I agree with posts #47 and 75
I also defer to Galatians 3:24 and Romans 14
Pray about it and HE will answer you.
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I agree with posts #47 and 75
I also defer to Galatians 3:24 and Romans 14
Pray about it and HE will answer you.
Although I agree wholeheartedly with what is said above, I found this and would like to put it forth for your opinions... TATTOOS & THE BIBLE
What an interesting topic! The one thing in my opinion is that the laws never changed in the Bible, of course we as people have changed. But the one solid thing is that the Bible has remained the same. Although we as society might think it is acceptable to do things that were forbidden in the old testament or new testament for that matter. I Believe that there is no sense in trying to figure out if it is wrong or right, more importantly we should honor God with everything we do.
I do not have any tattoos and I have no desire to do so, this doesn't make me any less of a sinner or better than someone who has a tattoo. I think what is most important is what someone's intentions are in their heart, not what's on their body.
Maybe it comes down to avoiding things that might make another person stumble like Saint Paul pointed out.
Whenever we have to look for "loopholes" like a Philadelphia lawyer to justify our actions there is something wrong.. The real question here is simple...[B]DO WE WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS OR NOT?? As stated by me before, many so-called Christians are trying to fit in with the world, giving in to the world's "fads" and such.Quote:
Originally Posted by krystal1973
Jesus has very clearly told us that we are "in the world, but not OF the world
jesus will never condone violating ANY part of the scriptures, whether it be OT or NT.!!!B] Where we get into problems is trying to live with one foot in the world and the other foot in the church. We can never be what Jesus commanded us to be unless we resolve in our heart of hearts to completely sell out to Jesus. We will have to deny ourselves to do this.
Until we resolve this issue, we will be as Paul said, "a sounding brass and tinkling cymbal." In other words... JUST A BIG RELIGIOUS NOISE!
God bless each of you. I will be praying for everyone of you in your walk with the Lord. Please pray for me too! Jesus is coming soon!!
In accordance to the bible tattooing is wrong because it is desecrating your temple (sorry, no bible quotes from me, I'm not and avid enough reader I suppose) but I personaly feel that it is your own judgment call.
I myself have ten tattoos. Five of which are memorials to my mother who passed away while I was still at a very young age, one of which contains the star of David for the faith that my mother had chosen for me and I still follow to this day (Judaism).
I still feel as if god listens to me and helps me along when I need him-leading me down the paths I need to walk-, and punishes me when I do wrong, so I don't feel that the ink under my skin hasn't made him cast a blind eye upon me or caused him to love me any less, and it has helped me find closure in my own way.
Once again, these are answers from my heart and are in no way to be taken as an answer from a rabbi or Priest, or whomever leads and teaches in the denomination of your choosing but in my way I feel that having piercings and tattoos, if you feel they are the things for you, are a way of praising god for giving us our bodies-as long as it is not done in a self destructive way-For what greater being could give us vessels that grant us a way to adorn ourselves in ways that allow us to perceive our bodies as beautiful or art?
Some things done to the human body are obscene and perverse, but in my life, I have praised god with every piercing, with every pigment placing, that he has granted me a body that can sustain such acts and heal from it. And I thank god for allowing me to find closure and happiness within my bodily temple with such actions.
Yes, I can be perceived as a 'bad Jew' for piercing my body (which is actually a sign of slavery) and 'branding my flesh' which is a sign of oppression (the nazis tattooed id numbers on the arms of those who went into their camps and I have been told that the Egyptians also tattooed their slaves to show ownership.) but for me they are signs of freedom.
To sum up a very long winded post: Do what you feel is right in your heart. Talk to an elder first of course but the final call is yours. If you feel, in your heart of hearts, that the ink is what you need to have your body be completed then by all means, take that step.
There is no telling what idea is right or wrong or whose translation or deliberation on the words of the bible is correct. There are some who take it word for word or some that take it for a deeper meaning. Do what you believe to be right. :p
Look, the Word says not to. I don't have a clue why it is such a big deal. I don't think it is, I personally wouldn't but it doesn't seem like it should be wrong. But frankly, I don't see how eating one little bite of fruit got Adam and Eve kicked out of the garden. I mean... come on, if we want to reason that one... we'd all agree it wasn't the smartest decision but the outcome of one little tiny wrong bite was HUGE! I guess I can only conclude that my ways are not HIS ways and my THOUGHTS... Not HIS thoughts. Therefore, we can justify, reason and conclude all day... but in the end it is wrong and we have to ask ourselves if God's Word has final authority... or do we just think they look too cool.
Hey Tessy777: Very well said. That's what's wrong with so-called-Christians today......they want to apply their own reasoning to get around what God said! If He said[ don't do it; then don't do it. It's very difficult for me to understand why people have a problem with that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tessy777
WE ARE LIVE CONSECRATED, SEPERATED LIVES. IF THAT'S NOT WHAT WE'RE DOING, MAYBE WE'RE NOT WHERE WE THINK WE ARE.
THERE IS NO JUDGING HERE BY ME.....I DON'T HAVE THAT RIGHT. THE WORD OF GOD WILL JUDGE US ALL AT THE END OF THE ROAD!!!:cool: /COLOR]
There is nothing in the New Testament that suggests tattooing or piercing is a sin.
Show me your references other than Levitical Law where you draw this conclusion.
If we lived by Lev. Law, we would be putting a lot of people to death today!
The closest instruction I found is in 1Corinthians 6:19-20
19Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
So to me if a tattoo dishonors God- like a demon or the like- then it's offensive to the Lord.
BTW-
Definitely a tattoo of 666 on the right hand or forehead will equate to damnation! :eek:
It is under the law... and we are under grace. But here is the thing.. we are to live holy and set apart lives and tatoos are markings like we are just part of the world. I define world to mean people without Christ. Just because we are not under the Law (and we aren't)... doesn't mean we chuck it. It is still God's principles and he is the same today, yesterday and forever. I believe it to be wrong.
Your reference to ICor. Is correct, and my point is that if any scripture; either OT or NT gets within 100 miles of something questionable to a Child of God, then why not abstain? To me, it's not worth the chance of offending the Lord.Quote:
Originally Posted by Retrotia
BTW, I'm having difficulty in the copy/paste of scripture from Word to this forum. Can you offer tips?
I think that excessive tattooing & piercing wrong in some way because then it falls into the category of addictions, self-control & lust-of which should be consecrated. I like what St. Paul said in 1Cor.6:12-"but I will not be mastered by anything." He was referring to the body.
But what about the tattooed person who becomes a new Christian? I don't consider them any less a Christian. God sees the heart & mind. I don't think He cares if he's green or blue.
As far as Word- you can ask the moderators for assistance. Or use Bible.org to copy/paste.
I'm not savvy with the pc:confused:
Personally, I believe that the body is temple of the Holy Spirit. To tattoo the body as a Christian would be like putting graffiti on the wall of your local church. However, I've known good Christian men who had tattoos. My dad was one. He got a couple of tattoos during WWII before he accepted Christ. There is also only one unforgivable sin and that's blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. Are you willing to defile your body after becoming a Christian? Not me personally but that's a choice that you get to make. God gave all of us free will. How we use that gift is the purpose of our earthly journey. This life is a testing ground.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jesushelper76
[QUOTE=Retrotia]There is nothing in the New Testament that suggests tattooing or piercing is a sin.
Show me your references other than Levitical Law where you draw this conclusion.QUOTE]
1 Corinthians 3:16&17, "Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
First of all, the above verses kind of say it all for me. Secondly, God gave you a natural adornment that should suffice. You don't see elephants or king snakes artificially changing their outside appearance to draw attention to themselves. Their beauty is in what they already are. Be satisfied with the gifts that God gave you. Be God centered... not self centered.
Good point of view!! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by ActionJackson
[QUOTE=ActionJackson]I guess you're right. I personally don't like tattoos. Perhaps for all of the above reasons.Quote:
Originally Posted by Retrotia
True
AMEN!
I see your point, but why could it not be viewed as painting a picture, rather than graffity?
From my experience, tatoos have very often (not necssarily always) been an outward expression of someone's inner pain. I personally feel that a tattoo is not the issue. Anything can be an issue with a wrong or unhealed heart. If you can grasp your righteousness (ability to stand in God's Presence w/out shame or inferieority)through and in Christ, then only there you will find what's "INSIDE" you that really fulfills the desire God has for you.
What's my point?
My point is simple. With everything you do, in what way does it advance the Kingdom. God's wisdom commands us to seek first His Kindgom, which is inside you.
Your value in Christ must be realized. Legalism and religion will not bring you freedom. Love will bring you freedom. If you are looking for something to love in a tattoo, then you need to understand that there is no purpose or glory in seeking something that is lower than your own self-worth. Look a little higher and a little deeper beneath the flesh.
THe Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not find myself wanting.
Amen.
endlessecho : I see your point, but why could it not be viewed as painting a picture, rather than graffity?
If someone wants to paint a picture all they need to do is get an array of paint, an easel, a canvas and paint away. Or, if they must paint on themselves, they need only paint with removable paint.
Hello Joe,
This again is my opinion according to my understanding of the scriptures.
Tattooing is by no means a modern practice. Tattoo-bearing Egyptian and Libyan mummies have been found that date back hundreds of years before the time of Christ. Tattooed mummies have also been found in South America. Many of the tattooed images were directly related to the worship of pagan gods. According to researcher Steve Gilbert, “the earliest known tattoo that is a picture of something, rather than an abstract pattern, represents the god Bes. In Egyptian mythology Bes is the lascivious god of revelry.”
Significantly, the Mosaic Law forbade God’s people to tattoo themselves. Said
Leviticus 19:28 (New King James Version)
28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.
Deuteronomy 14:1-2 (New King James Version)
1 “You are the children of the LORD your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead. 2 For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a
Pagan worshipers, such as the Egyptians, tattooed the names or symbols of their deities on their breast or arms. By complying with God’s ban on tattoo markings, the Israelites would stand out as different from other nations.
While Christians today are not under the Law of Moses, the prohibition it laid on tattooing is sobering.
Ephesians 2:15 (New King James Version)
15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
If you are a Christian, you would certainly not want to make markings on your body, even temporarily, that smack of paganism or false worship.
2 Corinthians 6:15-18 (New King James Version)
15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[a] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“ I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore “ Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “ I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.”
One of the mandates for Christians is to preach and teach the good news. Matthew 28:19, 20; Philippians 2:15 A Christian would not want to let anything, including his appearance, distract others from listening to that message.2 Corinthians 4:2.
While such decorations as piercing or tattoos may be popular among some people, a Christian needs to ask himself or herself these questions:
1) What kind of a reaction would such a decoration provoke in the area where I live?
2) Would I be associated with certain fringe elements of society?
3) Even if my conscience were to allow it, what effect would my piercing or tattoo have on others within the congregation?
4) Would they view it as an evidence of “the spirit of the world”?
5) Might it cast doubt on my “soundness of mind”?’1 Corinthians 2:12; 10:29-32; Titus 2:12.
Certain types of body modifications carry serious medical risks. Tattooing with unsanitary needles has been associated with the spread of hepatitis and HIV. Skin disorders sometimes result from the dyes used. Piercing can take months to heal and can hurt for much of that time. They can also produce blood poisoning, hemorrhaging, blood clots, nerve damage, and serious infections. Additionally, some procedures are not easily reversed. For example, depending on the size and the color, a tattoo can take several expensive and painful laser sessions to remove. Piercing may leave lifelong scars.
Whether an individual decides to accept these risks is a personal decision. But one who seeks to please God recognizes that becoming a Christian involves the offering of oneself to God. Our bodies are living sacrifices presented to God for his use.
Romans 12:1 (New King James Version)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service
Mature Christians do not view their bodies as their exclusive property to be damaged or defaced at will. Especially those who qualify to take the lead in the congregation are known for their moderate habits, soundness of mind, and reasonableness.1 Timothy 3:2, 3.
Developing and exercising the Bible-trained power of reason will help Christians avoid the extreme, masochistic practices of this world, which is so hopelessly “alienated from the life that belongs to God.” Ephesians 4:18
They can thus let their reasonableness shine before all men.—Philippians 4:5.
Just my opinion according to my scriptural understanding.
Take care,
Hope12
:)
“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 I know this is the old testament but it does till apply. The entire bible is suppose to be used in our daily living. Also we are not to conform to the things of this world.. So basically don't do what the world does.
God's Word is God's Word. When you quote from the Whole Testament, you can't go wrong. God is sovereign. His Word stands. Please don't be ashamed that you quote from the Old Testament or the New Testament. Christ and the Apostles quoted Old Testament Scriptures over and over again. The New Testament is replete with Old Testament sentiments.Quote:
Originally Posted by JesusIsLord08
Your answer is on point. Thanks.
OK....this one is a no-brainer. here is your New Testament Scripture that should clear this issue up:Quote:
Originally Posted by ActionJackson
(1Pe 3:1) Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
(1Pe 3:2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
(1Pe 3:3) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
(1Pe 3:4) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
(1Pe 3:5) For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: These scriptures connect the Church (Bride of Christ) to Jesus, and how we are to conduct ourselves in this lost and dying world!
(1Pe 3:6) Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
(1Pe 3:7) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
ONE LAST OBSERVATION: ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN THE WORD CHRISTIANS UNDERSTAND THAT OUR "CONVERSATION" MEANS OUR WAY OF LIVING OUR LIVES IN THIS WORLD THAT IS PLEASING TO JESUS CHRIST.
(1Jn 2:15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
(1Jn 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
OK Im new at this but Im a sprit filled christian... You can quote the bible over and over and over again but... there are a lot of things we don't live by anymore in the bible Lev 19 addresses it but it does in the context of cutting and tattoo for the dead, that was a custom in those day from pagan practice to mark your body as a help to move the person from this world to the next now you can take that and say yes getting a tattoo is a sin but in REVELATION 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS some bibles it says it's a tattoo Anyway I think like this Tattoos are not a sin they are a way of life... I have 4 of them myself and like I said Im sprit filledQuote:
Originally Posted by Jesushelper76
Galatians 6:17 NKJV
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
<3
When I have doubts about doing certain things, I rather leave it and pray about, and when the Lord answers me in His time I always feel relieved that I've waited upon Him, but tatoos are from the world, and doesn't have any connection with that which is holy
My family is not religious, so they didn't bring me up that way.
And I feel that tattoos are a way to express yourself.
Like clothing and the way of your appearance.
And if it is a sin,
Aren't all sins forgiven?
Many Christians say it is wrong but if you take it in the context of the old testament saying
Do not mix fabrics they are to be 100% cotton, wool, etc...
Do not eat pork, certain seafoods, etc...
The same Christians that will tell you it is wrong to have tattoos think nothing of buying
Clothing that is cotton and rayon and eating squid and chops.
I agree with Fr_Chuck it was the ritual aspects of cutting and tattoos that was wrong.
As far as the New Testament says not to defile your temple but there are verses that basically also say
That it is not what goes into a man that defiles him but what comes out
I take that to mean whatever you do do with a clean conscience or don't do it at all.
I have seven tattoos. All before I started to really search for a relationship with Jesus. Haven't gotten any since walking with Him. I don't think it would be right, if my body is the Temple of the LORD, I don't want to put tattoos on Him.
true, but you have to think of the context. I mean I personnaly don't see what is wrong with them, not that you have to go overboar with them, I'm saying that you have look at that from today's perspectiveQuote:
Originally Posted by Hope12
I think that tattoos are just another way to express yourself, and as long as they are used for good things and not anything bad, then they are good to get. I feel like the bible was referring to things like stabbing yourself, things that could hurt you enough to kill the body that god gave you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jesushelper76
I think you have to do what makes you happy, (Im sure God wants you to be happy) to express yourself can be very relieving!
= Take whatever is coming to you... let the beauty of it move you!
I always thought that if you love god and believe in him, it shouldn't matter if you have tattoos. As long as those tattoos don't justify other gods or represent evil. But I started to question it myself. After all, I want to go to heaven.
Leviticus 19:28 says:"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh FOR THE DEAD, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord"
I don't know if it is referring to when the pagans used tattoo to transfer a soul to the afterlife, but it deffinately gives me doubts about whether to get any more tattoos.
I personally have several tatoos which I had before I was saved. I am aware of the scriptures regarrding tatoos. What I have a problem of some remarks is that Jesus died for our sin, so if you are weak in your faith you would walk away from the church and so called saints because no where are you saying we are all sinners, tatoos are visiable so people want to judge and comment, sin is sin.
However, I do not worship my tatoos nor am I ashamed of them. AND I AM NOT ASHAMED THAT I SERVE A GOD WHO DOES NOT THINK LIKE MAN. If you have a tattoo please do not think that GOD does not love you.
I have seen a lot of people who have a tattoo with Jesus and or a Cross. Have you ever watched Miami Ink on TV? There's always a story behind a tattoo and mostly it has to do with people's emotions and that makes that a tattoo can help to let go of certain things you have to deal or dealt with in your life. I don't see anything wrong in tattoos... it can be very beautiful and save you one way or another!
Ok well I have been trying to awnser this question for awhile now and trying to convince myself as right or wrong on tattooing a christianity and I have finally come to the conclusion that it is a sin.
Let me start by saying that the Old Testment has not been done away with the laws were set from this. Lev. 19:28 states And you shall not make any cuttings into your flesh for the dead; and you shall not put on yourself any writing or mark; I am The Lord.
Now although it does state not cutting yourself for the dead the semi-colin makes the next staement a completely different thought which is " and you shall not put on yourself any writing or mark"
I find this scripture to be quite clear on the matter. Many people pursue a way to justify their sins rather than to follow the word of God and I have read the bible searching for anything that would say it is OK to get a tattoo, and there is no scripture that permits this your body is a temple and should not be defiled for any reason, there is no justification for defileing God's temple because these bodies are not ours they are Gods and we are suppose to use our bodies to glorify God.
Now I don't think people who get tattoos are bad people they are just not following what I Believe to be the truth. Im not saying that I am right or that any one is wrong this is just the way I feel from reading the scripture.
I have wanted a tattoo for awhile but I have committed myself to not get one until I found the awnser for myself. So the only real way to know is to seak truth for yourself. The safest way to go is no tattoo because if there is no tattoo then there is no question but if you feel the need to get a tattoo find the truth for yourself.
The bible will not lie and will not change so that is a good place to go for all your question.
-May God Bless You All-
Hi JesusHelper,
I once thought about getting one or some.
That was back when I was in the army.
What held me back was that I believed that tattoos were desecrating God's temple, my body.
I was almost ready to change my mind after seeing some friends get nice looking tattoos.
Then I saw quite a few that were horribly done and some that were far beyond good taste and ugly as sin to boot.
I saw that a lot of people I could never associate with have tattoos.
That turned me off for awhile because it began to appear that most criminal type people were getting tattoos.
Later I thought that was silly for all sort of people had them.
Then a friend wanted to have a large tattoo removed because it now embarrassed him and he could not appear in public with his shirt off.
It was a lovely, sexy picture of a former girl friend and he was getting married to a different woman. The old girl friend had married someone else.
I began to think that if I got a tattoo or 2 I might later want to have it removed and that was a tough thing to do.
As it turned out I never did get one.
I now see nothing that would cause me to think that having a tasteful, decent tattoo done would be a sin.
Peace and kindness,
Fred
1 Cor. 6:19-20
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
Do you think that getting a tattoo is right? If you do then why wouldn't God have put them on your vody in the first place?
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