What the New Testament says about Tattoos

We received the following email on the subject of the Tattoos and the Bible’s authority. It is especially relevant since the views expressed by this person are representative of the many young people in the world today and how they view tattoos in the light of Scripture.

Dear Charles Thorell,

I have been wanting a tattoo for a long time now. At first I wanted to get an octopus, because octopus are great mothers. Did you know that when a mother octopus lays eggs she doesn't leave them until they hatch. They will starve themselves or eat THEIR OWN LEGS before leaving their unborn children alone. That's amazing, but I was thinking that maybe one day I'll regret the octopus. So I was thinking what's the one thing that I will never regret, and it came to me. The answer was Jesus. So I decided that I wanted to get Mary and baby Jesus tattooed on my arm. I wanted to talk it over with my mother first, because she hates tattoos. She told me that in the bible it says not to get tattoos, and yes I did find a verse in the bible that says that in leviticus 19:28.

That verse is in the old testament. In the old testament their are no christians, because Jesus was not born or crucified yet. So I am assuming that "do not put tattoo marks on yourself" is directed towards the assembly of Israel. I assume this because it says this in leviticus 19:1 which reads "The Lord says to Moses "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel". So i believe that law is not directed to me. In Leviticus 19:19 it says "Keep my decrees. Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material". Right now I am wearing a jacket that is made of 50% polyester and 50% cotton. I don't think that it is wrong of me to be wearing this jacket, because I was not there at that time. I was not with Moses, and was not a part of the assembly of Israel. If I got a tattoo I know I would not be sinning. Also in leviticus 11:4 is says "There are some that only chew the cud or only have a split hoof, but you must not eat them". I eat pork, and I know I am not sinning. I hope you are not thinking to yourself right now that I am a "demon oppressed christian". I do not think you have the right to make that kind of judgement on someone. Especially since you probably never met the person, and do not know them. Also you said "Tattoos represent two things, rebellion against God, and conformity to the masses in the world". First off when someones getting a tattoo i am sure that they're getting a tattoo because it means something to them or for decoration,not just to make God angry. That's certainly not what I am trying to do. Second, I do not understand why getting a tattoo would be "coformity to the masses" I'm sure it would be the opposite. Tattoos are still not socialy accepted by most people. Why? I do not know. Unless you are representing something negative for example: tattoos of the devil or anything satanic. If you can find everything in the new testament the says not just the general meaning or story, but word for word not to get a tattoo, then I will not get one. Please email me with your reply.

~ Anonymous

My Response:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I curious, have you read all three articles on tattoos? If you haven't, I urge you to read them.

Tattoos & God's Forgiveness - Can you be tattooed and still be a Christian? Is your salvation at risk? Does God forgive all tattoos? These questions and more are answered in this article.

Tattoos and the Bible's Authority - This article stems from an email which we received on the subject of the Tattoos and the Bible’s authority. It is especially relevant since the views expressed by this person are representative of the many young people in the world today and how they view tattoos in the light of Scripture.

To Tattoo or Not To Tattoo - A Christian Response to the Tattoo. An examination of the tattoo in the light of the Word of God and history. Documented information clearly revealing the satanic origin and serious danger of the tattoo.

I also noticed that you do not understand God's laws; please read this informative article about the Old Testament laws and how they affect us today. If you more questions after reading the recommended articles, I'll be more than happy to answer them.

May God richly bless you today,

Charles Thorell

The Second Response:

Dear Charles,

No, I did not see those articles, but I have now. Thank you.

I am still puzzled about pork and the mixing of other materials. If I am suppose to obey the no tattoo rule, then shouldn't I obey all. What should I think about those two laws? I believe that back then having a tattoo meant that you are a slave to someone. That's why God did not like them. We belong to him and no one else. Today tattoos do not mean you are a slave to someone, with the except of tattoos that say "property of". I know you might be thinking that a tattoo means you are a slave to the devil, but that is not true. I think being a drunk, doing drugs, cheating on your spouse, being abusive, all these negative things are what make someone a slave to the devil. "Anyone with this mark will be rejected by the Lord even if they previously received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour!" I do not want a tattoo of the devil, 666, or skulls or anything related to evil or death. I am still not convinced the God cares whether or not a person of today gets a tattoo that doesn't represent anything evil. I think some of the views in those tattoo articles are a little extreme. Tattooist are not thought of as shaman or priest? "Even today, in many countries (including the United States), the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world." I bet if you went up to people who had tattoos and asked them if they got their tattoos to get into contact with the supernatual world, they would probably crack up. What about piercings? Are all piercing bad. Nothing in these articles have convinced me not to get one. The only reason I am not going to get one at this moment is, because my mother would flip out. God wouldn't flip out, but my mom would. I do appreciate you writing me, trying to save me from "evil" tattoos.

My Second Response:

Hi Anonymous,

It’s been some time since you initially contacted me and I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. You have shown a good ability to read the Bible and do good research but you’re still uninformed on some facts. You are correct in saying that the Old Testament was applicable to the Hebrews but it was also applicable to any other humans who chose to follow God. In reading the Old Testament, there are many people who were not Hebrew but still served the Lord. They loved God and followed His commandments just as you and I should. You asked me to show you anything in the New Testament which specifically says you should not get a tattoo. I can’t do that but doesn’t give you the right to go get one. I want to show you how God operates so that you’ll be able to read the Bible with a full understanding when it comes to reading the Old Testament in light of the New Testament.

THE BREAKDOWN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

The majority of the Old Testament laws are still applicable to Christians today and I want to explain this to you since this contradicts what most Christians believe today. At the time when Jesus walked on the earth, the Old Testament had been divided into three categories:

1. THE LAW (TORAH)

2. THE PROPHETS

3. THE WRITINGS

Jesus accepted this division and referred to it when he said:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18)

Therefore, when you read the word “law” in the New Testament, it always refers to the five books of Moses. Additionally, most Christians don’t know that the law was further divided into three parts:

1. THE MORAL LAW (Offered no salvation from sin)
Example: The Ten Commandments as found in Exodus chapter 20

2. THE PRACTICAL LAW (Offered no salvation from sin)
Example: Food laws as given in Leviticus chapter 11

3. THE SACRIFICIAL LAW (Offered forgiveness for sins)
Example: The yearly sacrifice, when a goat was sacrificed for the sins of the people for a period of one year at a time as recorded in Leviticus, Chapter 16

JESUS ONLY FULFILLED THE SACRIFICIAL LAW

When Jesus walked on the earth, He kept all the commandments that God had given to Moses and recorded in the Torah. When Jesus died on the cross, there was only one part of the law that could be fulfilled. He became the perfect sacrifice once and for all when He died on the cross and took all of our sins upon Him so that men can be forgiven! Therefore, it is important for Christians to understand that the Moral and Practical Laws will still be in effect until Jesus’ second coming. Let me ask you a common sense question: Which of the Ten Commandments can be broken just because a person is saved and living under grace? It seems like a silly question but it drives the point home, even though we are living in the New Testament, we still can’t break any of the Ten Commandments. Christians will agree this true, but when it is pointed out that the Practical Law also cannot be broken, they will stubbornly refuse this logic. Breaking this law will allow sickness to enter into a nation and its people.

THE MORAL LAW

In Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:7-21, we find that God telling us how to act toward Him and how we should treat other people living in the world. This part of the law does not redeem man, it just governs his behavior. These laws are just as valid today as when they were given and if we violate them we will suffer the consequences. Since man is sinful, he does not have the capacity to keep these commandments, and the result is seen in a chaotic world filled with crime, violence and death. A Christian doesn’t try and to keep these commandments to be saved, but strives to keep them because he has been saved and loves God.

THE PRACTICAL LAW

The Practical Law is the portion of God's law that is the most neglected by Christians, yet this law governs our health. God gave the practical laws in order for man to have an abundant life and not be plagued by sickness and epidemics. It deals with food, child rearing, sex, clothing, farming, hygiene, etc. The Bible is God’s handbook for His creation, a manufacturer’s handbook on how to properly function on this earth. These laws have nothing to do with salvation but breaking them will result in poor health. If we break God’s laws it should be expected that some form of correction will come. Many Christian are quick to claim the blessings of God but ignore the curses thinking that somehow it doesn’t apply to them. Let me give you an example by looking at Deuteronomy chapter 28, verses 1-2:

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.”

Many Christians will quickly affirm these two verses and claim the blessings that follow down to verse 13. However, they are strangely silent when they read the next 55 verses in which God pronounces curses for breaking His laws.

“And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:” (Deuteronomy 28:14-15)

Why are Christians so thickheaded? Why do we claim all of God’s blessings but ignore His curses? What kind of logic is that? Some human beings pretend to be wise, others are just ignorant, but the curse will still come when we circumvent the Creator’s instructions.

“As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” (Proverbs 26:1-2)

THE SACRIFICIAL LAW

This is the law that God gave that brought redemption to mankind. Because of the sinfulness of man, it was only a shadow of what was to come. This portion of the law is found in Exodus, Chapters 25 through 40. The high priest and the Levites were told to offer the different sacrifices year after year until the final and ultimate sacrifice could be made, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. This part of God's law has forever been fulfilled, and it is because of this that salvation is now available to you and me. No more do we need to keep this portion of the law. It has been fulfilled once and for all by Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:1-15) You can now fully appreciate Jesus’ words:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18)

TATTOOS & THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus did not come to undo the Old Testament; rather, He came to fulfill parts of it. Now let me get back to the subject of tattoos. Which part of the law did God’s ban on tattoos fall under? Did it have anything to do with the Sacrificial Law? This is the only part of the law Jesus fulfilled. So it stands to reason that when Jesus died on the cross, it did not suddenly become okay to put tattoos on our bodies. The Old Testament ban still stands. Now there are times when I might question a law of God, wondering what its purpose is and why God put it into effect, but I am not so foolish to break it out of curiosity. The result is still the same if we break God’s laws out of ignorance, rebellion or curiosity. The curse does not come upon us without a reason. Jesus said that if we loved Him, we would keep His commandments. Since Jesus is the God of the Old and New Testaments, do we keep His commandments or break them? Is your desire to be a witness for Jesus so strong that you would be willing to break His commandment and tattoo yourself as a form of evangelism? Let me tell you, God doesn’t need us to compromise, no matter what our intentions, in order to serve Him! Look at the following scripture:

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

This is really good news for you and me. It means that everything in the Bible applies to us and we can completely trust and rely upon every verse. God can take a person who has been in the gutter, save them, make them a new creation, and use them mightily for His purpose. What God doesn’t need is for a Christian to put them self in the gutter, thinking that somehow you are glorifying the Lord by your actions. In doing so, you only bring shame upon the name of Christ and lose respect in the spirit world.

It is true that getting drunk, doing drugs, cheating on your spouse, being abusive are all things that make someone a slave to the Devil. Obviously these are not actions approved by God. So what if you if want to get a tattoo of Mary and the baby Jesus. Does God want you to do that? Well, what does the Bible say? We know that the Bible speaks negatively of the Mark of the Beast that the Antichrist will impose. It will be a voluntary mark of loyalty and also an act of worship. We know that God hates it and anyone with that mark will end up in the Lake of Fire. So why wouldn’t God love it if you had Mary and the baby Jesus tattooed on your arm? It simple, He said so.

“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:28)

There it is in black and white, “You shall not…” The only part of the Old Testament which was done away with was the Sacrificial Law. It is true that we are now in a new covenant where animal sacrifices are not required anymore but pork, sex outside of marriage and wearing mixed clothing are still outlawed by God. Why? Because He said so. Tattoos do represent rebellion against God and His Word. It might still be socially taboo today but there will come a time when it is not. Will God be okay with it then? Absolutely not. Not anymore than He would change His mind over the Mark of the Beast.

BODY PIERCING

How about body piercing, is the Bible for it or against it? I know that God’s perfect will for us is not to mutilate our bodies, because that is what body piercing is all about. People look hideous with a ring through their lip, a post coming out of their nostril and a safety pin in their eyebrow. Does God want us to have all these extra air holes? Let me tell you about an experience I had the other day. I was in a store with my two sons. As we were walking down an aisle, we came upon a boy and girl who together had been pierced more than a dozen times in the face. They had rings in the lips, nose, eyebrows and ears. They looked so gruesome that I turned my head the other way. Now as a Christian, does God want me to look like them so that I can witness to them? No. Can God use a clean cut person like me to witness to them? Yes. Can He use a pierced and tattooed person to witness to them? Yes. What’s the difference between me and a tattooed and pierced person who is saved? We are both sinners saved by grace; it’s just that I have followed God’s commandments in not defiling my body. God doesn’t need me to be like the world in order to be an effective witness for Him. Look at the following scripture:

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able…Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, 16-17)

Paul wrote to the Corinthians and described them as babes who could not handle adult food. He called for them to live holy, their bodies were the temple of God, and that God would not look favorably upon those who defile it. If tattoos are forbidden by God, why would He condone body piercing?

SUMMARY

There is no place in the New Testament I can show you that speaks out specifically against tattoos, but then again, I don’t need one. The point I have been trying to bring out is that God has spoken in the Old Testament and that is still sufficient for us today. God doesn’t need or desire for us to get into the sewer, thinking we are somehow glorifying Him with our actions. In doing so, we only bring shame upon the name of Christ and lose respect in the spirit world. I prefer God’s blessings, so I choose holiness and obedience. Satan and his demons are standing by your side awaiting your decision. Whom will you serve?

“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15)

May God richly bless you today,

Charles Thorell

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