That can give us understanding about whether or how to apply it in New Testament times. “Whenever we point to one of the Old Testament laws it is extremely important to understand why God required it. As Barbara Lardinais states in her article: God is making a covenant with the people of Israel and is telling them how to stand in the pagan culture they live in. I believe looking at the context in this verse is essential. ![]() They go further to explain that Jesus would not have a tattoo on his thigh as we would imagine today since it would contradict God’s standards. This verse has been used widely to try to convince people that, in God’s standards,it is wrong to have tattoos. ![]() Once, I heard a teacher quote “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord” from Leviticus 19:28. I went to a Christian School and heard different opinions on the topic. Growing up, I was taught that tattoos just did not look good. Other people have tried to make an argument by questioning the meaning of the passage.The question is whether this verse tells the reader that Jesus will have a tattoo on his thigh upon his second coming. Some people have used this verse to justify the wearing of tattoos. The issue of tattoos has been very controversial in many religious groups, especially in Christianity. There are different interpretations that people have concluded on from this verse. Find out more about her here.“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16 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.įor more read: 7 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a TattooĬandice Lucey is a freelance writer from British Columbia, Canada, where she lives with her family. What Does This Mean? And Can Christians Get Tattoos?įor those whose bodies already bear the marks of a pre-Christian past, take comfort: they are still part of personal testimony. Once that mark has been made it cannot be removed easily. Seek out the direction of the Holy Spirit in prayer, by reading the Word, and by asking wise friends. There is nothing wrong with being an art lover. 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. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” ( 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) ![]() ![]() 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. Like an image hung on one’s living room wall, body art sends a message about personal values. Wise Christians weigh their motives.Ī good tattoo is a work of art, no different from a beautiful painting. Is obtaining a tattoo about self-punishment? Is the purpose to take control of one’s punishment and salvation? In either case, getting a tattoo is an act of unbelief.Įarly 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 man’s body in his image and to deface it in any way was to deface God’s gift.” In defense of tattoos, we now understand that the image of God is a spiritual one conveyed as “salt and light.” ( Matthew 5:13-16) Marking one’s body is not necessarily vandalism. Paul writes “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” ( Ephesians 4:31). Is the image or message a reminder of past guilt, a way of inflicting emotional distress every time one sees it? Inflicting pain - physical or emotional - on one’s self or on someone else is an outpouring of hatred and an exercise in control. Tattoos: Legacy of Light or DarknessĬutting and even some methods of tattooing are associated with punishment throughout the ages in many cultures, whether self-inflicted or as a means of torture by others. Gifted experts have turned many scars into beautiful works of art, but Christians have to ask themselves whether those tattoos activate a sense of inner strength or remind them of God’s powerful grip on them during times of darkness and pain. When one’s body is marked by trials, God uses those scars to point out His Sovereign touch - His ultimate healing.
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