At the close of last week’s article, we considered how tattoos are ultimately left in the realm of opinion – so long as one’s tattoos do not violate the principles of modesty or stewardship. Notice the so long in the last sentence. If one’s tattoos cause him or her to be immodest or violate stewardship principles, there may well be a need for repentance. If one’s tattoos harm his or her influence and ability to effectively share the gospel, there may well be a need for repentance. But what does repentance look like for something that we cannot just wipe off our bodies?             Obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ requires one to repent of His sins and to be baptized (Acts 2:38). In baptism, our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5). While this is true, baptism does not wash away one’s tattoos.[1] Therefore, when an individual with tattoos displaying sinful images, offensive signs, or foul language obeys the gospel, he or she will exit the waters of baptism with their tattoos still on their person. This being the case, one has several options. It might be that based on where the inappropriate tattoos are, he or she can easily cover them up by wearing long sleeves or long pants. Perhaps it is a situation where one needs to cover a tattoo with a bandage to keep it hidden. It might even be the case that an unforeseen consequence of taking care of one’s past sinful decisions …

 Over the past two weeks, we have been considering whether or not it is okay for a Christian to have or to get a tattoo. Up to this point, we have considered how the Old Testament usage of Leviticus 19:18 does not apply to our present-day situation and how the New Testament principle of modesty ought to bear weight on our understanding of whether or not tattoos are okay. This week, we will be looking at a second principle to help us reach our conclusion – stewardship. The second New Testament principle to consider in the discussion of tattoos is that of stewardship. To be a steward is to be a manager of something entrusted to one’s care.[1] What we must come to realize is that we have been entrusted with our bodies by God, and we are to be the best stewards of our bodies as we can be. Genesis 1:26-27 teaches us that we have been created by God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches us that our body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit” given to us by God and that we are to “glorify God in [our bodies] and in [our spirits], which are God’s.” Based on these verses, we can draw a connection based on the principles of modesty. If a tattoo is going to lead to more harm than good, perhaps it is not the wisest decision to make regarding the stewardship of our bodies given to us by God. As stewards, we must remember …

Last week, we posed the question – “Is it okay for a Christian to have a tattoo?” This question is perhaps more complicated than what we might realize. As we considered in the previous article, Leviticus 19:28, the go to verse from the Old Testament regarding tattoos, is not applicable for us today. Moreover, we as Christians are not bound to follow the Old Law (cf. Matt. 5:17; Rom. 7:4-6). This being the case, we must consider what the New Testament says regarding the subject of tattoos. Although the New Testament does not specifically speak of tattoos, it does teach us principles we can and should apply to the discussion. The first principle to consider might be modesty. Unfortunately, we almost always tend to align modesty with our dress and forget that modesty is more than the clothes we wear. To be modest is to be both respectable and appropriate.[1] How then does modesty apply to a discussion of tattoos? If a tattoo brings unnecessary attention to one’s person, or the tattoo itself is an image of that which is inappropriate, the tattoo may cause one to be immodest. Maintaining modesty as a Christian is linked directly to “professing godliness” (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Consider how there are some tattoos people receive today that actually harm one’s ability to profess godliness. Some receive tattoos of naked women, filthy language, or offensive and racist signs. If we are being honest with ourselves, the difficulty of sharing the love of God with someone …

 Nearly 1 in every 3 adults in the United States has at least one tattoo.[1] More than that, approximately 1 in every 5 adults has more than one tattoo.[2] In other words, research reveals that tattoos are very common in today’s society. This being the case, we as Christians might wonder, “Is it okay for a Christian to have a tattoo?”  One of the first places that many will turn in their Bibles when this question is asked is Leviticus 19:28 – “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD” (NKJV). The difficulty, however, is that this verse is in a context of being different from the idolatrous practices of the pagans.[3] In our culture, tattoos in general are not connected to idolatrous worship practices. Moreover, we as New Testament Christians are no longer bound to the Law of Moses (cf. Matt. 5:17; Rom. 7:4-6). With this in mind, the restriction on tattoos under the Old Law is not binding on us as Christians today. While Leviticus 19:28 is not a restriction for us today, the New Testament still has something to say regarding tattoos. While we are not going to find the term “tattoo” in the New Testament, there are certain New Testament principles that we ought to apply to our consideration. Next week, we will consider two principles from the New Testament that we ought to apply to the question concerning Christians and tattoos. …

 As Christians, we are called to embody lives of moral integrity, reflecting the depth of our faith in every aspect of our lives. Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (NKJV Luke 8:8). Yet, hearing has never been enough – it is our obedience to His word that sets Christians apart from the world (Luke 6:46; James 1:22; 1 John 2:3). In today’s rapidly changing and often morally ambiguous world, it is essential for us to engage thoughtfully with various moral issues that challenge the faith of Christians today. Morals matter, and our understanding of them shapes how we live. Scripture presents individuals who stood out in their time due to the distinct lives they led. Even when the world was consumed by wickedness and morality was at a devastating low (Gen. 6:5), Noah was described as a just man, perfect in his generations (Gen. 6:9). It was Noah’s moral uprightness that led him to find favor in the sight of God (Gen. 6:8). Both Noah and Enoch were said to have “walked with God” (Gen. 5:24, 6:9), a phrase that reflects the integrity of their lives and their commitment to a righteous path. Still today, it is important to remember that God’s expectations remain unchanged. He is pleased with those who live morally upright and godly lives (Matt. 5:6, 8; Ps. 1:1, 2). However, the challenge lies in the fact that not every matter of morality is as clear-cut as many have taught in …