Should Christians Have Tattoos Part 2?
POINT 7
I believe that when it comes to popular culture, all Christians should remember that Satan is the god of this world, and we should be hesitant to quickly or readily agree with the cultural views of this world on the bases that what seems logical from a human fleshly perspective often times doesn't line up with Yahweh's eternal thinking or perspective...
Isaiah 55:8,"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares Yahweh."
Proverbs 14:12;16:25,"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. "
I agree that not everything that is associated with pagan idolatry, witchcraft or superstition is sinful in the only eyes that count for all eternity, Yahweh's eyes. It can be said that in recent history, the rainbow which originally was created by Yahweh Elohim himself today has an association with homosexuality and transgender proponents, which the Bible condemns.
This doesn't make the rainbow in and of itself sinful. There are so many practices and things which belonged to, or originated as acceptable from Yahweh first; but have been taken by man and associated or incorporated with pagan idolatrous practices.
I believe the ancient tonsure hair cutting is one example of this type of custom mentioned in Leviticus 19.
Again Yahweh Elohim did not want His people compromising themselves by getting involved in these pagan rituals ; because as opposed to coming from Him, these practices originated in the worship of other gods, and led people away from Him and the holiness that His Law required.
POINT 8
I was asked to study on the history of the roots of tattoos to prove its origins; and I did my research using non-Christian sources....
Non- Christian sources show that the birth of the tattoo has always born the fruits of pagan religion and mysticism. Without exception, research after research, study after study, book after book, the roots of the tattoo never wavers. The following documentation is just a small (very small) drop of the ocean of research documenting the pagan and demonic source of the tattoo.
Please remember. . . The following documentation is from pro-tattoo books simply documenting the obvious spiritual and religious link to the tattoo. These are not Christian writers trying to paint a negative portrait of the tattoo.
No matter how much the carnal, rebellious, Christian desires to justify their perverse reasoning for "marking" themselves with the forbidden demonic tattoo, the facts are loud and clear, backed by tons of research and documentation by the leading pro-tattoo authorities on the planet – the foundation, origin, meaning and purposes of the tattoo is pagan demonism, shamanism, Baal worship, and occult mysticism.
A tattooist in many cultures is also a shaman, magick-man, priest or priestess. According to the dictionary a shaman is a "intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds, using magic to cure illness, foretell the future, control spiritual forces, etc." (www.infoplease.com/ipd/A0648969.html)
"Tattooing is often a magical rite in the more traditional cultures, and the tattooist is respected as a priest or shaman."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 73)
"In Fiji, Fromosa, New Zealand and in certain of the North American Indian tribes, tattooing was regard as a religious ceremony, and performed by priests or priestesses."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)
"The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which were secrets known only to members of the priestly caste. . . Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next."
(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 158)
The tattooist, shaman or the occult priest many times uses the tattoo as a point of contact, or inlets into the spiritual world. The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration. It’s more than just a layer of ink cut into the skin. In fact, the tattoo in every culture, in every country, up until the 20 th century, was a vehicle for pagan spiritual and religious invocations. Even today, in many countries (including the United States), the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world.
Famous witch and author Laurie Cabot writes of the tattoo:
" The origins of tattooing came from ancient magical practices. . . "
(Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch, cited in Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated by Dr. Cathy Burns, p. 301)
"According to Amy Krakow in her chronicle The Total Tattoo Book, ‘tattooing has had well-defined roles: marking a rite of passage at a stage of life, calling the spirits, proudly, defiantly or sneaky showing who you are via body art."
"Many native tribes practiced therapeutic tattooing. The Ojibwa, for instance, tattooed the temples, forehead, and cheeks of those suffering from headaches and toothaches that were believed to be caused by malevolent spirits. Songs and dances that were supposed to exorcise the demons accompanied the tattooing ceremony."
(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 90)
"Tattooing is about personalizing the body, making it a true home and fit temple for the spirit that dwells inside it. . . Tattooing therefore, is a way of keeping the spiritual and material needs of my body in balance."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 8)
Among today’s latest tattoo craze is "tribal tattoos", which are pure paganism. Tribal tattoos are designs that bear serious symbolic mystical and occult meanings. Tribal tattoos, especially, are possible channels into spiritual and demonic possession.
"When the designs are chosen with care, tattoos have a power and magic all their own. They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 13)
"The reasons why puncturing the skin should be regarded with some degree of awe are not far to seek, for in the first place, there is the drawing of blood, which to the savage world over is full of significance as a rejuvenating and immortalizing factor. There is in addition to the opening of numerous inlets for evil to enter. . ."
(Hambly Wilfrid D. 1925. The History of Tattooing and its Significance, p. 233, cited in Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 162)
Rolling Stone magazine describes famous tattoo artist Paul Booth during his tattoo as, ". . . allowing his clients' demons to help guide the needle." ( Rolling Stone magazine, March 28, 2002, p. 40)
"Burmese tattooing has been associated with religion for thousands of years. Tattooing among indigenous North American groups including the Arapaho, Mohave, Cree, and Inuit (Eskimo) is rooted in the spiritual realm as well."
(Laura Reybold, Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattooing and body piercing, p. 15)
"Skulls imprinted on skin abound, and depictions of the Grim Reaper are commonly seen. . . These images, indelibly marked on the skin, reflect uncertainty about the future, and sublimate the pervasive fear of the unknown. Possibly, at the same time, to wear a death’s figure on one’s body may be an invocation of whatever undefinable forces of nature and the cosmos that exist, in an attempt to protect the wearer from such a fate."
(Henry Ferguson and Lynn Procter, The Art of the Tattoo, p. 76)
Ronald Scutt, in his exhaustive book, Art, Sex and Symbol covers a great deal about the history and culture of tattoos. Scutt documents that most of the time tattoos are connected to spiritual, religious and mystical purposes. The following documentation is from Scutt’s book:
"In fact tattooing is much more likely, in view of its subsequent development, to have had a mystical significance, or to have been used as a status symbol, the red ochre carrying an association with blood and life."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 22)
[Tattooing] "In association with sun-worship, megalithic building, ear-piercing, serpent worship, . . ."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 22)
"These marks [tatoos] are believed to be associated with the worship of the sun-goddess Neith"
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 24)
"Be that as it may, primitive tribes were certainly convinced that the spirit, having escaped from the body at death, retained a replica of its earthly tenement. They therefore used tattoo marks as a means of identification in the next world and a passport to future happiness."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"The Mohave Indians in the Lower Colorado instituted chin tattooing for both sexes because it was believed that a kind of Judge looks over each one who comes to Sil’aid (Land of the Dead) and if a man don’t have marks on his face, He sends him down to where the desert rats are."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"Among other Indian tribes there was a conviction that on the journey heavenwards to the ‘Many Lodges’ they would be stopped by an old woman and examined for the presence of tattoo marks on the forehead, chin or wrists. I absent, the luckless warrior would be pushed off a dizzy height to fall back to earth with no hope of ever gaining readmittance to the spirit world."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"Hindus in Begal believed that without tattoos parents would not be able to recognize their children in the next world."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"Then there is the ghastly fate of the untattooed Frijan women: ‘struck down by the souls of their own sex and without further ado served up as food for the gods."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)
"Yet the worship of the sun-god Baal had involved the marking of the hands [tattoos] with the divine token in a mystic attempt to acquire strength."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)
According to survey and statistics, Scutt lists the reasons why people get a tattoo and the number two reason – "to secure a place in heaven".
"Reasons for getting a tattoo:
2. To secure a place in heaven.
5. To propitiate malignant spirits at time of death.
6. To acquire special characteristics through totemism and ancestor worship.
9. To make the body sexually interesting."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 13)
Dr. Hambly, probably the greatest tattooist historian and researcher that ever lived, writes over and over, that tattoos are based on pagan spiritual and religious rituals. Any serious and honest study of the origin and foundation of the tattoo will clearly expose a demonic and supernatural intent of tattoos.
Tattoo enthusiast and historian, Steve Gilbert, in his popular, Tattoo History: A Source Book, cites some of the historical facts Hambly found in his extensive research.
[Hambly] "retailed a wealth of examples which he had culled from field work by anthropologists in many parts of the world. Tattooing was supposed to: prevent pain; protect against gunshot wounds; cur illness; confer superhuman strength; preserve youth; enhance the supernatural powers of a shaman; ensure the survival of the soul after death; identify the soul in the hereafter; attract good luck;protect against witchcraft; ensure the protection of a deity; confer occult powers; prevent drowning; exorcise demons; ensure the protection of a totemic animal or spiritual guardian; record a pilgrimage to a holy place, etc.
Hambly reported that previous investigators had often been misled because obtaining information as to the religious and magical uses of tattooing was fraught with difficulties. In the myths of many cultures tattooing was of divine origin.
The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which were secrets known only to members of the priestly caste. Anthropologists were often misled because their informants either did not know or would not reveal the secret significance of the rituals and taboos.
Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next."
(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 158)
POINT 9
Christian sources only describe the correct understanding and godly reaction to what non-Christian History confirms as the obvious root or source of the concept of the tattoo. History also shows that up until a few years ago, virtually everyone, including the most liberal Christian, KNEW the practice off tattooing as a whole was clearly forbidden by the Word of Elohim; and throughout history, the process of tattooing has ALWAYS been condemned by Bible Believing Christians.
Why? As I've shown, every historical resource ever written on tattoos clearly confirms the fact that the whole practice of tattooing itself originally came out of pagan cultures inspired by mysticism and deeply occult spiritual and ancestral rites.
The Tattoo's Arch-enemy
In the pages of history, whenever and wherever "tattooing" pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without exception, one of their first pagan practices to "pass away" (cf.2 Corinthians 5:17) was the tattoo. Why? Because, unlike today’s disobedient carnal tattooed “Christians”, the converted pagan KNEW the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly "told" the converted pagan – no tattoo.
Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘converted’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . . (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9).
Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101).
Some contemporary tattooing and body piercing is done with pagan symbols and pagan intentions. If you do a web search for - tattoos + paganism - you will see ample verification of this. This does not mean that all contemporary tattoos have pagan meanings. However what it does mean, at the very least, a person should check out the significance of any tattoo design.
Simply put, it is obviously wrong for a Christian to wear a tattoo that is pagan,obscene, immoral or sexually suggestive, and promotes or displays anything that is detestable to God.
A booming testimony to the author of the tattoo is recorded by Steve Gilbert:
When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of statues and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin.
The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99)
Even though, these Spaniards "had never heard of tattooing" – they "recognized it at ONCE as the work of Satan".
Some of today’s carnal, rebellious and disobedient “Christians” talk nonsense about "marking themselves for Yahshua". . . or argue it should be left to personal choice.
(Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9)
" Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘converted’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . ."
(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101)
" Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it."
(Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.11)
"While these and other body modifications continued to be practiced underground as a way for non-Christian people to identify each other, God forbid you got caught and your mark was revealed."
Tattoos Trademark
The facts are up until a few years ago, virtually everyone, including the most liberal Christian, KNEW the tattoo was clearly forbidden by the Word of Yahweh Elohim.
Most commentaries written understood Leviticus 19:28 as an open condemnation of the tattoo. The Christian acceptance of a tattoo was not even considered for serious discussion.
Jamieson, Fausset and Brown comment under Leviticus 19:28:
…nor print any marks upon you–by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It is probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honour of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden, for they were signs of apostasy; and, when once made, they were insuperable obstacles to a return (Bible Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Jamieson, Faussett and Brown - Leviticus 19:28).
Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary and Explanatory on the Whole Bible writes under Leviticus 19:28
"nor print any marks upon you–by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It is probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden, for they were signs of apostasy; and, when once made, they were insuperable obstacles to a return."
James M. Freeman in his excellent book, The New Manners & Customs of the Bible, says of Leviticus 19:28:
"Tattooing Forbidden
Both cutting and tattooing were done by the heathens, and so God forbade His people from doing so in imitation of them."
(James M. Freeman, The New Manners & Customs of the Bible, 1998 edition, p. 157)
Coffman's Commentary on the Old and New Testament under Leviticus 19:18 says:
"The cutting of one's flesh also characterized pagan worship as attested by the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel in the contest with Elijah. Tattooing was also a device of paganism. . . Christians generally disapprove of tattooing, despite the fact of the widespread use of it by many even today.
In the light of what God says here, and in view of the history of it, it seems strange that anyone would pay someone else to tattoo him."
Charles R. Erdman in his commentary on Leviticus 19:28 writes:
" The custom of tattooing was forbidden, while among all the nations of antiquity it was common." (Charles R. Erdman, The Book of Leviticus, 1951 ed., p.93)
But Naves famous Topical Bible puts it best. Under the topic "Tattooing", Nave’s simply and bluntly writes: " TATTOOING, forbidden, Lev. 19;28" ( Nave's Topical Bible, p. 1312)
POINT 10
Christian Tattoos? Again, scripture shows that to Father Yahweh The Origins of a practice matters. People today say the pagan origins of Christmas and Easter custom's or practices don't matter because their no-longer used by us for the original purposes of idolatry. Now in a similar fashion, we want to say despite the pagan origin of tattooing, it's okay because we've changed the focus of this artistic adorning to express other things; even the worship and glorifying of Yahweh Himself. The question we need to ask is, does this belief stand approved against the scriptural principles of Yahweh's word? Is there a chance that our changing the focus of this practice originated from pagans doesn't change Yahweh's views of it as unacceptable? If so we shouldn't risk sinning, and displeasing our Elohim. Even those who say that they want to glorify Yahweh with these pagan in origin tattoos, must reconcile with scripture principles that say....
Deuteronomy 12:4 "You must not worship Yahweh your Elohim in their (pagan) way."
In 1 Corinthians 10 the Apostle Paul gives a teaching on idolatry and summarizes his analysis of the errors that Israel made in the past with these words .. :
1 Cor 10: 11 “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come”
The children of Israel came out of Egypt and tried to worship Yahweh by borrowing the forms and ways of worship they learned from the pagans; forms of worship that not only didn't originate from Yahweh Elohim but were opposed by him...
Exodus 32:4 "He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods," Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt. 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to Yahweh.” 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. 7 Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt have become corrupt."
Aaron was attempting to make these pagan in origin practices borrowed by the people of Yahweh okay; by changing their focus and instead using them to worship and give glory to Yahweh! However, Father Yahweh's opinion of these practices as sinful, had not changed.
Another people who sincerely worshiped Yahweh Elohim in the mountains and high places as the pagans worshiped their gods were the Samaritans; of whom...
John 4:21-24
Yahshua declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. Elohim is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
In His scripture principles. Elohim says....
Mal. 3:6 “ I am Yahweh , I change not ”
And again, the New Testament declares...
Heb . 13:8 “Yahshua Messiah is the same yesterday, and today, and forever”
Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, affirms that Christians cannot worship the true Elohim with rituals and holidays that are pagan, or occult in origin . The truth is these customs were really inspired and originated from Satan and his demons. He writes...
I Cor . 10:20-22 “But that which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to Elohim; and I do not wish you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons . You cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and the table of demons . Now do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?”
Thousands of years ago, before Yahweh Elohiim brought them into the Promised Land, He warned the Israelites not to follow the customs of the nations around them...
Deut. 12:8, 30-32 “You shall not do according to all that we do here today, each doing whatever is right in his own eyes…. Take heed to yourself that you do not become ensnared by following them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not ask about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods [the customs of the heathen], that I may also do likewise?’ You shall not do so to Yahweh your Elohim , for every abomination to Yahwweh , which He hates, they have done to their Elohims; even their sons and their daughters they have burned in the fire to their gods. Whatsoever thing that I command you, be careful to do it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it ”
1 Chronicles 16: 29 "ascribe to Yahweh the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship Yahweh in the splendor of his holiness."
Do we really think that Yahweh views the pagan in origin tattoos as worshiping him "in the splendor of holiness"? Do you really believe the Lord Yahshua Messiah is pleased with a Christian wearing a pagan tattoo? Do you honestly believe Elohim’s perfect will is for a Christian,any Christian, to be "marked" with a demonic tattoo?
The Jews learned this custom in Egypt, and though weaned from it, relapsed in a later and degenerate age into this old superstition (Is 15:2; Je 16:6; 41:5). “nor print any marks upon you” (v:28 )—by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It it probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden.Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments. On spine: Critical and explanatory commentary. (Le 19:28). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.With the documentation and Bible I’ve given (and I could supply much, much more) there is no question to the pagan and devil-worshipping source of the tattoo. Every tattoo historian I’ve read, traces the root of the tattoo to religious paganism. Every one.
POINT 11
There are other biblical principles one should consider before deciding on your own to get a tattoo. These are principles that indicate the getting of a tattoo is inappropriate for Christians. I agree that no one ever went to the Lake of Fire judgment, just for wearing a tattoo. People go there because they don't believe in Messiah Yahshua as Savior and honor Him as Lord of their life . Nonetheless, kept in the Word of our Lord Yahshua, there are some principles that would seem to apply about tattoos, and to other choices about how we present our bodies.
POINT 12
Several scriptures instruct Christians to take special care of their bodies. For example, 1 Corinthians 3:17
says, "If anyone defiles the temple of Elohim, Elohim will destroy him. For the temple of Elohim is holy, which temple you are." Also, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 adds that our bodies belong to Elohim, and that we are to glorify Him in body and spirit. So perhaps we Christians shouldn't just arbitrarily put tattoos on what should no longer belong to us; without asking Yahweh Elohim if it's okay?
Remember...
2 Timothy 3:(KJV)16 All scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of Elohim may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Again, let's think about the subject of taking Old Covenant scripture commandments and relating them to the present day . We need to learn how to apply the Old Covenant scripture principles to today. So let’s ask, “ How do the principles found in the Old Covenant verses line up with any basic principle s found in the New Covenant?” The answer is “ very well.” As you just read earlier, there is this New Covenant concept that our bodies are not our own. This teaching is found specifically in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20:
- “The body is meant for the Lord” 1 Corinthians 6:13.
- “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:19.
- “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19.
- “Honor Elohim with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20.
Now let’s use deduction to arrive at a conclusion. Based upon these facts (the Old Covenant commands against tattoos and piercings AND the New Covenant principle that my body is not my own) I would reason that it's highly likely that Yahweh Elohim, whom scripture says does not change would still rather I leave my body free from self-inflicted marks and cuts;especially from a practice like tattooing that originated in paganism.
Could I be wrong about this? Sure, it’s just a logical deduction based on scriptural principles derived from the whole counsel of Yahweh's Word. Rather than being a specifically New Covenant command, the key point that is clear in both the Old and New Covenant scriptures is, that as Father Yahweh's people, our bodies aren't really ours to decorate any way we see fit.
From Old Covenant to New the Bible agrees that even how we adorn our bodies in the way we dress should fit Elohim's criteria for holy criteria of modesty. Therefore, I tell people to prayerfully study the scriptures and ask your Heavenly Father whether He wants His body you're graciously using tattooed.
If you get a “yes” answer, then I would question you; just to make sure it is Yahweh Elohim speaking to you and not you speaking to yourself in the name of Yahweh...
Ezek 13:2 (NKJV) "Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, `Hear the word of Yahweh!' " 3 Thus says Yahweh Elohim: "Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!"
I am convinced that there may be a multitude of people who follow their own spirit but claim it is Yahweh's Spirit. We should beware of this also! I think on many levels, the principles of Elohim's words speak loud enough for Him on many subjects.
POINT 13
Ask, does tattoos put your health at risk? If so, scripture implies it's another reason we shouldn't get it...
3 John 1:2 - "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
There are some risks involved in getting a tattoo. Unfortunately, dangerous diseases have been transmitted by improper sanitation of the needles used in tattooing. An article in the USA Weekend magazine of Aug. 5, 2001, quotes a study by the University of Texas showing that those who have been tattooed are nine times more likely to be infected with hepatitis C, a dangerous virus. The study urged those who have been tattooed in the last 10 years to be checked for the disease because it is often dormant for years before being detected. The dyes used in the tattooing process may also be detrimental to one's health (Andrew Osborn, "Health Risks Warning on Body Art Dyes," The Guardian , July 18, 2003).
POINT 14
King Solomon provides an additional lesson to be considered before making an important decision, saying, "The end of a thing is better than its beginning" ( Ecclesiastes 7:8 ). In other words, consider how you will feel about the decision years later.
For people who get tattoos when they are young, many later regret their decision. It is "estimated that between 17-50% eventually regret having their body tattoo" ( www.tattooremovalinstitute.org ). Many of these people eventually undergo operations to have their tattoos removed, but these procedures are not always successful. Scarring and skin variations commonly remain.
POINT 15
We need to ask ourselves, why are you doing this? Motive for a Tattoo– Why get a tattoo?
If it's a statement of rebellion against our parents, scripture implies we shouldn't get it ...
Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV /Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
POINT 16
If a tattoo is meant as a statement of rebellion against Yahweh Elohim , or his commandments, the principles of scripture imply you shouldn't get it. This same reasoning would especially apply, if there's a chance that Yahweh views the whole practice of tattooing as such ...
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / " So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of Elohim . " While artistic self-expression can be OK, our primary motive for anything we do should be to glorify Elohim. This means seeking to honor and draw attention to him, not ourselves.
POINT 17
Modesty – We should ask ourselves, Is our tattoo immodest?
Proverbs 11:22 - "[As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion." Modesty means not being self-promoting. Are you seeking to direct people’s thoughts toward Yahweh Elohim or yourself?
POINT 18
Is the purpose to arouse lust in others, or is it likely to do so? If so scripture implies we shouldn't do it...
Matthew 5:28 - "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
1 John 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."
Tattoos often accentuate certain areas of the body and get our thoughts on that body part. It is hard to believe that anyone with a “tramp stamp” (a tattoo on the lower back) is really seeking to direct people’s thoughts toward Yahweh.
Thinking modestly will lead you to think about, if tattoos violate this principle of Yahweh's word concerning our bodies. Are people who get huge tattoos being modest? Are people who get multiple tattoos being modest? Are people who pick certain locations on their bodies to be seen as sexy or provacative practicing Biblical modesty?
1 Timothy Chapter 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1 Corinthians 6:20 ESV / " For you were bought with a price. So glorify Elohim in your body."
Romans 12:1-2 ESV / " I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of Elohim , to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Elohim , which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of Elohim , what is good and acceptable and perfect. "
POINT 19
Is it a display of personal pride? If so scripture implies we shouldn't get it ...
1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV)5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “Elohim opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of Elohim so that at the proper time he may exalt you,"
POINT 20
What is it showing? "Four-letter words," insults, anti- Elohim statements or pictures are some of the things that scripture implies should obviously be avoided.
POINT 21
How much does it cost? We need to use the money that Yahweh Elohim has given us wisely. This does not mean that we can never spend money on fixing ourselves up, or on things that we enjoy, but scripture implies that we should be careful, and have the right priorities. ..
Luke 16:11 - "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]?"
Deuteronomy 8:18 - "But thou shalt remember Yahweh thy Elohim: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day."
POINT 22
How will it affect other people ? We can't live solely for other people, but we need to be careful that we don't drive others away from Messiah Yahshua , or weaken other Christians.
You may argue that s ome groups (motorcyclers, some African-Americans, some military personnel) might be drawn to Messiah Yahshua by some tattoos, whereas other groups might not. The principles of Yahweh's word say If there is a chance that our methods can cause a fellow believer to error we shouldn't do them. ..
1 Thessalonians 5:22,"Abstain from all appearance of evil"
2 Timothy 2:15 ESV " Do your best to present yourself to Elohim as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. "
1 Corinthians 8:9 ESV /" But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. "
1 Corinthians 8:13" Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. "
Luke 17:"1-4 ESV / " And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves!"
POINT 23
Has Elohim given you a personal conviction against this (or for it)? If so, you'd better abide by that conviction. (1 Corinthians 8 speaks about some of these things.) ... .
Romans 14:23 ESV / But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Acts 24:16 - And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward Elohim, and [toward] men.
POINT 24
Have I promised not to do this? There are certain vows that go with joi n ing or being apart of a Christian church , like being in subjection to the leadership. The same goes for being apart of a Christian family -- w e teach a prohibition on being tattoed --, and promises should be kept, unless there is a more important moral principle in play that wasn't anticipated when you made the promise.
POINT 25
What's my attitude? (In this case, toward those who disagree with my opinion about something external, or who may be affected by what I might do.) My attitude must be one of love. Here's part of Mark 12 , on the most important commandments: 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34a And when Yahshua saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of Elohim.”
CONCLUSION: Tattooing Forbidden
Finally, we should bear in mind that just like with the Children of Israel who came out of Egypt and wandered through the land of Canaan, Yahweh Elohim still wants Christians to come out of and be separate from the Satan influenced world around us ( 2 Corinthians 6:17 ; Revelation 18:4 ). Again, James M. Freeman in his excellent book writes of Leviticus 19:28:
"Both cutting and tattooing were done by the heathens, and so God forbade His people from doing so in imitation of them" (James M. Freeman, The New Manners & Customs of the Bible, 1998 edition, p. 157).
Coffman under Leviticus 19:28 states:The cutting of one's flesh also characterized pagan worship as attested by the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel in the contest with Elijah. Tattooing was also a device of paganism.
Christians generally disapprove of tattooing, despite the fact of the widespread use of it by many even today. In the light of what God says here, and in view of the history of it, it seems strange that anyone would pay someone else to tattoo him. (Coffman's Commentaries on the Old and New Testament, Leviticus 19:28).
But Nave’s famous Topical Bible puts it best. Under the topic Tattooing, Nave simply and bluntly writes: "TATTOOING, forbidden, Lev. 19:28" (Nave's Topical Bible, p. 1312).
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Notice the warning against trying to have "fellowship” or “concord” with Messiah and Belial (the devil). Verse 16 is very interesting in its reference to your body – “the temple of the living Elohim”.Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living Elohim; as Elohim hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
In writing this I recognize that some so-called “Christians” couldn’t care less what Yahweh Elohim says. They’re going to do what they want to do no matter what. But there are many Christians who want more than anything else to serve Yahweh their Elohim with every fibre of their being.
It is for those good and faithful servants of the Lord Yahshua Messiah that this is written, but also as a warning to others. If we must error about something we want, it is better to error on the side of scripture and do without the want; than to gamble and risk losing a need; and finding on judgment day that we have displeased a holy, holy, Elohim.
We are to reflect Elohim's values and His thinking. Because of these reasons, as the Elohim ordained Elder of The Congregation of Yahshua (both my church family, and natural family), I with a clear conscious must continue to strongly advise that Christian people do not commit the sin of getting tattoos.
If a person already has a tattoo before becoming a Christian, he or she, may not be required to have it removed; but after seeking Yahweh's face, are encouraged to do so if convicted too. Since you have made Yahweh Elohim Lord of your life one knowledgeable in Spirit and truth should make every effort to abstain from this pagan practice.