Q: Dr. Mike, a group of friends want me to ask you, if it’s a SIN to get a small Tattoo?
Q: Dr. Mike, a group of friends want me to ask you, if it’s a SIN to get a small Tattoo?
A: Believe me, when I say, that this question is one of the most asked (of me) by Christians, that I consider non-theological, biblical, or a doctrinal issue.
God’s covenant people (Israelites) in the Old Testament were forbidden to mutilate their bodies like their counterpart (Gentiles) were doing, some for demonic rituals, etc. In Leviticus 19:28, the Jews were commanded, “You must not slash your body for a dead person or incise a tattoo on yourself. I am the Lord.”
And even though the New Testament doesn’t forbid nor encourage a believer to seek getting a tattoo, it would be a good practice to (at least) take to heart, what is in the Word of God, regardless of it being in the Old Testament, but not covered in the New Testament, because of what Apostle Paul stated in Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” [Remember, the City of Rome, at the time Paul wrote to the Christian Church, was a “cesspool” of anything goes, as long as it brings ‘ME’ fulfillment.]
Generally, tattoos are designed to bring attention to that part of one’s body: and for a Christian, men and women are admonished throughout sacred Scripture NOT to bring attention to the outward beauty, in terms of worldly fashions, as outlined by Apostle Peter in his first epistle 3:3-4, “Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing. But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”
In conclusion, I personally have chatted with Christian brothers, who have tattoos on their arms of the American flag, some of their military platoons and I saluted them for their service; and others, I’ve seen where mothers and fathers have their deceased child(ren) name(s) tattooed on their arms with dates, and my heart went out to them for their loss. The most anyone can say, it’s a heart issue: and as long as we keep first Corinthians 10:31 [“Therefore, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”] in front of us, we’re in right standing with Him.
Comments (3)
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Bernard Howard
All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient…..1 Corinthians 6:12
Saundra
Dr. Mike,
Thank you for always enlightening us through your transparent translation of the Holy Scriptures.
Momamickie
Your response seems a bit contradictory. You start out quoting the old testament Lev. 19:28 that we must not slash our bodies for dead people or incise a tattoo on ourselves. To me that means, no it is not okay to tattoo our bodies. Then it is confirmed by Paul in Romans 15:4 that the things written aforetime was for our learning. Therefore, that means the word of God prohibits tattoos. So, marring God’s temple for the loss of a child or patronage to our country is contrary to His word. Corinthians 10:31 tattoos are not to the glory of God, but, to us.