Sitting in church one Sunday, I was thinking about how the body of Christ is becoming to identify itself more and more with the world instead of keeping itself separate and holy as commanded by the Lord.
While studying Leviticus, our Bible group came upon verse 19:28. It says,
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” (KJV)
This verse is pretty clear to me when it come to the case of tattoos. Do not print any marks on you.
Here are some questions to consider from Eric Barger Ministries on the subject.
The underlying issues raised here need to be considered:
· – Are we not the Temple of the Holy Spirit? (I Cor. 3:16, 6:19)
· – Is there something wrong with the way God created us without tattoos/piercings?
· – Would tattooing affect or influence your future spouse or even your children?
· – Is getting a tattoo actually more about defying authority (spirit of rebellion) than about having the actual tattoo itself?
· - Are Christians who defend and promote tattooing coming from a truly biblical viewpoint, or are some defending tattoos because they have marked their own bodies and want others to join them in their often rebellion-laced decision?
Why Now? – Preparing for “The Mark”
Why has there been such an increase in both the acceptance of and the acquiring of tattoos during our day? When considered in the light of Bible prophecy, the explosion of tattooing and the exponential increase of thirst for demonic supernaturalism are, I believe, no accident. This is a calculated, demonic, end-time phenomena, the purpose of which is to desensitize as many as possible concerning markings on their bodies.
Read more from this source:
http://www.ericbarger.com/emailers/2009/update4-2-2009.htm
Here is a commentary from David Guzik of the Blue Letter Bible which adds additional insight.
Cuttings in the flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: These were also pagan practices God wanted Israel to separate from. The trimming of the hair, the beard, cutting, and tattoos were all connected with pagan rites of mourning.
i. Part of this message to us today is that what our culture thinks and how they perceive things is important. If some clothing or jewelry or body decoration would associate us with the pagan world, it should not be done. This is a difficult line to draw, because the standards of culture are always changing. Some modern examples of changing standards are hair length and earrings for men.
Here it is explained that the verse in context tells us that the tattoos were part of a pagan rite. This for me is further proof that we should not do this thing because we are not to do as the pagans do. If the line is indeed difficult to draw, then maybe we should stay away from the line. While we have freedom in Christ, I Corinthians 8:9 tells us to be careful. I would not want to advocate a practice that another Christian would later regret… forever.
“Be careful, however, that the excercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
If you are considering this procedure, instead I pray, please keep your body unmarked and set aside for the use of God. Our bodies are the temple of Christ. I think the verse in Leviticus is crystal clear, “Do not print any marks on you.”
39 comments
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August 4, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Valerie
Well said Kim. When I am either in Church or at a Christian event and I see so many tatoos proudly displayed, it breaks my heart. Most of these tatoos would not even be seen if the wearer was dressed modestly, but they are proud to advertise their rebellion. That is the sadest part and I have to wonder if many have yet to put their faith in Christ at all. It is possible that they have, but our culture encourages this behavior. Conviction will only come when more time is spent listening to the Word of God than man.
August 4, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Kim
Valerie,
I have had to pray for compassion and love lately because of the burden of seeing the church acting just like the world. And like you said “proud to advertise their rebellion.”
So the word you used…advertise…is very interesting. Isn’t a tattoo an advertisement of sort. Hey look at me!!!
August 5, 2009 at 7:27 am
IWTT
Deu 18:9 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.
August 5, 2009 at 11:29 am
cheryl U.
The idea out there these days that just about any cultural practice can be “redeemed” for use by Christians is one that I am tired of hearing! I bet that a lot of the folks wearing tattoos these days use that line too.
August 5, 2009 at 7:32 pm
IWTT
It’s no more than this post-modern pragmatic junky thought process. “If it works, for me, then it must be true, even though it may not work for you.”
August 6, 2009 at 7:13 am
Kim
A friend forwarded an article called
TATTOOS Deadly Little Secret
http://www.av1611.org/tattoos/health.html
August 8, 2009 at 7:29 am
Craig
The generation(s) who don’t mind tattoos and piercings may have not trouble with RFID impants:
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/rfid-chips-convenient-but-creepy-1273.php
…but I would!!
August 8, 2009 at 8:33 am
JM
I am sure that the tattoo/piercing crowd will think it is very cool to have a chip. They will be lined up to receive one. I can’t stand piercings or tattoos, I find them repulsive. I sure know a lot of “Christians” who have them.
August 8, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Kim
I saw that picture of the RFID implant featured on MSN Explorer, maybe last month. It was featured as one of the best new developments of the time. I couldn’t believe that the chip was exposed on such a huge site.
August 12, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Valerie
Prayer Request!
My 22 year old niece Candace, who is a professing Christian, is considering getting a tatoo. Very ironic timing with this blog topic. She professed faith in Christ at a very young age, and does not have a history of rebellion. For the most part she has always been a very compliant child. Her weekness is compassion and I see her easily manipulated by music and the whole emergent way of thinking. I have seen the danger signs, but this is the first time that I have seen visible fruit of her vunerabilities. Earlier in the summer a male friend, but not a close friend, died in a car accident. He had gone to some christian concerts with Candace and a group of other friends. Candace does not know if he was a Christian or not. Now this group of friends are planning to get matching tattoos of a frisbee with the date of his death in the middle. How frightening. Please pray for them all.
August 12, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Kim
Valerie,
Yes, I will pray for them.
September 15, 2009 at 9:15 am
David
Leviticus 19:19b – “nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together.”
Everyone better check the tags on their clothes and make sure you’re not wearing polycot!
Seriously? Tattoos? This verse that you’re using to defend your silly prejudice is being taken completely out of context. You might notice that the first half of that verse makes direct mention of cutting one’s body for the dead. The tattoo marks referenced here (keep in mind the time period when the law was given to Israel) are ceremonial tattoo marks that many Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures used for ANCESTOR WORSHIP, far beyond simple recognition of someone who has died.
It amazes me that you can pick and choose which verses in Leviticus you’re going to stick solidly by, while others you simply choose to ignore, like God’s requirement that you stand in the presence of your elders or prohibitions against eating pork or certain types of seafood.
The law given to Israel is no longer the standard by which we are judged. That law has been covered over entirely by the blood of Jesus Christ spilled on the cross, or have you forgotten that part of the story already?
“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:20
I’d say you either get to try to keep the whole law (Good Luck!) or you can rely on righteousness and salvation by faith, not by works.
September 15, 2009 at 10:55 am
Kim
Is considering not engaging in a pagan rite a silly prejudice?
Israel was given many type of laws, dietary, civil, moral, medical, sacrificial, etc. Many of course would not apply today. But since “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” it is fascinating to study why these laws were given.
I believe all the moral and sexuality laws are still valid.
I believe that the Christian has freedom to make choices (drink, food, worship days) but must be careful not to make a brother stumble.
I know brothers and sisters in Christ who have a tattoo and while I do not ridicule their choice it is not something I advocate. As for me…my body is God’s temple and will remain unmarked.
September 16, 2009 at 1:32 am
David
I agree with you that we should not make a brother stumble, and it’s interesting you should bring up that reference, since Paul is talking about a very similar topic when he makes that comment.
A great number of people at that time were bickering over something that Paul found to be just as silly: whether it was or was not appropriate to eat meat that had been sacrificed to an idol.
Paul’s answer? It’s just meat, since idols aren’t really gods. But don’t serve it to someone who’s going to get offended by it, causing them to stumble by being offended, not by eating meat.
Christians the world over participate in many such ‘pagan rites’ as you call them. Christmas trees and easter eggs both come from traditions that are very much in opposition to scripture and to God, but in the end, they’re just wood and plastic, and a tattoo is just ink and these days they are every bit removable.
Certainly, I think that one should exercise judgment and caution in regards to the types of things they would be willing to have printed on their skin, but tattooing in itself is not something I could ever consider to be ‘rebelling against God’ which is an attitude that sadly many seem to have adopted.
September 16, 2009 at 7:15 am
Valerie
As we can see from David’s comments, we are out numbered by those who want to do whatever is right in their own eyes. They do not want to hear the truth, and will justify their actions just like Aaron justified the worship of the golden calf. The people asked for it, so he gave them what they asked for. Then he had the nerve to tell Moses that he just threw the gold in the fire and a calf came out.
It is frightening how far people will go into denial.
David is forgetting that a tattoo is not food that passes through the body and is eliminated. It is not intended to be temporary any more than marriage. Marriage is to be for life, but our culture believes ” if it doesn’t work out” that you can just get a divorce. That is what David is saying. Get a permanent tattoo and if you change your mind later you can always have it removed. This is the same twisted thinking of the person who binges and purges. They eat all they want, and then throw it up so they won’t gain weight.
Interesting passage that he quoted because “Chrisitans”who are getting tattoos are being offensive to their fellow believers, and they don’t care.
The conclusion that Paul came to was no matter how “silly” it was to eat or not eat meat sacrificed to idols, Paul instructed them not to eat it if it offended the weaker brother. So if we are the weaker brother, then don’t get the tattoo for the sake of our weakness.
But I know the answer already, they don’t care who they offend, whether a weaker brother or God himself. They have the right to do whatever they want to their own body… don’t tell me what to do is their motto. I agree that I can’t tell them what to do with their bodies, but if they truly belong to Jesus Christ, they will have to answer to God for their actions. We have tried to warn them out of love, not just to be judgemental and God know the motive of our heart. We do not wish harm on anyone who has tattoos and we want to point them to faith in Christ alone.
September 16, 2009 at 7:44 am
Kim
Many who have studied church history have come to the realization that Christmas and Easter are full of pagan traditions and rites. That is why you see services today called Resurrrection Day instead of Easter “Ishtar” and why many Christians do not put up a tree or decorate with evergreens.
The Bible only has two sacraments, The Lord’s Supper and baptism for the believer.
But delving into the handbook of the Levites, Leviticus, is rewarding for those hungry for all of God’s Word…
For this book is a wonderful illustration of how God directed His people to holiness.
“You shall be holy to me; for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. (Lev. 20:26)”
Grains were not to be mixed because it created an inferior product, and do we not see the problem today with modified GMO grains? These grains are making people sick.
Cotton and linen were not be blended and with a little research we find out why.
God’s wisdom never changes.
The study of this book has caused me to personally reflect on my sad condition. Do I take holiness seriously? Am I living a life of separation from the world or am I just like the world?
But back to the tatto..I thought this interesting. (please pray for my husband who endures me constantly getting up in the middle of night to go look something up)
The Strong’s definition for the mark or tattoo can be paralled by two verses, one in Leviticus and the other in Revelation.
Lev 19:28
Ye shall not make 5414 any 3793 cuttings 8296 in your flesh 1320 for the dead 5315, nor print 5414 any marks 7085 upon you: I [am] the LORD 30
Mark H7085
1) incision, imprintment, tattoo, mark
and Revelation
Rev 13:17
And 2532 that no 3363 man 5100 might 1410 buy 59 or 2228 sell 4453 , save he 1508 that had 2192 the mark 5480, or 2228 the name 3686 of the beast 2342, or 2228 the number 706 of his 846 name 3686.
Mark G5480
1) a stamp, an imprinted mark
a) of the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist
b) the mark branded upon horses
2) thing carved, sculpture, graven work
a) of idolatrous images
October 14, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Tommy
I have beeen a Christian for 13 years now, attended a calvary Chapel here in my city, for tht time, and believed the truth was being taught.
I strugggle with so much, but deep in my heart, I want to seek and please Jesus Christ with all my life. I want to commend you who stand for the truth of Gods word, its refreshing to hear from Christian men and women who dont compromise on the word of God.
I know this may be off the subjest, but I felt the leadership in the Calvary I attended was right on, but was shocked of thier postition on tattoos and body piercing.
They accept this pracice as being a gray or neutral area in the Bible, and even my Pastor said God has tattoos on the palm of His hands, from Isaiah 49-16… so this makes it ok, this is all I will say, as I am not seeking a church now, I do miss the fellowship, and serving in the childrens ministry, but feel the church is compromising big time on this issue.
I know this issue is controversial, but Gods spirit is telling me this practice doesnt belong in the church, we are to be seperate from the world, and I am talking about Christians who are in the church who freely get tatoos, and there is a man at this Calvary who is a tattoo artist, has a business in my towm, giving tattoos,and he is in leadership, and the church leadership doesnt have a problem with it.
Thanks again for helping me to be a real man of God, and not fear being legalistic in my convictions
October 14, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Kim
Hi Tommy,
Thank you for the comment, for some reason it posted before Valerie’s comment which was previous to yours. WordPress has a mind of its own sometimes.
But you are wise and full of the Holy Spirit who leads you into all truth.
***
update
I have fixed the date problem.
October 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Tommy
Thanks Kim, your words of encouragement are well taken, and I applaude you for standing firm in Gods truth..
Yes, I thought it strange my comment wasnt at the bottom of this page.
October 21, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Tommy
Am I safe to say if the leadership of a Church, finds tattoos are a gray area, not mentioned in New testament, and if you get one for the right reason it is oK?
Is it safe to say they are luke warm, and not discerning Christians?
I feel in my heart, that the church I came out of, is luke warm, and SO WAS I, because I went right along with this issue, for many years, but was disturbed by it, especially when I found out a minister and teacher was a praticing tattoo artist.
I am out of fellowship with this Church, on my own, seeking God now with a passion I never had, and relying on His Holy word now, as I pray for guidance to a Church, filled with real Christians who stand up for God’s word.
November 16, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Jeff
He who has wisdom count the number of the beast. For it is the number of a man and his number is six hundred three score and six.
Who has wisdom? This riddle has puzzled me since I was a youngn.. Kim what does it mean to u?
Christ is lord,
Jeff
November 16, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Jeff
After thought;
I rember watching c span when theywere tryn to ram threw the “Kennedy Macain bill” oxymoran..lol..and I recall apart of the eleagle alien pass had a National ID plan in it. The company that was selling this wonderful teck is byoteck of course it was a inplant type thing. They were using the terrisom scare tackticks as a justifacation 4 the mark..I mean implant card in the proposed deal with the devil. Did anyone else catch that or am I nuts?
Christ is lord,
Jeff
November 16, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Kim
Hey Hi Jeffy,
I think most are puzzled by the number 666 and people are wanting to be the “wise”one to figure it out. I think we simply do not know yet.
It is simply the number of his name which adds up to 666. There have been countless names mentioned.
I believe many are worried about the implant. It may not be “the” mark but it conditions people to accept such things.
November 16, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Jeff
I have always felt that it’s not so much figuring out what it means as much as it is who it is writen for. Is it some special group of elite people or person? Is it for the common folk? And then ofcourse why was it writen? What purpose does it serve? I always do however get that creepy feeling when I hear groups claim they know.
Oh and tatoos a part of the conditioning process?…hm .. Okeedokkee.
Always a pleasure,
jeffy
November 16, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Jeff
Just to follow up on the bill. This is somthing I saw unfold on tv on “the floor” OUR floor . It reached congress and almost past. They were sneekn it in there. I didn’t read about this or see it on some loony dooms day website. The wierd thing is I didn’t hear anything about it from the normal right wing that I liesten to. Lara . Savage. Rush. Nobody tuched it.. They were all busy harpen in the aleagle alien talking points.. But Nada about this? Was strange.. I do feel that it will have to be somthing like this cuz the only way to control and govern “all kindoms, All Nations etc.” Is threw the $$$ . How else could one “antichrist” rule? I will google it and get back to ya.
Ok ..Congress Sells Out to Satin? What won’t they do for votes?
Just putn this one up there. Anyone?
November 18, 2009 at 10:49 am
societyvs
“Cuttings in the flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: These were also pagan practices God wanted Israel to separate from. The trimming of the hair, the beard, cutting, and tattoos were all connected with pagan rites of mourning” (David Guzik)
Here is the thing with this – if this is the explanation to ‘not get tattoos’. This is in regards to paganism in the earliest time in Israel – and should be avoided because they had something to do with the ‘dead’ (which we were also supposed to not even touch). It seems to be ties to ideas of avoiding idolatry – making these marks for a ‘god’ perhaps?
Tattoo’s are not quite used that way in our current culture – no one is getting tattoos as part of some practice to a foreign god. It’s just isn’t the reasoning behind getting a tattoo. If we find people are getting tattoo’s to worship a foreign god – then I think by all means we should say something about that…or are cutting themselves for the ‘dead’ (a practice we really don’t have in our society).
But why stop there – what about the verse before ‘You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard’ (Lev 18:27). So should I, with my goatee, not trim it? Or should someone with a longer full grown beard not trim it either?
Why take on tattoo’s from the Jewish law and not take on the issue of cutting one’s beard which is a verse prior?
November 18, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Kim
Here is an explanation from Matthew Henry
“There was a superstition even in trimming themselves used by the heathen, which must not be imitated by the people of God: You shall not round the corners of your heads. Those that worshipped the hosts of heaven, in honour of them, cut their hair so as that their heads might resemble the celestial globe; but, as the custom was foolish itself, so, being done with respect to their false gods, it was idolatrous.”
The mark in Leviticus correlates to the mark in Revelation. That is enough for me to make a discerning judgment.
November 19, 2009 at 10:23 am
societyvs
“The mark in Leviticus correlates to the mark in Revelation. That is enough for me to make a discerning judgment” (Kim)
How exactly is the mark (for the dead) in Leviticus even remotely linked to the mark idea in Revelations? Even if this had some plausbility (which I would need explained as to connection) – tattoo’s don’t neccesarily fall under the idea of the ‘mark of the beast’ – of the which we cannot even be sure is an actual ‘mark’ (since Revelations uses metaphor and imagery quite a lot).
However, if there were a ‘mark of the beast’ it also would have made sense to the early believers that recieved that letter to know about it…and they mention nothing about it in ancient literature of the church (maybe 100 AD to 400 AD). To me, the mark might be directly connected to idolatry – which mainstream tattooing isn’t. So no worries there.
“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Rev 14:11)
It seems to me this ‘mark’ is directly connected to idolatry – and the beasts’ ‘name’. So even if this is a ‘tattoo’ – it is pretty specific one with the name of the person and certain places that name will be written (hand and forehead)…if we are taking that passage literally. I have yet to see a tattoo like this – of some anti-christ’s name on someone’s hand or forehead.
However, this could all be metaphorical in nature also. Maybe there is no literal ‘mark’ but the adherence to an anti-christ figure and his mandates which would effect one’s actions (work of your hands) and mindset (what you think about the world). This could be a simple warning to John’s people about not following the Roman system with variety of gods and corrupt practices. Which may have effected the amount of work they could find in society or even corrupted their thoughts on ‘right and wrong’. It’s a possibility.
Which is a warning to us – even in this day – about joining systems that are ’snti-christ’ in nature. Nazism would have been a great example of this concept. However there are tonnes of other ideas that are quite anti-christ in nature – even certain business (greed) and environmental (destroying the earth and animals habitats) ethics can be seen this way. We just need to keep looking at what Jesus taught and if society is not lining up with those ideals – we need to follow Jesus over those ideals…even if it hurts the pocketbooks or respectability.
November 19, 2009 at 10:27 am
400th Post – You Guessed It – Mark of The Beast! And Tattoo’s. « Losing My Religion
[...] ***Comment originally aired at Discern It’s ‘Should a Christian Get a Tattoo?‘ [...]
November 19, 2009 at 11:18 am
Kim
I happen to believe scripture is specific and literal on the issue of the mark in Revelation although I am aware others interpret the passages differently. Always interesting to talk about.
Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark [G5480] in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark [G5480] in his forehead, or in his hand,
As far as the connection between Revelation and Leviticus, the Hebrew and Greek definitions both use the word ‘Imprinted’ (see earlier comment). But the Greek word does also have another meaning of a carved image but I find nothing symbolic in G5480 from Strongs Concordance.
Mark G5480
1) a stamp, an imprinted mark
a) of the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist
b) the mark branded upon horses
2) thing carved, sculpture, graven work
a) of idolatrous images
I rely a lot on Bible prophecy scholars in the area of Revelation.
November 19, 2009 at 4:18 pm
societyvs
“As far as the connection between Revelation and Leviticus, the Hebrew and Greek definitions both use the word ‘Imprinted’” (Kim)
“1) a stamp, an imprinted mark
a) of the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist
b) the mark branded upon horses” (Strong’s Concordance on ‘mark’ from Revelations)
There seems to be no connection between the wording in Leviticus and the ‘mark’ in Revelations – even according to the Strong’s commentary. It doesn’t even say ‘tattoo’ once and mentioned ‘branding’ – not marking in the sense of tattoo’s as part of the definition. That’s different from Leviticus – unless Leviticus is branding one’s self (also possible).
“I rely a lot on Bible prophecy scholars in the area of Revelation.” (Kim)
I haven’t one yet that I can trust – that isn’t just building upon the ideas abour Revelations that started in the late 1600’s. The fact is the current interpretations of Revelation find little to no place in early church teachings – and nothing like what we have now was the interpretation.
November 19, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Jeff
Kimmy! I love what u did here!!! I guess that’s the Greek translated word? (G5480)? I have never seen this . so u looked to the Greek word to see how it was used? Very good! My father always did this he was a bible scholar.
U Rule. Rock and Roll!… Lol
Still not sure of the connection here though..just being honest.
Nasisim.
Didn’t Hitler inforce a mark on the Jews(gods chosen people?) Ok here I see it.
November 19, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Kim
Hi Jeff,
You can find the greek and hebrew on this site
http://www.blueletterbible.org/
among others.
Just find your verse and click the “c” in the top row of blue boxes.
I like the videos about Hitler and his occult involvement here.
http://apprising.org/2009/02/the-occult-contemplative-spirituality-and-hitler/ There is alot of information about this out there.
November 20, 2009 at 8:37 am
societyvs
“Didn’t Hitler inforce a mark on the Jews(gods chosen people?)” (Jeff)
He did, a mark on their forearm which used a numbering system to denote who was who (kind of like how prisons number people). This was a forced tattoo – was not a choice. It is still different than the mark in Leviticus since it was involuntary and did not denote idolatry or worship of Nazi gods.
Which is the same point I make about curent tattoo’s…they do not denote worship of a god – nor are they made for that purpose. It’s not the same thing as is being mentioned in Leviticus – not the same intent or purpose…which is really key here (the spirit of the law).
Which is why I brought up the verse prior about trimming one’s beard…which is weird as an idea in and of itself. However, if placed in the cultural context of the day (which Kim explained earlier) then it makes more sense. It does not mean we cannot shave our beards or trim them – we obviously can – but not if we are doing it to pay homage to some god.
The key idea in both verses is idolatry.
November 21, 2009 at 3:26 am
J
This is something that I usually share only with people that I’m very close with. I decided to share it with you.
I grew up in the faith, and have been a believer for most of my life. Yet I never really fully comprehended the beauty of the cross (I’d always associated crosses with Catholicism). Until a few years ago. I had a revelation of the cross and it became the most beautiful symbol in the world to me. I wanted to buy one to wear around my neck, but it would bother my parents (we’re Jewish and even though we’re believers, it would still bother them). A few months after I’d been contemplating buying a cross, one day, I found my mother looking at me with a funny look on her face and said, “Remember you said you wanted a cross?… you got one”. I thought she meant she’d bought me one, but she pointed to my shoulder. Just under my shoulder, next to my underarm, there was a cross, about one inch long, marked out in what looks like a series of freckles. It looks like a birthmark, but it wasn’t there before. “Isn’t this better than a necklace?” my mom asked me.
I can’t describe what this means to me, that God Himself marked me, with the most beautiful symbol in the world, the symbol of His great sacrifice. But it’s something that touches me every single time I think of it, every time I look at it.
When I think of Christians tattooing themselves with the cross, I think of the mark that God marked me with. (And if God did it for me, He can for others; I’m not that special.) I hate that Christian leaders are condoning tattoos. And I agree with what’s been said before: what is to stop this tattooed and pierced generation from taking on the mark of the beast?
November 21, 2009 at 6:54 am
Kim
J,
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful account of receiving your cross, and being marked by God Himself. You are certainly a Child of God and your love of Jesus is evident in your sweet words.
I agree fully with your last paragraph.
Most marks men put on themselves are futile and serve to bring attention to self instead of denying self. And of the mark of beast..eternally damnation.
Blessings to you.
kim
November 22, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Jeff
Forced tatoos on the Jews ..
Was it forced or did they have a choice?
Death or tatoo. Think our choice(if we r here) post or pre tibulation 4 his return ..and I a pre triber..lol.. Won’t it be also a similar choice? Death? Food? Tourment? etc. mabie the camps were a pratice run? Just find it profoundly similar.
November 22, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Jeff
Guess Kims point mainly but not limmeted to lol.. Is that the growing exptence of this pratice in the church is creepy? A “possable” conditioning process 4 the mark to come? She is a watch dog and simply doing her job descerning this (the purpose of this site) and I my self don’t always agree but do commend her for it.
Starting to see your point here Kimmy.
Wood phews, hyms, and Sunday close. Come on it’s church for cryn out L.
Christ is Lord.
November 23, 2009 at 8:16 am
societyvs
“Was it forced or did they have a choice?” (jeff)
It was a forced tattoo – had they had any real choice they wouldn’t of taken one.
“mabie the camps were a pratice run? Just find it profoundly similar” (Jeff)
Except for one really strange oddity – which has been the case with historial persecution in the last 1400 years – it was the Jews that were the targets, not the Christians per se. In fact, I cannot really think of a time when the Christians were the target in a free and prospering country?
“A “possable” conditioning process 4 the mark to come?” (Jeff)
I don’t think so. We have no clue what the ‘mark of the beast’ even truly means or if it is even directed at this time and era (a book written for 2nd century Christians in the midst of Roman persecution). I don’t believe a tattoo is a conditioning practice for the mark of the beast than sky-diving is getting prepared for the rapture.