough to share God's word this way ?!
there's no fixed or written ways of talking bout God... God really does work in mysterious ways... He is not a "religious" God... God is cool, man... He's not as "religious" or "narrow-minded" as we portray Him to be... and there r a lotta ppl who actually spread God's Word thru their tattoos becuz those tattoos symbolize something that is Godly... ;) it's actually a ministry... not in msia tho... cuz msians r generally very narrow-minded...
I was thinking of a tattoo..but the holy spirit convicted me so many times. The word Holy keeps repeating in my head. Holy, Holy, Holy. That's just between me and my Maker.Everyone of us have our own say.
I grew up in a house with a man who had tattoes of cross and the face of Jesus. He said the same thing " i feel the pain".. soon i begin to realize, having it all doesnt make you more righteous than your neighbour. With all respect im not speaking to this anyone. Everyone has their own will and choice to do what we want. It will only come to us and God to be judged for our actions on earth.
Joel Huston may have a tattoo..i hope it didnt cause anybody to stumble.
The bible is so clear, we are responsible for all that we do. Let it be good or bad, God is the better judge. Not for us to judge anybody. For all that you believe and say and do, that is between you and Him. :)
"justification is such pain sometimes..."
that's what a fellow bro in Christ/colleague said to me after reading this blog post... i'm not saying that i was tryina justify my actions (since i already got myself a tattoo) but i cant say i wasnt either... ya know? nevertheless, u r right... ultimately its between God and i...
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