We live in a world today where tattoos are wildly accepted far more than they used to be. Though tattoos have been around a long time, recent technology has allowed for the quality of tattoo art to look pretty incredible, increasing its popularity. But just because public opinion has changed, a Christian ought to seek answers in what GOD has to say on the subject. As Christians under the new covenant there is no mention of tattoos in the New Testament. However in the Old Testament Leviticus 19:28 says: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” God is speaking to the Israelite people. Back then, people would cut themselves as a pagan ritual to honor the dead. The Israelites were God's people, chosen to be set apart. It was God's desire that they live a certain way so that they couldn’t be associated with any pagan practice of idol worship or superstition. This included other practices like abstaining from cutting your hair, eating pork or shellfish and more. While the Israelites were right to follow the law outlined for them, believers apart of the new covenant are not bound by the law (Rom. 3:20,10:4). Jesus came to fulfill the levitical law that we never could and all who trust in HIS works it is counted to us as righteousness (Galatians 2:26). What sets us apart now is faith in Him (Gal. 2:16). Today most people aren’t using tattoos by means of pagan rituals but as a form of self expression and art.

This passage is speaking on your body being a temple in relation to sexual immorality, but nonetheless yes it is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives! Therefore caring for and honoring your body should be a great priority to the believer and shouldn’t just apply to body art conversations. Do you abstain from fast food? Candy? Sugar? Do you choose to dye your hair? Have you taken steps to permanently alter your smile? There are many avenues Christians should consider when caring for their bodies. In regard to body art Christians will have different convictions on how they choose adorn their bodies. Because the Bible does not condemn tattoos, it becomes a freedom you can either enjoy or abstain from. While you have this freedom, getting a tattoo is permanent and should be thought through. The Bible offers wisdom on if getting a tattoo is a wise decision for you or not. Here are a few verses you may want to journal through if you are considering: Corinthian 8:9-13. Take away: Do not cause others to stumble. Could this cause others to stumble? 1 Corinthians 6:12. Take away: do things that will profit your relationship with Christ. Does this profit my relationship with Christ? 1 Cor 6:12. Take away: Do not allow yourself to be mastered by anything except Christ. Could I be totally content without this in my life? 1 Cor 9:19-23. Take away: Do all these things for the sake of reaching others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Does this help or hinder me from reaching others for Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:31-33. Takeaway: do everything for the glory of God. Does this glorify God? 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. Take away: do not put yourself in situations of obvious temptation. Does this tent me against gods will?

(taken from Chuckk Gerwig in SantaCruz, CA from Christian Alliance of tattooer’s website): Am I legally of an age to get a tattoo? If I live with my parents, would my parents support my decision? Would I be defying the authority God gave my parents over me at my current age? Would I still want this particular image when I get older? What if my future mate wouldn't like having to see this image for a lifetime? Would this tattoo be in an area of my body that would be plainly visible? – Many people do unfairly judge people with tattoos as being “second-class.” Would this image bring God glory? Do I feel fully convinced that tattoos are allowable for Christians?