Q: Is it ok for Christians to get tattoos?

A: Lev 19:28, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.”

Let me say four things about this and then let you make up your own mind:

Fact #1: This OT law was written against the backdrop of paganism in which they were marking their bodies as part of religious ceremonies to false gods. Modern tattoos have neither the same implications (although some of their implications are not so noble, but neither are they as vile), nor do they have the same religious purpose.

Fact #2: We are not under the OT law as Christians. It is not our covenant nor our means of salvation. That does not mean we ignore it, but neither does it demand we follow all its ordinances, especially those swept away by Christ, such as laws of sacrifice, festivals, and diet.

Fact #3: While the OT law is not binding it may yet be beneficial. The Sabbath law is an example of one every Christian should follow for their mental and physical health (not for salvation). Many of the laws, such as tattoos, may have no apparent purpose in modern life, but may well be good to follow as God’s ordinance of health, stability, holiness, and purity. You must decide for yourself, yet as for me, I obey all the laws I have question about without binding them legalistically on others who may not share my views.

Fact #4: We do not own our own bodies, we have been bought with a price, therefore we must glorify God with our bodies (1 Cor 6:19). I suppose that would include any permanent marks we put on it. This would also mean that we should not do anything that would cause offense with another brother or sister. While one may be free to get a tattoo, one that is distasteful to other believers, may become a point of contention and out of deference for weaker brothers we should be cautious here.

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