My brother, Greg, recently completed his first marathon. We're talking 26 miles and 385 yards! Truly a great accomplishment. Anyway, he posed the question via Facebook whether or not he should get a tattoo to commemorate the feat.
I thought I would attempt to offer a Biblical perspective.
A. Though Christians are not under the OT law, we must adhere to the principles of the law which reflect the personhood of God. The fact that God gave a command against tattoos (Lev 19:28) should cause us to ask why.
B. The NT does not specifically cover the topic of tattoos. When it comes to matters where the Scriptures (particularly the NT) are silent, there are two opposing views:... See More
1) Scriptural silence equals condemnation.
2) Scriptural silence equals liberty.
There are flaws with both views: On one hand, it is difficult and dangerous to condemn something without clear Biblical authority. On the other hand, it is just as dangerous to condone something if there is room for doubt whether or not it pleases God.
So where is the middle ground on this? Liberty with extreme caution.
C. Does it honor God?
First of all, if it honors you, or is an attempt to draw attention to you or your accomplishments, then it's vanity. "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Cor 1:31).
1 Cor 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.
Though we can't say 1 Cor 6:19-20 applies directly to tattoos, it does give us a principle: “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.”
Is the tattoo honoring God? Is it for God's own good purposes? Will it be pleasing to Him? Is it how God wants to be honored?
D. What about a tattoo that honors God?
Paul told the Corinthians that he would be willing to "become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Cor 9:22).
1 Cor 10:23 says, “Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.”
If we put those two verses together, we can say that a tattoo that is Christian in nature (that honors God) could be “permissible.” Would it be beneficial and constructive in honoring God and saving the lost? Perhaps, perhaps not.
Conclusion:
I think it comes down to whether it is vanity (self glorification) or God honoring. A decision that can only be decided in one's own heart (conscience).
Humbly, Phil
I thought I would attempt to offer a Biblical perspective.
A. Though Christians are not under the OT law, we must adhere to the principles of the law which reflect the personhood of God. The fact that God gave a command against tattoos (Lev 19:28) should cause us to ask why.
B. The NT does not specifically cover the topic of tattoos. When it comes to matters where the Scriptures (particularly the NT) are silent, there are two opposing views:... See More
1) Scriptural silence equals condemnation.
2) Scriptural silence equals liberty.
There are flaws with both views: On one hand, it is difficult and dangerous to condemn something without clear Biblical authority. On the other hand, it is just as dangerous to condone something if there is room for doubt whether or not it pleases God.
So where is the middle ground on this? Liberty with extreme caution.
C. Does it honor God?
First of all, if it honors you, or is an attempt to draw attention to you or your accomplishments, then it's vanity. "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Cor 1:31).
1 Cor 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.
Though we can't say 1 Cor 6:19-20 applies directly to tattoos, it does give us a principle: “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.”
Is the tattoo honoring God? Is it for God's own good purposes? Will it be pleasing to Him? Is it how God wants to be honored?
D. What about a tattoo that honors God?
Paul told the Corinthians that he would be willing to "become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Cor 9:22).
1 Cor 10:23 says, “Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.”
If we put those two verses together, we can say that a tattoo that is Christian in nature (that honors God) could be “permissible.” Would it be beneficial and constructive in honoring God and saving the lost? Perhaps, perhaps not.
Conclusion:
I think it comes down to whether it is vanity (self glorification) or God honoring. A decision that can only be decided in one's own heart (conscience).
Humbly, Phil
