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IS IT A SIN FOR A CHRISTIAN TO HAVE A TATTOO?

I know that there are a whole army of preachers out there that would gladly line up to thrash you with their bible if you even mention the word tatoo. However, I'm not sure there are any scriptures that actually condemn it. Surely, as soon as you show them a tattoo, they'll whip out that two edged sword (their tongue) and start slicing you to pieces with it.

The first thing you will hear is the famous scriptures in 1 Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 6:19 - Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:20 - For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Have you ever seen those socket wrenches advertised on TV, that will fit "any size" nut or bolt? As opposed to carrying a whole tool box, you just need that one wrench? Well, the scriptures above are the religious preachers "Universal Fit All" scriptures.

Whatever you do that they personally feel does "not" match up to their particular brand of Holyness, they will whip out 1 Corinthians 6:19 and start stabbing you with it. (In the name of Jesus of course)

However, you can get out from under that table now, to avoid that lightning bolt, because this scripture does not pertain to tattoo's, or even drinking or smoking. It pertains to immorality. Specifically, it pertains to "sleeping with prostitutes".

If you have any question as to the validity of this scripture, please read it for yourself, in context. Go to 1 Corinthians 6:19, then back up 4 verses to 1 Corinthians 6:15, which "will" put it in context. As you can see, Paul clearly says that "all" other sins (aside from sleeping with prostitutes) are outside of the body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

IS IT SMART?

Personally, I don't see the wisdom in getting a permanent tattoo, and I would do anything to discourage anyone under the age of 21 from getting one. Of course it goes without saying that if you get a tattoo, it would depend a great deal on what tattoo you have, or are possibly considering. No Christian would or should ever consider any kind of tattoo that portrays anything negative about Christ.

As to whether God approves of tattoo's or not, I really don't know. All I can tell you is, in a sense, it was God who gave man the first tattoo.

Genesis 4:15 - And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

Some people get a tattoo of a cross or something that they feel honors God, and feel a tattoo is a way of putting their faith out there for all to see, and proud of. Again, I'm not promoting tattoo's, but people have done more extreme things to confess their faith.

Matthew 19:12 - For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

DOES GOD HAVE A TATTOO?

Does God Himself have Tattoo's? Here are some very interesting scriptures. You decide.

Revelation 19:16 - And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

But this is one of my favorite scriptures.

Isaiah 49:16 - "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.

I have always loved this scripture, because I always interpreted it as meaning God has written my name (and yours) on the palms of his hands, meaning he won't forget us. All of us at some point have written something important on our hand or arm, (phone number etc . . ) because we didn't have a piece of paper handy, and it was important to us. This is perfectly acceptable! (Unless of course your name is Sarah Palin)

The best way to profess that you are a Christian or that you love God is by your actions, not by what is written on your body. However, I believe the choice is up to you. Just two words of caution:

1. They "are" permanent!
2. Be careful to have it done by the right professional who steralizes his instruments. Many of the worst disease's are transferred in this way.

God Bless You
Dan Douglass - I Have Spoken!