Tattoo

<<permanent skin marking>>

The pagan practice of cutting the skin and rubbing pigment into the cut was forbidden for the Israelites (Lev 19:28; Deut 14:1). We are not under the OT Jewish laws, and the NT does not mention anything about this practice. However, the principle still applies – since there was a command against tattoos this would indicate God is probably still displeased with the practice which disfigures the “temple of the Holy Spirit” and so it is best not to have tattoos as “not all things are beneficial” and definately exposes a person to evil spiritual forces (1 Cor 6:19,20, 10:23; Rom 10:4; Gal 3:23-25; Eph 2:15). We are to take care of our bodies in a right and cherishing way rather than mutilating them except where it is expressly commanded or implied permissible by God such as circumcision under the OT covenant (Gen 17:10,11; Eph 5:29).

Motivation is significant. Don’t do something that you will later regret knowing they are permanent. Having visible tatoos is not acceptable in some occupations and so they reduce a person's employment opportunities. Consider what (unspoken) statement those

Tattoos reflect the world’s system

with tattoos are trying to make, often the underlying reason is rebellion. What is the characteristic lifestyle of those with tattoos? Our objective should be to glorify Him in all we do and our outward distinction should not draw attention to ourselves as our attractiveness should be the development of Godly, inner qualities (1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pet 3:3,4). Observing the annual Passover celebrations identified the Israelites just as much as if God had branded His mark of ownership on their hands or foreheads (Ex 13:9,16). Does what I do leave visible evidence or ‘a witness’ that I am a follower of Jesus (Jn 13:34,35)?

Several passages of Scripture use the imagery of God’s seal or mark on a person as a means of identification or providing protection (Gen 4:15; Ezek 9:4; Rev 7:3, 9:4, 20:4). Receiving the distinguishing mark of Satan on humanity infers ownership or submission to Him with, ultimately, the same damned state (Rev 13:16,17, 14:9-11).