Should Christians Wear Tattoos

For a Christian to have a tattoo of any sort is highly questionable. They were totally forbidden in the Old Testament; However a tattoo of a cross is "better" than a tattoo of a flaming skull, naked woman or demon. Having a tattoo saying "Jesus saves" could indeed be a conversation starter with some people who would never approach a preacher wearing a suit and tie. Some refer to( Revelation 19:16) as an example of Jesus possibly having a tattoo on His thigh, "King of kings and Lord of lords." The question is not just, "is getting a tattoo a sin?" The question is more, "is getting a tattoo a good and necessary thing to do?" (I Corinthians 10:23) NIV declares, "Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible - but not everything is constructive." Christian tattoos may be "permissible," but are they beneficial and constructive?

In (1 Corinthians 9:22b) NIV, Paul exclaims, "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel." Becoming all things to save some is perhaps the only good possible reason for getting a Christian tattoo. If having a tattoo genuinely opens doors for evangelism that would otherwise be closed, getting Christian tattoos would likely "qualify" under Paul's "becoming all things" qualification. At the same time, it is frankly difficult to envision a scenario in which having a tattoo would enable a greater possibility of evangelism. If a person will not listen to you due to a lack of a tattoo, it is highly unlikely that such a person would genuinely listen due to the presence of a tattoo.

With that said, the biblically based conclusion would seem to be that Christian tattoos are permissible, but it is highly questionable whether they can be considered beneficial and constructive. A Christian considering getting a tattoo should pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and ask the Lord to provide pure motives and discernment. Because of the negative image that is projected by tattoo wearers I think that (I Thessalonians 5:22) should be prayfully considered before a final decision is made to get a tattoo or keep one that you presently have.

May you let God direct you on how you can best and most effectively Glorify His Name

Rev. George Pryor Th.M.
revgap@gmail.com

Special Note: One should also be concerned about the health risk that is involved which can be severe if the tattoo becomes infected. You are allowing chemical inks to be injected under your skin which could contaminate your blood and that could Kill you.