Our Bodies Are A Temple
When the Lord created man and woman and placed them in the garden along with His other creations. He spoke these words in Genesis 1:31, And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. When the Lord created the human body, He pronounced that the way He created it was very good. The Lord desires that our bodies be a reflection of His own beauty. When people tattoo their bodies they are tampering with what the Lord said was very good the way He made it. We should never mark our bodies as this is unnatural. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are admonished not to defile them. Tattoos on ones body is like graffiti on a wall. Having tattoos on our bodies does not glorify God.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Just because a person has had a tattoo, it will not prevent God from using people to witness, nor keep them from being a minister of God. God looks on the heart and can use different things to testify of Christs love, even tattoos. However, well-meaning people can be deceived in their methods of evangelism. The highest form of testimony is a life lived for Christ before the world.
Can I Get A Tattoo If Im A Christian
If, as a believer, you decide to get a tattoo, there are certainly some guiding principles the Bible addresses.
Drew Dickens wrote about millenials and tattoos in 2015 for Denison Forum. In response to parents asking about their kids who want to get a tattoo, he writes: Perhaps a better response than an immediate ok or not a chance is to ask them, Why?
Beyond that simple question, here are some other points to keep in mind:
- Get the tattoo with good artisanship that glorifies God
- Because tattoos are permanent, exercise extreme discretion and wisdom. Over 10 percent of people regret getting their tattoos.
- Consider tying in biblical truth to the tattoo so it can become a ministry opportunity.
- Be wise in where you get it done. Tattoos still include health risks.
The principle behind not getting tattoos seems to be its association with slavery, idolatry, and paganism. In todays context, we should make sure that the content of our tattoos does not connect to those issues.
- If were getting a tattoo because we idolize something, that would be a reflection of sin.
- If the tattoo refers to something from which God has freed us, dont get it .
- If it will hurt your witness or cause division, you also should avoid it
- Finally, we shouldnt get tattoos associated with paganism or anything against Christs teaching.
Wisdom, the Holy Spirit, and community should all provide insight into the nuances of each situation.
Tattoos Arent Sin But Some Symbols Could Be
Another thing worth mentioning is that the symbols people tattoo should also be relevant to the religion. For example, people who tattoo potentially insulting or Satanic symbols could be considered sinful, as they are marking their body with symbols that directly go against Christianity.
Thats why its important to wonder about what the symbol youre trying to ink will represent in your life. For example, if youre going to make a tattoo of a pagan symbol, youre likely making a tattoo against Christianity, same if you are going to tattoo a sign that potentially hints at witchcraft or glorifying some other religion.
In the end, getting a tattoo with a Christian or some other symbol comes down to whether its your personal preference or not. If you think that getting a tattoo goes against your moral beliefs of something else, perhaps you shouldnt get it.
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The Principle Of Influence
Lets begin by examining a passage in 1 Corinthians 11. A rather unusual discussion takes place in this chapter concerning the wearing of veils. The apostle Paul writes, But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved . Verse 6 goes on to say, For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.
The department issued a new policy: officers could get tattoos only if they were hidden by their uniforms. The reason? Because of the message tattoos send. Numerous news stories on the internet discuss the problem of tattoos and body piercings in the workplace. One article from Fox News points out that some employers are having to write very specific dress codes to address the problem. Many employers are requiring that their staff dress in such a way as to hide their tattoos. The new tattoo Barbie doll was mentioned earlier. Here is an excerpt from an article discussing this new doll. Parents have already rallied up against Mattel, asking for the dolls to be pulled off the market. One parent asked, Whatever will they bring out next? Drug addict Barbie? Alcoholic Barbie? Why are parents rallying against Mattel? Because in our society tattoos have negative connotations.
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So Is It Allowed For Christians To Get Tattoos
Now lets check out it from an ethical viewpoint for can we go to heaven with tattoos?
None of the New Testament writers instantly mentioned tattoos, but they certainly are often sinful. The Christian who is regarding a tattoo should ask himself Why do I would like to urge this tattoo?
He should be frank with himself, and God, and make a real effort at suppressing any carnal bias which will come to mind.
In many cases, the will to urge a tattoo isnt to glorify God. Many get crosses, or Bible verses then use the very fact that its Christ-based as an effort to justify it. Nevertheless, in most cases, the thought of getting a tattoo isnt thanks to a deeper pondering of how one might honour God.
Responding to strife among Christians about whether it had been sinful or to not eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols, the Apostle Paul states in Romans 14:14-17:
I know, and I am persuaded by Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, for him it is unclean. But if thy brother grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with meat, for whom Christ died. Let not your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:14-17:
We can get two significant philosophies from this passage, related to Christians and Tattoos:
Typically, the body of a believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Did Jesus Have A Tattoo On His Thigh
There are many people who think that Jesus had a tattoo, which is not true. Jesus would not have disobeyed Gods Word in Leviticus. Nowhere in the Bible did it say Jesus got a tattoo or any disciples getting one. This passage was being symbolic. In those times a king would have his title engraved on his garment or he could have had a banner that said, King Of Kings.
15. Revelation 19:16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
16. Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
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Tattoos: Beauty On The Body
Early in the history of Christianity as it spread from Rome into the rest of the world, tattooing was severely frowned upon. In fact, Pope Hadrian banned tattooing, stating that God made mans body in his image and to deface it in any way was to deface Gods gift. In defense of tattoos, we now understand that the image of God is a spiritual one conveyed as salt and light. Marking ones body is not necessarily vandalism. Wise Christians weigh their motives.
A good tattoo is a work of art, no different from a beautiful painting. Like an image hung on ones living room wall, body art sends a message about personal values. Is Christ number one? Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.
God does not expect His children to be branded as slaves, but there is no express warning against obtaining a tattoo that identifies one as a lover of Christ. There is nothing wrong with being an art lover. Seek out the direction of the Holy Spirit in prayer, by reading the Word, and by asking wise friends. Once that mark has been made it cannot be removed easily.
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Tattoos In The Bible: Honor God With Your Body
This is Gods body not ours. You are going to have to give it back. Dont think Hes going to be pleased with Bible verse tattoos. Imagine if I let you borrow my car and you brought it back with scratches all over it because you thought I would be OK with it. I will be angry.
Are we to alter Gods image? Some people are going to say, 1 Corinthians 6 was referring to sexual immorality, but the principal still applies. Glorify God with your body. Do not defile Gods temple with tattoos. The disciples and early Christians knew how to honor God. Never did we hear about one of them getting a tattoo.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 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? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
3. Romans 12:1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual worship.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Dont you know that you yourselves are Gods temple and that Gods Spirit dwells in your midst?
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Teens Tattoos And The Bible
Should we allow our adolescent to get a tattoo? Doesn’t the Bible forbid them? Our 16-year-old wants to get one, but we’ve held off on any serious discussion of the matter, in part because we’re so shocked that we don’t know what to say. How should we, as responsible Christian parents, react to this request?
Lets tackle the biblical side of your question first. Our own view is that the Bible has nothing specific to say to Christians on the permissibility of tattoos. Its true that the practice was forbidden in the Old Testament Law. Leviticus 19:28 says, You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord. The difficulty is that its not exactly clear how this commandment applies to us today, since, it was probably directed against practices associated with pagan idolatry. The custom of making cuts in the body was a heathen way of attracting the gods attention by arousing their pity. By way of contrast, in todays culture tattoos are generally viewed as being cosmetic or aesthetic in purpose.
If your teen is unyielding, you might suggest a compromise: a temporary henna tattoo could be a way of making a trial run without taking on a permanent commitment. If hes willing, you could agree to revisit the question when he turns eighteen. Remember, when dealing with adolescents there are times when you have to know how to give a little in order to maintain influence over the long haul.
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What Does This Mean And Can Christians Get Tattoos
For those whose bodies already bear the marks of a pre-Christian past, take comfort: they are still part of personal testimony. In conversation with others who sport tattoos, they provide a natural avenue to discussing the gospel and demonstrating that the important change has taken place inwardly, where Christ has exquisitely and tenderly marked the inner person.
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Is Tattooing A Sin Then
If youre frequently visiting the Church, reading the Gospels, and other material on Christianity, no information could hint at tattoos being forbidden or sinful. Even the apostles who carried on the word of Christ didnt mention anything about cutting and inking your body.
That said, we believe that tattooing isnt a sin and that in no way, getting your body inked will prevent you from entering the Heavenly gates when you pass away. We believe it also stems from the fact that tattooing oneself doesnt do any harm to others, or do something sinful.
Christianity teaches us that stealing, disrespecting our loved ones and murdering is a sin, but tattooing your body doesnt mean youve conducted any of the aforementioned sins.
The verse from the Old Testament likely refers to not practicing what that group of tribes is practicing to honor their dead member.
Perhaps, it was versed in a way that practicing such rituals would make people similar to that pride, and make them step away from the Law of Moses as it is, making their pagan believes more important than the religion.
However, if this concept is read and understood wrong, it can lead to the belief that the tattooing process is sinful for Christians too, and instill fears of going to hell upon death.
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Are Tattoos A Sin
A person who wants to abide by all the rules listed in the Bible very strictly should look at some of the other old Scriptures.
If one wants to follow strict religious rules, that’s fine, but it’s a bit difficult to do so in todayâs day and age. Currently, it’s not viewed as a sin for people to shave or cut their hair regularly. Baldness isn’t considered a sin, either. And plenty of people pierce their ears to wear earrings.
Young teens are especially exposed to piercing and tattoos. But getting your teens and tweens involved in a youth ministry can be a great way to guarantee they make good choices and wonât do something they later regret.
In present times, people donât take verses in the Bible at total face value. Instead, we interpret the teachings and messages in our own way to make flexible choices.
Many Christians today are getting tattooed. Crosses, praying hands, portraits of Jesus Christ, and popular Bible verse tattoos make up a large majority of the worldâs tattoo patterns.
For those who want to get a tattoo, it can be a good way to keep Godâs word with you. Itâs also a great conversation starter. In fact, religious tattoos are often seen as a great way to spread God’s word.
There are also plenty of Christian tattoo designs for small tattoos, like King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Glory of God.