What Would Jesus Tattoo??Is this for real?
This is all done in the name of Christian freedom of expression. How many people each and every day get a tattoo on their body because they want to "express" or "show" the world that they are christians? They want to use their body as an opportunity to get people to come up to them to ask them about their tattoo's so they can ultimately tell the people about Jesus Christ! The sad thing is this...
there are so called pastors who will tell their people that God says it is okay to mark your body (the Holy Temple of God)!
Our prayers are needed for them. They are a lost bunch that needs a renewing of the mind and the heart, that only God can give them. I pray that their eyes be opened soon!
32 comments:
if we are to think that tattooing our body is defiling the temple of God then should we also not eat pork? Or not shave our face? Those scriptures are all together in the Bible. Do more research and read your Bible before claiming your brothers are in sin.
I'm asking this out of sincerity, not to be rude: why shouldn't Christians get tattoos? Because I am a Christian who wants tattoos, and did some research a while ago. The Bible does say not to "ornament" or "adorn" your body (I can't find the specific verse anymore but I promise it's in there haha!), which would also technically include make-up and piercings of any kind, including ears. Also, that verse that says specifically not to tattoo (or cut) one's body (Leviticus 19:28) is often taken out of context... by that logic, people also should not cut their beards or the sides of their hair (leviticus 19:27) or wear clothing made of two kinds of material (Leviticus 19:19). Would you be able to explain using scripture why we shouldn't get tattoos, if I missed any verses, as well as the context? However, I completely agree with your point of how pastors and the like say they get tattoos to witness or something. I really don't think anyone actually goes up to them and says, "Hey, that's a sweet tattoo of a cross. WHat's that all about?" I basically think that's sort of a cop-out excuse to justify getting body art because of the negative connotations it seems to have. I really don't think it should, but that's just my opinion and what I've learned through research, mostly Biblical.
in Leviticus you have to understand who is being talked to. Do some research and find out who the people are. Let me ask you this? WHY do you want a tattoo? We are not to be like the world and yet that is so much a part of the world as to show that you agree with them and not with God. Here is another point to consider. When you pay your money to get the tattoo done, you do realize that the man doing the tattooing will most likely tattoo something of the devil before you get in there and after you leave. Your money will help support him to do the devil's work. Does that bring glory to God? No. Our body is the temple of God. Why in the world would we want to mess it up? It only makes the body ugly to anyone looking at it and like I said, it does not bring glory to God and we were created for His good pleasure and for His glory! Cain was marked! want to be like him? Israelites were marked as a way of protecting them from Judgment, but that is a marking that God said to do. Jesus was marked on his thigh in Revelation, but again, that is God doing that one. Satan will mark bodies. Want a part of that one too? I hope not. The mark is used to set someone apart. If you go to a person yourself to get a mark, you set yourself apart alright, apart from christians. You know very well it will offend the other true christians in the church. We are not to do anything that gives the appearance of evil. Just remember that your money will be used to support someone who will promote the devil. Plain and simple, I would not do that if I were you!
anonymous, you need to read the bible more. Sure you might find some things together in one of the books of the bible. But what you are missing is that if it is found elsewhere, then we need to look at scripture as a whole and see what God is telling us. God is not the author of confusion. It is just a matter of doing more research on the subject. Don't worry, the Holy Spirit can open your eyes.
Pastor Brian, the bible does say that our body is a temple of God: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." But in this sense how does a tattoo such as a cross or any other symbol that the church uses within it's walls in honoring God, not also honor God when it is on our body, a temple of Christ? And you do make a very valid point about the tattoo artist taking the money, and using it for the devil's work, but again, if this prevents us from using the tattooist, then anything within our own church walls must be manufactured by God fearing men. I will not pass judgement, but I can only assume that many christian churches of all denominations are filled with products made in china, which is for the majority non-christian. Is this practice then also not in accordance with honoring our Father? Therefore, although the argument seems valid, I do have reservations.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Steven, you make some interesting comments here. There is one thing (at the very least) that you are missing.
God is HOLY and we need to be Christ-like in all we do, wouldn't you agree? One thing that we cannot do is sit in church and compare ourselves to another person sitting in church and say something to the effect that "I am not as bad a sinner as he is." We should not compare ourselves to any person other than Jesus Christ. If we are to have HIS characteristics then we MUST not do the things of the world because Jesus was not of the world. To compare ourselves to buildings masquerading as churches is completely the wrong thing to do. Just because a building has a cross, a baptismal font, an altar, ect, it does not make it a true church. Just because it has a pastor preaching a message does not mean that the pastor is a true child of God. There are many false teachers in the churches (buildings) today and people follow them blindly which is the worst thing a person can do because it will only bring about eternal damnation.
Tattoo's are worldly. We are NOT to be like the world, unless of course a person does not feel it is necessary to be holy and without blemish before they face a holy and just God.
We are to be separated from the world and too many people who call themselves Christian, want to be just like the world with no thought whatsoever of being pure, holy and without blame.
Our bodies are not our own! We are not free (I guess we are in the sense that we can do whatever we want to do) but we are to understand that the body we have BELONGS to the Lord. In much the same way, the bible says a little wine is good for the stomach, but the problem is, many people take it too far and it destroys the body that the Lord has given us. Marking your body does not bring glory to God at all. Who gets the glory? Man! When people get a tattoo, it is all about being seen by man. "Look at me! Look at my tattoo that I got!" That is not how we are to give God glory. We are to be humble, we are to be holy just as He is holy. We are to be righteous just as He is righteous.
The American church has fallen so far from being biblical that the people within the church walls are not living a life worthy of Christ. They are finding excuses to live like the world lives all in the name of Christ.
It is blasphemous to call ourselves Christians and yet do the things of the world. Be ye separate! Separate yourself from the world. Separate yourself from the world. I can't say it enough because the people in the churches are not listening. The gospel message has been watered down so much that people take the term christian liberty to mean they can do whatever they want to do.
I agree that many churches and Christians have fallen far from what Christ had intended for us as his followers. I am not perfect. But God's word says in Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes" because like 2 Timothy 2:3-4 says "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." In the time of Christ many soldiers would tattoo the crest of their generals on their arms as to show allegiance. Why shall we not also do this as a soldier of Christ? Paul wore a badge and displayed his scars as being a true servant of the lord in saying "Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus" Galatians 6:17.
I think that many times the tattoo discussion of whether it is to the glory of God or not has missed the mark entirely. In everything you do, do it to the glory of God, and do not judge. Two simple guidelines. If someone gets a tattoo with a righteous conscience in doing it towards the glory of God, so that he can profess his faith, and not so that he can go around bragging about his latest cool looking cross tattoo, I will not judge.
And yes we must be humble to him. We should not compare ourselves to the rest of the world or set ourselves on a pedestal, but admit our own faults as in the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee. Jesus said "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted".
In the time of Christ many soldiers would tattoo the crest of their generals on their arms as to show allegiance. Why shall we not also do this as a soldier of Christ? Paul wore a badge and displayed his scars as being a true servant of the lord in saying "Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus" Galatians 6:17.
Why shall we not do this???? Because it comes from a pagan practice and that is why God says, DON'T DO AS THE PAGANS DO. BE YE SEPARATE. The marks on Pauls body were nothing at all like a tattoo. Come on now, that is ridiculous to insinuate the two are the same. He bore the stripes of being whipped and beaten. Not just some pansy wearing a little tattoo. The two are NOT the same.
In everything you do, do it to the glory of God, and do not judge.
Now, let's get biblical here. Don't throw the "do not judge" scripture out there and think that this is what it is talking about. As Christians we are told, commanded that we are to judge those within the church. We are to keep false teachers out of the church and EXPOSE them for their blasphemous teachings.
I'm not sure if you saw the last part about the parable?
Luke 18:9-14:
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Maybe we should judge ourselves before we do that of the other members of the body of Christ?
of course I saw that last part, you seem to be hung up on ignoring what the bible says in favor of not offending anyone with what God's Word says. I stand by my comment of expecting a Christian to seek after holiness and righteousness in favor of allowing someone to be just like the world. If you feel I am judging you incorrectly, then realize that God will judge righteously and HE expects us to be holy just as He is holy, and to be righteous just as He is righteous. I do not fear because I know I am following God's guidelines for how a Christian should live.
I take no offense, as do I not mind someone else taking offense to what I speak, when I can quote the word of God to support that. And I have quoted numerous scriptures throughout our discussion. Again, for the third time I bring up the parable. I am not perfect. I am not righteous. No one on this earth is perfect. I can cry out to God, Lord have mercy. And yet you seem to be as the Pharisee and continually judging others, separating yourself from the rest of the world. Yet you too were born of your mothers womb and are a sinner. And yes, you are correct that God expects us to be righteous. I live my life through Christ, but I know that I will never be truly righteous as Christ was, because again, like the Tax Collector, I know that I will never be perfect or holy as is Christ. I am humble, and justified before God.
But, back to the original context of the discussion, are tattoos against God's word? You said that they are a Pagan ritual and we should separate ourselves from these. But the ritual was Pagan because the tattoos were for Pagan idols, not a symbol of God done in worshiping him. You have been trying to discredit my interpretations of his word, but I don't believe that you have cited any direct scripture to uphold your own views?
you said,
"when I can quote the word of God to support that"
quoting scripture is not a sure fire way of being right. You MUST quote accurately and in context to the situation.
you said,
"Again, for the third time I bring up the parable. I am not perfect. I am not righteous. No one on this earth is perfect. I can cry out to God, Lord have mercy. And yet you seem to be as the Pharisee and continually judging others,"
AGAIN, I will tell you, that as Christians, we are called to judge those within the church, those people who "claim" to be christians. Do you feel you should NOT do that even though Scripture is perfectly clear that you ARE to do that?
you said,
"Pharisee and continually judging others, separating yourself from the rest of the world"
this comment right here just exposed you for who you are. You are like Joel Osteen in that you will use scripture to mean what YOU want it to mean. Look again at what you said, "Separating yourself from the rest of the world." You say that like that is a bad thing. Now, look at what scripture says about this. II Corinthians 6:17-18, "Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and he shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
The separate believer is to be in the world, but not a part of it. When you separate yourself you draw nigh unto God and away from the evils of this world. As a Christian, the closer you draw to God the more you despise the ways of the world. You do not want any adulterous attitudes to permeate the church. You attitude is such that "who cares if this is going on within the church, you should not judge us for bringing it into the church."
you said,
"And yes, you are correct that God expects us to be righteous."
then don't do as the world does. PERIOD! Why make excuses that says, "oh well, I am a sinner, don't judge me." NO, strive to the finish line, endure to the end by living a life that is pleasing to God! Don't seek to please SELF, but please God instead!
you said,
"But, back to the original context of the discussion, are tattoos against God's word? You said that they are a Pagan ritual and we should separate ourselves from these. But the ritual was Pagan because the tattoos were for Pagan idols, not a symbol of God done in worshiping him. You have been trying to discredit my interpretations of his word, but I don't believe that you have cited any direct scripture to uphold your own views?"
Because you are blind to the truth. You would rather please yourself than God. Again, you said, "But the ritual was Pagan because the tattoos were for Pagan idols," Now look at what scripture has to say about this. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, "abstain from all appearance of evil"
You acknowledge yourself that it was done for pagan rituals. This is exactly the kind of attitude one should take concerning this. God's Word says ABSTAIN from ALL appearance of EVIL. And yet, you, as a Christians, do not care that some people might be confused as to whether something is done in a pagan ritual or as a spiritual ritual. God says we are to ABSTAIN from ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL. How much clearer can I get. We are to be holy just as He is holy, we are to be righteous just as He is righteous. Why in the world would you want to do something that pagans do and think you are calling it a spiritual act towards God?
you said, "You have been trying to discredit my interpretations of his word, but I don't believe that you have cited any direct scripture to uphold your own views?"
BLIND to the truth of God is what many professing Christians are. To be like a pharisee is not to honor Godly behavior according to His Word, it is to honor self above God and I am clearly not doing that. It is amazing how many self professing Christians seem to think they know what a pharisee is. They need to concern themselves more with what it means to be a Christian and to live a life that glorifies Him and not to glorify ourselves. If putting a mark on your body makes you feel like a Christian then by all means, go ahead and do it. But don't be surprised if on that fateful day when you see Jesus face to face that He says to you, Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you!
you said,
"And yes, you are correct that God expects us to be righteous."
then don't do as the world does. PERIOD! Why make excuses that says, "oh well, I am a sinner, don't judge me." NO, strive to the finish line, endure to the end by living a life that is pleasing to God! Don't seek to please SELF, but please God instead!
you said,
"But, back to the original context of the discussion, are tattoos against God's word? You said that they are a Pagan ritual and we should separate ourselves from these. But the ritual was Pagan because the tattoos were for Pagan idols, not a symbol of God done in worshiping him. You have been trying to discredit my interpretations of his word, but I don't believe that you have cited any direct scripture to uphold your own views?"
Because you are blind to the truth. You would rather please yourself than God. Again, you said, "But the ritual was Pagan because the tattoos were for Pagan idols," Now look at what scripture has to say about this. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, "abstain from all appearance of evil"
You acknowledge yourself that it was done for pagan rituals. This is exactly the kind of attitude one should take concerning this. God's Word says ABSTAIN from ALL appearance of EVIL. And yet, you, as a Christians, do not care that some people might be confused as to whether something is done in a pagan ritual or as a spiritual ritual. God says we are to ABSTAIN from ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL. How much clearer can I get. We are to be holy just as He is holy, we are to be righteous just as He is righteous. Why in the world would you want to do something that pagans do and think you are calling it a spiritual act towards God?
you said, "You have been trying to discredit my interpretations of his word, but I don't believe that you have cited any direct scripture to uphold your own views?"
BLIND to the truth of God is what many professing Christians are. To be like a pharisee is not to honor Godly behavior according to His Word, it is to honor self above God and I am clearly not doing that. It is amazing how many self professing Christians seem to think they know what a pharisee is. They need to concern themselves more with what it means to be a Christian and to live a life that glorifies Him and not to glorify ourselves. If putting a mark on your body makes you feel like a Christian then by all means, go ahead and do it. But don't be surprised if on that fateful day when you see Jesus face to face that He says to you, Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you!
You said,
"You acknowledge yourself that it was done for pagan rituals. This is exactly the kind of attitude one should take concerning this. God's Word says ABSTAIN from ALL appearance of EVIL. And yet, you, as a Christians, do not care that some people might be confused as to whether something is done in a pagan ritual or as a spiritual ritual. God says we are to ABSTAIN from ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL. How much clearer can I get. We are to be holy just as He is holy, we are to be righteous just as He is righteous. Why in the world would you want to do something that pagans do and think you are calling it a spiritual act towards God?"
So with that logic, piercings would also be an appearance of a pagan act correct? So should women also abstain from getting their ears pierced? There is nothing but worldly benefits from piercings. If I understand that your interpretations of the bible are true for tattoos, then I can only conclude that piercings are also a pagan ritual that have an appearance of evil. Right?
Steven, it still amazes me that you are so concerned with this that the very thought of doing something for your own self as opposed to doing it for God is offensive to you. ABSTAIN from ALL appearances of evil. The difference is when it comes to earrings, there is no confusion that the people doing them are not all doing the work of the devil. Also, are the earrings put in for the purpose of drawing attention to them and away from God? Go ahead and bring up the hair cutting scripture. You are still missing the entire point of this article. The devil is at work in this world. He can be found in false teachers like Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and many many others. People are more concerned with pleasing self than they are in pleasing God. What it all comes down to is this...God is God and you are not. God's Word says how we should live our lives and what the BEST things are for us. Man has chosen for himself what he thinks is best for himself. Be like Christ is what we are called to be. The money you spend giving to others to do the devils work is NOT HONORING GOD AT ALL.
Lev 19:28 is loved by the tattoo wearing people of the world. They are quick to claim that they can get a tattoo because it was a pagan act back then. When we look at context of scripture, let's not just look at the verse and the chapter but let's look at the book and the bible as a whole. The Israelites were about to enter a new land where there were pagan activities taking place. God in His infinite wisdom told His children to not be like them. They wore their hair a certain way, they had tattoos, they ate pork, etc, etc. God wanted to show the world that His children were different. So to bring up earrings, shaving of heads, and other items and say that we can't do that today is to miss the whole point of scripture. In that culture, with the ungodly, satanic lifestyle they were living, God told His children do not be like them. Come out from among them and be ye separate.
now, let's put this to todays culture. The tattoo wearing people are generally considered to be the Hell's Angels type of people. They are the rebels of society. Unfortunately, todays professing Christians have made a god for themselves that approves of his children doing the very same thing as the ungodly people of today do to make themselves known. They want to stand out and be seen as rebellious. God's Word still stands true today. Come out from among them and be ye separate. But no, todays professing christians want to be "cool" just like the "badboys" and say they have christian liberty to do it. They ignore scripture and the desire to honor Jesus living within them. They give their money (which is really God's money and give it to the devil) now, tell me how that honors God to use His money to support someone who does the devils work by putting satanic emblems on most people who come into his shop? People today do not fear God. No fear whatsoever. Why? Because their god is weak! It is not the God of the bible. Jesus Christ wants us to be separate from the world and the lust of the flesh. Too many people love their lusting of their own flesh. They want to be seen.
Here is a prime example. A girl I know goes to Rock Church in Peoria, IL. She has gotten several tattoos on her body. This church caters to the biker mentality and the rock and roll crowd. They play secular music and call that worship. They sang, The Devil Went Down To Georgia and thought that was okay to sing in church. The pastor laughs at people who expect holy behavior out of Jesus' followers. So here this girl moves to another town and within a month gets engaged to a guy. She claims to high heaven that she is saved and puts scripture on her facebook page. The man she got engaged to was still legally married. They stayed married for about 4 months and then got divorced. Shortly after moving back to her home town, she got pregnant (outside of marriage to a drunk she met), and yet, she continued to call herself a christian while attending that church. The baby was stillborn so she tattoo'd the baby's name on her arm. This is EXACTLY what the pagans used to do in Lev 19:28. Here is another part of the story that she is not even aware of, the name she has tattoo'd on her arm is Namarah. Look at where this name comes from.
Namarah Inscription: The Second Oldest Dated Pre-Islamic Arabic Inscription (328 CE)
Islamic Awareness
Within this inscription are poems. The translation of the inscription is
This is the funerary monument of Imru'l Qais
Now, this man was a pagan poet. Do you realize that Muhammed stole some of this mans poem and put it into the Koran? So here we have a self professing girl with a name tattoo'd on her arm that gives homage to scripture found in the Koran. Do you think that honors God? No way. and people do these kind of stupid things everyday because they want to do what they want to do when they want to do it and no one is going to tell them they can't do it. Too many people are sitting on false teachings in todays churches. Beware lest ye fall.
OK so i didnt read every single sentence in this blog...and nor do i really care to. BUT the pattern im seeing is you judging others for their concious decision to get tattoos. What is it hurting you for other Christians to get tattoos? Does it make you feel less of one? Do you feel it makes Christians look bad? As for me they are a awesome tool in relating with lost souls, and initially getting to witness to them, because those souls turn their ear volume up when they see someone like me speaking of God. It makes them curious. It makes them wonder. All that our Father truly asks of us, Is to accept him, to study (read bible), to witness ( spread the word of God), REPENT, Pray, & Give thanks.. The biggest of those is LOVE LOVE LOVE. Love no matter what the circumstance. So, what im saying with this is i dont think it is ok for a pastor to say hey... go get tatts, but i also do not think its ok for ANYONE to say its wrong if ANY Christian does. If i know im forgiven for my past, present and future sins.. beause Jesus' blood covers it all...If i know im saved, if i know im living my life in the word of God, and cleansing myself daily in the word and giving thanks daily, and praiseing daily, and i do not convict myself for getting tattoos.. Then i know that when i get to Heaven NOT IF when i will discuss this with my maker.. not anyone on my behalf. I also believe that when we go to heaven free of sin... I will also be free of tattoos.. because they are not tattooed on my SOUL but ONLY of the FLESH. My tattoos are a collection that i will take to my grave, but that is where they will stay. They do not affect me nor my beliefs, nor anyone i go to church with. If anyone was to pass judgement or anything of the sort.. they WILL BE the ones that have to answer for that... NOT ME
YOU SAID OK so i didnt read every single sentence in this blog...and nor do i really care to.
ignorance is no excuse. Had you read all of the blog you would see that scripture, holiness and righteousness are what we as Christians are called to.
YOU SAID BUT the pattern im seeing.
If you did not read all of the blog then you cannot talk about a pattern being set.
YOU SAID is you judging others for their concious decision to get tattoos
WOW, what a total misunderstanding of what is being said. I do not have the power to judge others. I can expose false teachings though. The bible is actually very clear that Christians are called to do that. In fact, you are judging me by disagreeing with me. The only problem is, you don't have a scriptural leg to stand on without taking things out of context.
YOU SAID What is it hurting you for other Christians to get tattoos
doesn't hurt me one bit, but it does hurt the name of Christ and all true Christians in general.
YOU SAID Does it make you feel less of one?
not at all, I am confident in my standing with Christ. You have absolutely nothing to do with my salvation.
YOU SAID Do you feel it makes Christians look bad?
BINGO. You finally hit it on the head. We are to be separate from the world and those tattoos are things of the world.
YOU SAID As for me they are a awesome tool in relating with lost souls, and initially getting to witness to them, because those souls turn their ear volume up when they see someone like me speaking of God. It makes them curious. It makes them wonder.
Yes it does make them wonder. The world knows that the Christian is to be different than the world and I am sure they wonder why you are the same as them. You show no sign of being separated from the world, to come out from among them as it seems you desire to continue living in your old lifestyle
YOU SAID All that our Father truly asks of us, Is to accept him, to study (read bible), to witness ( spread the word of God), REPENT, Pray, & Give thanks.. The biggest of those is LOVE LOVE LOVE.
you do realize don't you that it does not matter if YOU accept Jesus. It doesn't matter if YOU know Jesus. The real heart of the matter is this...Does He know you? Yes, we are to love. To truly love someone is to direct them towards Scripture. Not everyone wants to change their lifestyle, they truly love their old way of living.
But to truly love someone is to expose them for who they are. Someone who is living a life that does not honor God with our bodies.
YOU SAID i dont think it is ok for a pastor to say hey... go get tatts
you are about to twist your own sayings here. You say one thing but mean another
YOU SAID but i also do not think its ok for ANYONE to say its wrong if ANY Christian does.
you said you don't think a pastor should tell people to do it, but you don't want anyone else to say it is wrong. Double standard there.
YOU SAID (and this is scary) and i do not convict myself for getting tattoos
it is not about you convicting yourself of your sins. The devil will not convict you, in fact it is the devil that will tell you, "God didn't really say such and such" just like he deceived Eve in the Garden.
YOU SAID (and this is a very dangerous statement you are about to make) I also believe that when we go to heaven free of sin... I will also be free of tattoos..
Where in the bible does it say this? Where are you getting your teachings from? This is not biblical. Here is your problem. It is true that God will give us perfected bodies when we go to heaven (Praise God!), but you are taking liberties with your body that are unholy, ungodly. You are spending money to a worker of the devil to keep him in business. The man you give money to will have no problem whatsoever giving a tattoo of the devil to the next customer. You seem to have no problem with providing a living to someone doing the devils work. What ever happened to avoiding the appearance of evil?
YOU SAID My tattoos are a collection that i will take to my grave, but that is where they will stay
in other words the have no heavenly value. Enough said! It is an earthly, worldly thing you want.
YOU SAID If anyone was to pass judgement or anything of the sort.. they WILL BE the ones that have to answer for that... NOT ME
give you biblical basis for such a statement. I guarantee you will be wrong in your assessment by not taking it in context scripturally. You can throw out the "do not judge" card at me, but you are not using it biblically.
I suggest you read the WHOLE POST as well as ALL OF THE COMMENTS before you make another comment. I pray it helps you get right with God.
You do know that there are those people who love their sins so much and claim to love God that they will be the ones that will face Jesus and cry out Lord, Lord, didn't we do this in your presence, didn't we do that, didn't we eat with you, and he will say to them, Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you.
Please don't let this happen to you. I can tell by your hate filled attitude that you are not ready to change your life yet. I pray you do. I pray that your heart be changed and you no longer desire to be like the world. It is possible to say all the right things and yet God will reject you still. He knows every thought and intent of your heart. A new heart will HATE the old lifestyle, not try to continue in it all in the name of Christ.
The way this is sounding is that you are saying anyone with a tattoo is not aloud in the church. Not only that but it sounds like you would like every person who has become a christian with tattoos of their old life to be removed. Lazer removal cost a lot of money and not every one can do it and with some people they can not hide everything.
Anonymous...
You misunderstand what is being said. A person with tattoo's is most definitely welcome in church. If, in their old life, they came to a point of repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, they are most definitely welcome in church. This article addresses that person who is NOT repentant of their sins. In fact, they are living in their sins and even make provisions to sin. It is that person that does not seem to know the Lord. They have created for themselves, a god to suit themselves. They have created a god that looks the other way at sin. The do not acknowledge that their body is the temple of God. They feel it is their body and they can do what they want to do with it. They are the people who have other unconfessed sins as well. When they would rather give money to someone who is doing the devils work, that shows a lack of discernment when it comes to the Lord's money. And it is the LORD'S money. It all belongs to Him. Do you really believe that God's money should go to someone who puts satanic things on people?
All are welcome to come to church. But when a person "calls" themselves a Christian and openly sins, then it must be lovingly confronted. If repentance does not occur, then church discipline must be administered. That is biblical!
Let me first start off saying that God's grace is extended to all believers in Christ.
With that being said, His wrath abides on the children of disobedience.
How many people are there who pay good money to get a tattoo and never pay their tithes to the Lord? They probably throw in $2.00 and feel they have given their share to God. You will find that most people who profess to be Christians, and are offended by the fact that God is equally a God of wrath as much as a God of Love. In fact, His wrath is showered down on more people than His love. Why? Because the bible tells us in Matthew 7:13-29 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
The very people who are crying about hell-fire preaching and saying grace, grace, are the very people living in outward rebellion towards God. They do not want to acknowledge the God of the bible. They want a god that will not judge them for their open sinning, their open unconfessed sinning, their open unrepentant sinning. They hang out with old men who teach them things contrary to the bible. They hang out at churches that mock a god that is equally full of love and wrath.
When the WHOLE gospel message is preached, it brings out hatred from the self professing christians. Any true christian, wants people to know the character of God. They want lost people to know that they MUST repent of their sins or else they will face God on Judgment Day and be sent to Hell for their sins.
It is true LOVE that tells people what they NEED to hear, what the bible truly says. Not just pick and choose which verses to believe.
By making foolish comments like, "I choose to love people into heaven." is to show complete ignorance of God's Word.
In the parable of the sower it is explained why the grace only message does not work.
Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Verses 20 and 21 show that the person who hears God's Word with joy, he has no root. He will fall away when persecution arises. They will fall away because they only were given half of the message of Christ. They don't know WHY they need a Saviour. They need one because they are sinners in need of a Saviour. Just telling people, "God loves you" is a wimpy way of witnessing to people. Yes it is true that God loves His children. He loves HIS children. His wrath comes down on the children of disobedience.
See what Ephesians 2 says...
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
look again at this...
the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath,
Those children of disobedience are more interested in fulfilling the lust of the flesh (sex outside of marriage, divorce, filthy language, disregard for God's Word and His Holy Temple which is our bodies.) The desires of the mind says that I want to do what I want to do and no one can tell me differently, NOT EVEN GOD AND HIS WORD. They will seek out other like minded individuals who have fallen for the lie of the devil and they will never have eyes that are opened to the truth. So sad! I pray that those who are lost will repent of their sins, move away from those old men who are leading them astray, leave that rock and roll church that is anything like a true church of God. I pray for them, because Jesus is returning soon. There is no time to waste! Get right with God and stop fulfilling the lust of the flesh!
one person in particular has gotten a new tattoo now. She claims to be a Christians and her body is downright ugly with all of the ink on her. She used to be a beautiful girl but is now vile and disgusting as a "christian." She put a picture of herself on facebook showing her last tattoo which is on her breast. Nothing like showing the world just how worldly you are and still claim to be a christian. You have all heard the famous scripture that says And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity. 1 corinthians 13:13. Now, most people know it as faith, hope and love. She has the scripture saying in ink that says faith, love and hope. Very minor but just goes to show the lack of bible knowledge on her part and even moreso on the part of the man doing the devils work. The End Times are coming soon. Are you ready?
I came accross this blog by accident. I couldn't help but stop and read it beacuse I myself am a member of a Motorcycle Ministry Group. Lot of our Members have tattoo's. Some have gotten them before they were saved, and some after. What has compeled me to comment is the fact that you are not willing to recognize that while preaching about being different from this world, you are doing it on a computer, on the Internet. Jesus did not teach us to just stay in the church and preach. He taought us to go out into the world and spread the Good news. He said we are to BE the Church. The problem I see here is what I have witnessed throughout all of my life, A message that closes doors to the lost world. Instead of judging, and yes what you are doing is judging because you do not know what is in that person's heart when they made the decission to do whatever it is they did,you are closing the door to having an opportunity to trully witness to them. You speak of being seperate from the world, yet i would be willing to wager that you do so wearing the same type of suit and tie that is worn by the majority of the business world. Instead of closing doors, try building these people up. The world knows what we as Christians are against, why not try showing them what we are for. Try loving someone unconditionally. Why, because that is what Christ did. Yes we are to be seperate from this world, because we are to Love. Yes my God is a rightous God that will Judge everyone one day, and I my freind would be found guilty if it were not for the Sacrifice that was paid for me on that Cross. As far as should a Christian get a tattoo or not. Well, that is between them and God. If they are doing it to Glorify God by using it as a witnessing tool, then I think that one will be covered by the Blood of the Lamb. And if the artist has to sit there and hear them testify about Christ, and what He did for them, then I beleive that is what we should be doing. You see, the act of getting the tattoo, cannot hurt the individual that is already saved if the reasoning is to trully Glorify God, but maybe it can be what it takes to bring another lost soul back to the Kingdom.But only God knows why they are getting the tattoo, and it is not our decision to make for them.The only person that could be harmed by them getting the tattoo for the right reasons, would be a new child of Christ or someone under conviction that has beleived what someone like yourself has put in their head "That Getting A Tattoo is Wrong". So when we look at the whole picture maybe we should remember 1 Corinthians, and remember that some things are worth arguing over, however somethings only divide the Church of Christ. I personaly would be more than willing to get a tattoo if it meant that another lost soul could be brought home to the Kingdom of God. For I understand what Christ died for. And I understand what I am supposed to do with my life. I am here only to be used By HIM, for HIM, and to HIS GLORY, for i am nothing, but HE, IS EVERYTHING.
Anonymous said...
"What has compeled me to comment is the fact that you are not willing to recognize that while preaching about being different from this world, you are doing it on a computer, on the Internet. Jesus did not teach us to just stay in the church and preach. He taought us to go out into the world and spread the Good news"
The above comment is a complete lack of spiritual discernment when it comes to God's Holy Word. It isn't about being "different" from the world, it is about being separated from the world. The computer or Internet is used as a tool to reach people which is obvious. The computer is NOT our body.
your next comment is this...
"The problem I see here is what I have witnessed throughout all of my life, A message that closes doors to the lost world"
a message that closes doors to the lost world? If you are talking about the need to repent, then yes, it does close doors to the persons that do not want to repent of their sins.
you followed that with...
"Instead of judging, and yes what you are doing is judging because you do not know what is in that person's heart when they made the decission to do whatever it is they did,you are closing the door to having an opportunity to trully witness to them"
first off, what I am doing is not judging. It is proclaiming GOD'S HOLY WORD. Do you have a problem with God's Word? I do not have the power to judge people. No power whatsoever. I do have the power to proclaim the gospel to a lost and dying world. The gospel is the full gospel. Not the wimpy message of no sin and need for repentance. Knowing what is in the persons heart is not the issue. It is obedience to God's Word that matters. It is holiness which comes from God. It is righteousness of God. Just because someone claims to have good motives and yet live their lives against God and His Word, then it shows a lack of discernment and more a desire to please the flesh which the bible tells us not to do.
To TRULY witness to people, is to tell them the TRUTH of God's Word! Period!
Next comment of yours...
" You speak of being seperate from the world, yet i would be willing to wager that you do so wearing the same type of suit and tie that is worn by the majority of the business world"
again, you are missing the point. The argument about what kind of outfit I wear is not the same as marking your body which belongs to God. Your body is the HOLY TEMPLE OF GOD. Not the clothes.
Anonymous also said...
Next...
"If they are doing it to Glorify God by using it as a witnessing tool, then I think that one will be covered by the Blood of the Lamb. And if the artist has to sit there and hear them testify about Christ, and what He did for them, then I beleive that is what we should be doing. You see, the act of getting the tattoo, cannot hurt the individual that is already saved if the reasoning is to trully Glorify God, but maybe it can be what it takes to bring another lost soul back to the Kingdom.But only God knows why they are getting the tattoo, and it is not our decision to make for them.The only person that could be harmed by them getting the tattoo for the right reasons, would be a new child of Christ or someone under conviction that has beleived what someone like yourself has put in their head "That Getting A Tattoo is Wrong". "
There are all kinds of examples of people doing things to glorify God. Unfortunately, the examples of unrighteousness come in the form of pagan worship. They do things to glorify their god. Just because someone "says" they do it to glorify god does not mean it is being done to the glory of the God of the bible. That is Christian liberty taken to a level that is not biblical. I can say I want to be a pedophile, and as long as I say I do it to the glory of God then you have no right to judge me. That is ridiculous. Of course we can say what God's Word says about righteousness. Of course we should be saying that repentance is necessary to enter heaven. Of course. To not do that would be negligence on our part. To mark up a body just because someone says they do it for god, does not mean it is biblical to do so. By the way, there is no "right way" of getting a tattoo. Seek out righteousness. Seek out holiness. Seek out godliness. Don't seek to fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Next...
" then I think that one will be covered by the Blood of the Lamb"
Key word is "think." Not assured by the Blood of the Lamb according to God's Holy Word. You THINK it will be covered. Big difference!
Next...
"So when we look at the whole picture maybe we should remember 1 Corinthians, and remember that some things are worth arguing over, however somethings only divide the Church of Christ"
Finally something I can agree with. 1 Corinthians is a letter written to the church in Corinth. That church had been led away by all of the pagan activities in the city. Those pagan activities had come into the church. Church is to be done in an orderly fashion according to God's Word. And yet, people have infiltrated God's Church by bringing in their own pagan beliefs and are demanding that the church accept those beliefs as being honorable towards God.
Anonymous continued by saying...
Next...
"I personaly would be more than willing to get a tattoo if it meant that another lost soul could be brought home to the Kingdom of God"
I can see it now. All of the disciples went to a tattoo artist and said 'give me a tattoo, we want to go into all the world reaching the lost." NO, NO, NO! God gave you a mouth. Why? To speak! To speak the TRUTH of God's Word to a lost and dying world. It is not about having people look at your body art, it is about people seeing Christ living within you and hearing you SPEAK the words of TRUTH. How will the people believe if someone does not TELL them? False converts will bring more false converts into the world. PREACH GOD'S WORD IN THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL. SIN, REPENTANCE, GRACE AND OBEDIENCE. FINISH THE RACE SET BEFORE YOU IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND FAITHFULNESS!
And finally...
"for i am nothing, but HE, IS EVERYTHING."
AMEN! I am a child of God and as such, I seek to bring Him glory. It is not about me, you or anyone else. It is all about God. We were created for His glory and for His good pleasure. You are wonderfully made and yet we have people who want to destroy their bodies by putting ink on something that God created. Not only that, but they take what is God's (money) and give it to people doing the devils work. No matter how you try to slice it. It is wrong to support the devil and his minions. We are to preach to them, but are not to be like them!
Come out from among them and be ye separate! We are also to abstain from all appearance of evil.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord with faithfulness to His Holy Word!
It amazes me how hate filled people are when Scripture is quoted. And quoted within the context of the whole Bible. Spiritual Discernment is definitely lacking on the part of some of the comments from anonymous people. Why do you suppose these people remain anonymous. Are they scared that someone will know what they truly believe? Are they afraid that someone will recognize them as being adulterers, fornicators, drunks, etc and still proclaiming themselves to be Christians? God's Word says come out from among them but they love love love the world soooo much that they refuse to change. When a person is truly saved, God will give them a new heart and replace the heart of stone with a heart of flesh. The person will HATE the sin within them and desire to repent and change their ways. Most of the people on here do not want to change. In fact, they make excuses as to why they do not need to change. When that fateful day comes, they will be without excuse. I pray for their salvation. May they come to a point of repentance and truly give their lives to the Lord. God's love is so powerful and His blood can cover every sin. But the Bible says we are not to make provisions to sin and you can see by all of these comments, that these people MAKE provisions to sin. And yet, they want to call themselves a Christian.
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