It wasn’t until I did two years at a state job and rededicated my life to Christ when people started pointing fingers and accusing me of not being professional or not a secure salvation aka not going to heaven. Mind you I had them for 3+ years now.
Weird that for 2 years I gave my utmost professionalism, learning office lingo and always being respectful. I started projects and trained other employees. I have built a resume and a good report, yet somehow because I have tattoos and a nose ring. I wasn’t being professional.
Not only that but then because I follow Christ my skin has ruined my salvation apparently. I quickly got to praying and asking God for guidance. I wanted to know was I wrong? Was I going to hell? Does this separate me from him?
So let's talk bible:
Yes the bible talks about not marking your skin. But to know that verse you have to understand why it was written.
Leviticus 19:28 is the famous “'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”
Funny how the verse before it talks about not cutting your hair or beard. So why was the verse written? It was written for the followers of Christ who at the time needed some structure before “getting out of control” so to speak. Let us also know that the death of Jesus ended and fulfilled the laws of the Old Testament.(Ephesians 2:15, Romans 10:14) Most laws written in the old testament were ethical laws. Laws that were written because humans were worshiping other Gods and practicing rituals on bodies..
We do have our moral laws which the Lord strictly wrote just for us to live by so we are more like him. (i.e. the 10 commandments)
Some would argue Revelation 19:16 talks about the saying on Jesus's thigh, the “King of Kings, Lord of Lords” but it doesn’t talk about a tattoo directly. It leaves unanswered questions about the markings, was it a figure of speech or was it an actual carving or was it a tattoo?
Though I wish there was a list of yes and no’s on how to be an exact Christian. Well actually there is… the bible! (lol) But a literal list takes away our genuine intentions to be Christ-like and the free will God gives us.
The Lord gave me one verse, it was the answer to me dictating what is sinful or what will steer be away from Christ is found in Romans 14:23b: "For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin”
This verse highlights discernment, guilt and motive all in one. If getting a tattoo separates you from your faith, pushes you to create more sin or becomes an idol then obviously the tattoo or thought of it is a sin. But if it represents your love for God and your identity and doesn’t affect your relationship with God then praise him while getting inked ;)
The decision is between your faith and conviction. 1 Corinthians 6:12 shows that although everything is available, not everything is beneficial. The Lord may convict you that the tattoo doesn’t benefit you spiritually, this is when you begin to feel opposed to getting one. (Romans 14:23)
Remember that everyone’s walk with Christ is different and not everyone has the same conviction. Your conviction may also be different the closer you get to Christ. Yes this means you may be all for getting tattoos but then the closer you get to Christ you feel convicted to getting another.
My tattoos are not YOUR conviction! My walk with Christ is not one for you to judge or condemn.
As for me and my body we will praise the Lord. Any tattoos I have or may get in the future must satisfy God and not steer me from him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."