What the Bible says about - "TATTOOS"

By: Pastor Rick Bickelhaupt

TATTOOS? SHOULD A CHRISTIAN RECEIVE ONE? It seems like every year the world is led into another fad of some sort. In the 50’s it was saddle shoes, bobby socks and greased back hair. In the 60’s, it was Beetle Mania and all the disgrace and debauchery that came along with it. The 70’s brought in the Acid Rock culture with the drugs, wild hard driving music, Tie-dyed Tee-shirts, beads and wild hair styles. The 80’s was the decade when Disco, and the New Age Movement made it big. And now we are in the end of the 90’s. This decade seems like it is marked with the philosophy that anything goes. Many feel, if they like it, no one should question or ridicule them. In the 1990’s we have seen a real resurgence of the tattoo industry.

There was a point in time when people took pride in taking care of their bodies, because they believed their body was the “temple of the Holy Spirit.” As in every area of the Christian life, the Bible must be our final authority for faith and practice. Just what does the Bible state about marking or “tattooing” your body? But before we look at what the Bible states about tattoos, we need to look at the historical origin of ‘tattoos” [Of Polynesian origin.]- tattoo´er noun- tattoo´ist noun Word History: The practice of tattooing the body is prehistoric, but the English word tattoo was introduced fairly recently. Our word came from Polynesian languages such as Tahitian and Samoan and was introduced to English speakers by the explorer Capt. James Cook (who also gave us the word taboo). The earliest use of the verb tattoo in English is found in 1769 in his account of a voyage around the world from 1768 to 1771. Cook also used a noun in his writings of 1769 but treated it as a native word so he is not given credit for the first use of the noun in English (recorded in 1777). In any event, sailors introduced the custom into Europe from the Pacific societies in which it was practiced, and it has remained associated with sailors, although many other people have tattoos as well.

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition copyright © The body-marking techniques of tattooing, sanctification, and painting have been used in a vast range of cultures, both ancient and contemporary, for decoration and for communicative purposes. The markings may give information about group membership, rank, and status. Body painting may also indicate the particular social role one is playing at a given time and express social and religious values. Tattooing, the introduction of pigment through punctures in the skin to create patterns, was practiced in ancient Egypt. Some of the most elaborate tattoos have been found among the cultures of Oceania--for example, the MAORI of New Zealand tattoo complex spiral designs on the face and buttocks. Traditionally, fine tattoos have been to them a sign of good breeding.... Tattooing techniques vary widely--for example, the Eskimo use bone needles to draw soot-covered thread through the skin, and the Japanese use fine metal needles and multicolored pigments. Scarring, or cicatrization, is most common in the cultures of Africa, Australia, and Melanesia.

In the initiation rites of boys among the Nuer of the Sudan, six cuts are made across the forehead and remain for life as scars. Finer tattoo like patterns are chiseled onto the faces of young female initiates of the Kaoka-speakers of the Solomon Islands. In each case the practice serves to mark a new stage of life. In some African and Australian societies raised weals, or keloids, are created by rubbing irritants into a wound. Body painting is most commonly practiced for participation in ceremonies, feasting, and dancing. Among the people of Mount Hagen, New Guinea, it is used as part of a complex of personal decoration that may express the prestige and unity of a clan, individual health and wealth, and also may reflect links with the ancestors.

Painting for war is also widespread; in this case body-marking symbolizes radical change in the pattern of social relations. Christian Clerk Bibliography: Field, Henry, Body-Marking in Southwestern Asia (1958); Faris, James C., Nuba Personal Art (1972); Hambly, Wilfred D., The History of Tattooing and Its Significance (1925; repr. 1975); Strathern, Andrew and Marilyn, Self Decoration in Mount Hagen (1971)Now that we have looked at some of the history behind “Tattoos”, may I remind you that the cultures that started, developed, and promoted the “Tattoo” were pagan and heathenistic cultures. These people were not guided by the Bible, they did that which was pleasing to their own fleshly ideas.

As we look at the topic of “Tattoos” in light of the Scripture, there are several things we need to take into consideration.

I.  THE BIBLE CLEARLY STATES WE ARE NOT TO MARK UPON OUR BODY! Leviticus 19:28“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” At the time of the writing of this passage of Scripture, many heathen cultures practiced self- mutilation as a sign of mourning for the dead. Many heathen cultures also marked or “tattooed” their bodies for various reasons. Now notice the Bible states that we are not to make cuttings in our flesh, nor are we to mark upon our flesh.

One day I was reading the news paper when I read about a church that was having Vacation Bible School. They had a special part of their program where they did “face painting” for the children. They painted, or tattooed little pictures on the sides of their face or temple!!! All body markings, regardless if it is painting on your body, receiving a tattoo, or even writing phone numbers in your hand, the Bible says don’t do it.

Regardless of how you feel about it, THE BIBLE STATES THAT MARKING ON YOUR FLESH IS WRONG!!! IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM, IT IS SINFUL!!!

II.  THE BIBLE STATES THAT YOU ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD! Genesis 1:26“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them”. God created man in His own image. If God wanted you to have “MOM” wrote on your arm, or a ship on your chest, he would have created you that way. To receive a tattoo is to tell your Creator that you need to redecorate His work, because you did think it was good enough! What audacity!.

III.  THE BIBLE STATES THAT YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Bible tells us that we are to take care of our body because it is the place, for the Christian, where the Holy Spirit resides. 1Co 6:19-20“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

We that are saved have been bought with a price, and that price was the precious blood of Jesus Christ! This verse states, that “we are not our own”, i.e. we belong to the one that bought us. Because of this we are to think, act, dress, look, and even speak to glorify God! When a person tattoos their body, they are aliening themselves with the heathen cultures of the world, and not with the one that bought them. They are publicly advertising their defiance against God’s Word and His Authority.

By making this public declaration, they are declaring that God, nor the Holy Spirit are in control, nor are they abiding within. Christian, just because the world is doing it, doesn’t make it right!

IV. THE COMMON ACCEPTANCE OF TATTOOS IS DESENSITIZING THE WORLD FOR THE COMING MARK OF THE BEAST! During the 7 year Tribulation, the antichrist will force the people of the earth to receive the Mark of the Beast. Rev 13:16-18states that all buying and selling will be conducted only if the “Mark” is received.“ And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. [18] Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six”.

The word for “mark” in Rev 13:16-17comes from the word “charagma” (khar’-ag-mah), Gk Strongs # 5480; from the same a Greek # 5482 (charax); a scratching or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or a sculptured figure (statue): graven, mark. It’s interesting to note that many of the new versions of the Bible state that the Mark of the Beast is “on” the right hand or forehead. The King James Version states the Mark of the Beast will be “in” the right hand or forehead. The reason the word is translated “IN”, (and I believe it is translated correctly), is because the Greek word gives the idea of that which has been scared, and permanent. If it is “on”, it is temporary, and removable, if it is “in” something that is permanent and not removable.The acceptance of the Tattoo craze in our present society is nothing more than desensitizing the people of the world to embrace just one more “mark” to their collection. Honestly, I don’t know if the mark of the beast will be some form of a “tattoo” or possibly a computer chip implant.

Regardless of what it is, be obedient to the Lord, and don’t mark on or “in” your body.

 

Last Month:

Walking Away From Toxic Relationships

BY: Paula White

Are any of your relationships unhealthy? Bible-based advice for how to tell--and how to cut them off.

 Violators of the Heart

These are relationships that prey on your heart and rob you of control over your life. Don't give power to any person to manipulate you and control you. Nobody deserves that power but God! No person can make you lose your joy, your mind, your temper, or any other aspect unless you give that person the power. Don't do it!

The most dangerous violator of the heart is the person who tells you what you want to hear. It is the person who strokes your ego and tells you words of affection that you are desperate to hear, all in an effort to get what they want from you.  Violators take advantage of the "needs" in your life, especially the needs to be loved and accepted. They aren't concerned about your blessings or your destiny. They are concerned only about what they want. They are takers, not givers.

Never lose your identity for another person's sake.

Never compromise your character for anyone.

You must continually take inventory of whether a person is drawing more from you than the person is giving to you. A healthy relationship is a relationship in which there is balance in giving and taking . . . where there is mutual appreciation and a building up... where there are honest words of appreciation without any taint of manipulation.

The Steps to Cutting Off an Unhealthy Relationship

So what are the steps you must take to cut unhealthy relationships out of your life?

First, you must identify and accept the reality of an out-of-balance relationship. At times, you need to take stock of the situation and admit to yourself that a relationship just isn't working. All of your efforts at helping or rehabilitating a person have failed. It is at that point that you need to give that person over to God. Notice that I didn't say that you give up on the person. To give up is to walk away and say, "I don't care what happens to you." To give a person "over to God" is to walk away as you say, "I have done all that I can do. I'm entrusting you to God from this point on."

When you give a person over to Almighty God, you are releasing that person from your own heart to One who truly can heal the person, who will never fail the person, and who is totally qualified to counsel and guide and help the person. How many times can you tell a person the same things over and over and over again? Some people have been prayed for with the laying on of your hands so often that your handprints are indelibly printed on them!

If you allow yourself to be drained and distracted by someone you truly cannot help because that person does not truly want your help-only your association-then you will not be in position to help those who truly want your help more than they want your association.

Second, don't try to be God to another person. There's a huge difference between helping a person and carrying a person. You aren't the Holy Spirit. Don't enter into an enabling relationship in which you come to feel totally responsible for a person's success or failure.

Third, become comfortable with criticism. If you do have to end a relationship, not everybody is going to be happy with your decision. For that matter, not everybody is going to be happy with you at any point or regarding anything! There's always going to be somebody who wants you to do something other than what God is leading you to do. Nobody can please all people all the time, everywhere.

Luke 6:26 tells us, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets." Occasionally you need to recognize that hurting people sometimes hurt people, and you need to be brave enough and godly enough to say, "This relationship isn't helping you or me. This relationship isn't healthy. We need to put an end to this."

Trust God to help you recognize when a relationship is becoming detrimental to your business, your ministry, or the health of your family life. Trust God to give you the courage to end the relationship, and then trust Him to give you broad enough shoulders and thick enough skin to take the criticism that you may face for ending the relationship.

Fourth, progressively end unhealthy relationships. It takes emotional energy to end a relationship, and if you cut every unhealthy relationship out of your life at one time, you are likely to be overwhelmed by the loss. Cut unhealthy relationships out of your life one at a time until you can look around you and say, "All of my relationships are ones that are pleasing to God. All of my relationships are ones in which there is a mutual give-and-take, a mutual blessing, a mutual edification. I am on the same wavelength with those who are close to me when it comes to values, beliefs, and goals."

Fifth, don't burn bridges. When you dissolve a relationship, don't do so in anger or bitterness. There is a way to walk away from a relationship without words of hatred or criticism or the placing of blame. At the same time, walk away from an unhealthy relationship with the full intent that you will not revisit that relationship in the future. God may lead you to have a relationship with that person down the line, but you should not have the intent to come back to the relationship. Make a cleanbreak. Make a definitive break.

There may be a situation in which someone comes to you to break off a relationship. Allow that break to occur. Don't keep hanging on. Don't keep trying to mend fences that are twelve-foot-high stone walls. Don't keep revisiting the relationship in your heart, looking for a way back in. Allow the break to happen.

And then, move forward. If you continue to look back, you won't be qualified or given the authority to possess what God has for you. Look ahead, not back. Every time you look back, you begin to question, "Did I do the right thing?" You second-guess your today. You become hesitant about your tomorrow. Leave the past behind. Move forward!

When my husband, Randy, and I left Washington, D.C., for Tampa, Florida, we had a word from God and we knew that God had called us, but we didn't know that twelve years later, there would be fifteen thousand people who would call themselves members of Without Walls Church. We didn't know there would be twenty thousand people who would receive help from more than 240 outreach ministries on a weekly basis.

On the way to Tampa, we were in South Carolina with a little U-Haul trailer filled with a few little sentimental items, and we broke down. I started thinking,  Have we lost our minds? Have we made the biggest mistake of our lives?

A little straggling dog came up to our car by the side of the road, and I began to feed it a few scraps of bread. My husband, Randy, said to me, "You'd better not give all your bread to that dog. It might be the only food you have for the next two weeks." He meant it!

Don't look at what might have been, should have been, or could have been! Look at what is still to be!

Go to Those Who Celebrate You

Why waste your life trying to get the attention or win the affection of people who don't care about you?

Why make the effort to go where people merely tolerate you but don't celebrate you?

 Why spend your time, effort, and resources seeking acceptance from people who are so wrapped up in themselves that they can't accommodate anybody else in their lives?

Why spend your spiritual gifts on people who aren't at all capable of recognizing and appreciating the One who lives inside you?

Jesus told a parable in which a man gave a great feast and invited many people to come. He sent his servant at the appointed time to say to those who were invited, "Come, for all things are now ready." But one by one, those who were invited made excuses. One had bought some property, another a new yoke of oxen he needed to "test," and another had just married.

Aren't those the things that people tend to value more than you today? One person has a business that he values more than you, another a new car or new boat or some other new "toy" of some value that the person needs to "test out." Another has a new relationshipthat is more important than the relationship with you.

Find the people who are starving for what you offer! Find people who want who you are, what you give, and what you celebrate.

 

An inspirational study by Paula White, taken from biblenet.com