Most Christians view getting a tattoo as a form of body art and a harmless act. The truth of the matter is many do not research the meaning of tattoos or the origin of the tattoo prior to making the decision to get one or many on their body. By definition, a tattoo is a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Therefore, we know that a tattoo will alter one’s body with “indelible ink”, basically a person receiving a tattoo will have permanent/fixed/cannot be erased ink inserted into the dermis layer of the skin. As believers, should we modify our body in a permanent manner when clearly the Father has not given us instruction to do such a thing? Let us examine the word for truth and clarity.
Does scripture say getting a tattoo is a sin? No, it does not say getting a tattoo is a sin. WAIT, you need to keep reading.
Can we assume that getting a tattoo, as a Christian is okay with God? No, we cannot assume that getting a tattoo is acceptable as a Christian and the Most High approves.
Well, if the bible does not call it a sin, how can it be wrong? The same is true about watching pornography, listening to music about sex, money, drugs, etc. since the bible does not say they are a sin either. However, we know they are wrong.
What makes a tattoo wicked and evil especially if I get a tattoo with my name, kids name, grandma’s name or Psalm 23 on it? Now, this is a question I hear often and is hard for many to understand the answer. Scripture states in Leviticus 19:28 that “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I [am] the LORD.” The Father commanded Moses to give this instruction to the entire congregation of the children of Israel because they were commanded to be Holy; for He the Lord God is holy. Okay, let us stop for those of you who are ready to throw this out of the window because it was given to the children of Israel and clearly part of the old covenant. Let’s switch to the new covenant where Peter gives the exact same instruction because it IS written (not past tense because Yahweh has not changed, neither has His word) that we are to be holy for He is holy (I Peter 1:16). To be holy meant not practicing the same rituals as the pagans which was true then and is true now. The Father made this instruction clear because of the heathens who were worshipping false gods (Molech) and part of this worship required the marking of your body and making blood sacrifices. This is why believers must begin to research and learn the customs and practices that have been adopted into society before they begin to participate in them.
The origin of the tattoo can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago to places like Ancient Egypt and Japan. An exhaustive description of it’s origin can be found in the book by Ronald Scutt titled Art, Sex and Symbols where he provides extensive details on the religious and mystical origins of the art of tattooing. The customs of those who were engaging in the vile act of marking their body and making cuts in their flesh (even during the time of Moses) were unholy and were condemned by the Most High God. In other words, the LORD our Creator judged the intent and wicked purposes of this act and therefore it was forbidden. Has he changed? Absolutely not. These people were marking their bodies as they prepared for ceremonies where they murdered their children offering them as blood sacrifices, participated in wicked sexual activity and the worship of false gods. In Scutt’s book, he documented how tattoos were associated to the worship of the sun god, serpent god and other pagan gods. Clearly, these acts are repulsive to a Holy God and even in the present state of tattooing, should remain forbidden especially among believers.
Holiness is not an optional behavior for a believer, it is commanded of the Father for we are His children and we are not to walk in rebellion of his statutes. Christ also reminds us that if we love Him we will keep His commandments. Additionally, the practice of tattooing is a practice that originated among the heathen and pagan worshippers, inspired by doctrines of demons. Holiness means set apart, being clean and pure. It requires that believers not defile their temple (body) as well. Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:17, "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." The instruction to holiness has not changed nor has it been recanted. Therefore getting a tattoo, which may appear to be innocent like getting your name or your family members name permanently imprinted on your skin is forbidden and Christians should not engage in this practice.
What kind of negative consequences are there from getting a simple tattoo? No one in the parlor is drinking blood nor are they climbing up a wall looking like the exorcist? As referenced earlier the practices of marking the body originated as a form of pagan worship and/or mystical practice. Those inspired by the markings on their body often made some sort of sacrifice as well as entertained demonic spirits often-practicing divination and witchcraft. So, the most practical question now is has that practice changed. First, let's look at where a person would go today (America) to obtain a tattoo. Many tattoo places are called a “parlor” or a “sanctuary” so in other words, when you enter a place that offers this service, you are entering their living space and place of consecration and protection. Many will notice the ambiance of these sanctuaries as they have candles and/or incense burning not realizing how this represents practices performed by new age believers and those in the occult. Most professional tattoo artist claim that this art is a magical rite and they consider themselves a shaman/medium when they are in their sanctuary tattooing. Many artists believe that sometimes the spirits will guide their needles as they are creating the art on their customers. Considered as a healer tattoo artist, Jennifer Moore explains the connection to the spiritual realm. According to Jennifer Moore who is considered a healing tattoo artist,
”Tattooing has been used as a means for protection and healing since ancient times. People of many different indigenous traditions have put sacred marks on their bodies to relieve chronic pain, to invoke the power of specific plant and animal spirits for their skills and strength, to summon spirit guides and helpers, to remain connected to their beloved dead and their ancient ancestors, to affirm social rank and status, and to be recognized in the after life. To this day tattoos are still used for rites of passage and initiation. As a modern tattoo artist I draw from these traditions where people have been placing sacred marks upon their bodies since earliest history and I offer my clients a way to put their own prayers on their skin and to let their truth and beauty surface.”(Source)
Clearly, the practice of divination and connecting to spirits is an intricate part of modern day tattooing DESPITE what many may believe or see. When one enters the tattoo parlor or sanctuary they are not entering a place of holiness, but they are entering a place where dark magic is practiced in order to create an open portal to the spiritual realm and this is demonic. Do you ever wonder what keeps people coming back, yearning for the ink? Many describe it as an addictive hobby and never able to fully explain the joy of the pain felt. The spiritual attachment is irrefutable, many have professed conditions as OCD to explain their obsession to getting multiple tattoos to the point they completely cover their body. For those who understand spiritual warfare know this behavior is driven by demonic spirits. Meet Keith Gordon who was recently highlighted by Huffington Post as someone who has identified their tattoo obsession as a result of OCD.
Keith has undergone a major transformation totally submitting to the demons he has fought against for years. Clearly, this man does not possess a sound mind. The spiritual attachment to tattoos are strong for Keith. While some of you may say, that won't happen to me, I ask "are you sure?" Below is a link to the article and video of his transformation.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5564801
What about a Christian tattoo parlor/sanctuary, some even play Christian music? There is what is termed as “bloodletting” which is the withdrawal of blood from a patient to cure or prevent illness and disease and is based on ancient practice to help the body remain in proper balance to maintain good health. Although it is associated with ancient healing and sacrifice, it is the same condition or circumstance in which a tattoo is created on the body (source). The ancient Maya people embraced the practice of bloodletting. They believed the practice would help them contact gods and ancestors. Noble blood was considered especially potent, and rulers used bloodletting to declare their privileged connection to the sacred world. In scripture we learn how pagan nations surrounding the Israelites practiced human sacrifice as part of worship of false gods. Deuteronomy 12:31 declares that the Father shall not be worshipped in such a detestable manner, for this abominable thing they have done for their gods the LORD hates. These people even burned their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Do we see the practice of bloodletting today? Yes, all tattoo places perform a practice of bloodletting because the flesh is cut with a sharp needle to make the design of the tattoo. Can a "Christian Tattoo Artist" avoid bloodletting during the creation of the art? Absolutely not. Again, it does not matter who the artist is or where the tattoo is placed the truth remains - it is using a forbidden practice by the Most High to perform what The Father has already judged as unrighteous and wicked.
Therefore, when someone receives a tattoo a portal is opened to the spiritual realm. Our Father loves us enough to protect His children and warn of the dangers of such practices. Additionally, a person who knowingly understands that scripture forbids any markings of their body is walking in rebellion, which is just as wicked as witchcraft for scripture states in I Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” As the Father reminds us, during this judgment against Saul, we are not to knowingly walk in rebellion. If He has already established His statutes for holiness then as believers we are not to disobey or refuse to live by them.
If you have a tattoo from your years prior to being a believer, you have been forgiven. However, if you have inquired and still desire tattoos as a believer, repent and seek to do this practice no more. In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 we are not to give the appearance of evil and clearly, the Father regards this practice as evil. Remember, He has not changed and He has given us instruction on righteous living. Bloodletting, divinations, marking of your body, rebellion, idolatry (images on your body) is NOT righteous living according to the Most High.
We are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our mind. Our minds are to be in Christ Jesus and not focused on the practices of the world. We are to be separate as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:17, to come out from among those who are not living holy (this applies to those in church and out), and touch not the unclean thing so that the Lord may receive us. How can the Father receive you if you are still engaged in what is deemed as unclean?
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20).
That which was once considered evil is now considered as good. Satan, who is the devourer, has greatly deceived many by presenting abominable practices as harmless fads/trends in society. It is concerning that many believers willingly accept the marking of the body knowing that there is the mark of the beast (666) that those who are wicked will receive (Revelation 13:18). This is a serious matter as it is crucial to the state of one's eternal soul - the church should be warning and sounding the alarm about this growing wicked practice versus coddling this behavior and deeming it as cute and creative. Sadly, many pastors are not instructing in righteousness and warning of the deceptions in this world. They speak half-truths by only telling of the Father's goodness and neglect the other matters important to a believer's walk. For this reason, wickedness abounds and many who enter these church buildings on Sundays leave the same way they entered - unlearned in all matters and unchanged. It is my hope and prayer that believers will search for truth prior to embracing the customs and practices of the world for we are truly living in perilous times. May you work towards transformation in Christ - Peace and Love!
