Should Christians put on Tattoos?

SHOULD A CHRISTIAN PUT ON TATTOOS?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

I received this question from a young man who normally follows my teachings.

Here is my response.

The Old Testament Scripture forbids all manner of marks or tattoos on the human body. They are considered as abominations before God. 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."

The New Testament Scripture is silent on specific prohibitions on several issues that we confront today but we can borrow from the principles taught in some passages of Scripture in order to develop Christian standards.

The Bible does not have to carry prohibitions such as "thou shalt not drink beer or smoke cigarettes" in order to determine the admissibility or otherwise of any substance or practice.

We do know that several issues of this nature are contemplated under the moral principles that we can draw from passages of Scripture that relate to moral Christian living.

Now back to the tattoo issue...

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are of great value to God and should be preserved in honor.

Some of the popular tattoos embraced by the youth today border on abominations before God. They contain signs and symbols embraced in the occult world. Some carry Illuminati and Masonic symbols. 

Why should a believer don such regalia?

Others have the pentagram and inverted cross symbols that insult the works of the cross.

I find no credible reason for believers donning tattoo marks on their bodies other than for seeking some conformity to the immoral values of this evil generation.

My view is that this advisory should cover Christian dress codes, hairstyles, and entertainment.

While it is not my intention to prescribe dress codes for the Christian community, I  would strongly advise Christian youth to avoid tattoos and any other modern fashion designs such as skimpy dresses, hippie hairstyles, queer ear/nose/tongue/body piercing or jewelry or anything that offends our Christian witness. Such dress codes do not glorify God.

I am aware that culture plays a critical role in our dressing styles but I believe that there are moral limits that we cannot cross without bringing disrepute to our Christian faith and practice.

We need to pray for a discerning heart so that we can respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the admonition of mature believers without much debate. 

Remember that we can stumble others by our conduct.

The Bible says in 1 John 3:20-21: "For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God."

Remember that our liberty as children of God should be subject to the provisions of the word of God.

We are members of God's household who have been called out by God to serve Him (Titus 2:11-14).

We cannot therefore live our way but God's way. We should conform to the standards that are consistent with the principles and doctrines of the word of God.

Read 1 Peter 2:9.

Shalom.



© Ezekiel Kimosop 2019



For more articles by this writer visit www.ezekielkimosop.blogspot.com