Bible Question:
19:28 Tattoos??-Okay or not for those under a "new covenant"? Any thoughts? |
Bible Answer: con't. PT.2 Within the book of Revelation there are nearly as many references to the mark of God on believers as there are references to the mark of the beast. Several times the Apocalypse refers to the Lord writing the name of Christ and God upon His servants (Revelation 3:12; 14:1; 22:4). Twice (ch. 7:3; 9:4) the phrase "the seal of God" upon the "foreheads" of His servants is mentioned (see Isaiah 44:5 and especially Ezekiel 9:4 for the OT background on this). When these verses regarding the "seal of God on their foreheads" are compared with ch. 14:1 and 22:4, it becomes clear that the seal of God is His written name. And what of Christ Himself? Twice in chapter 19, our Lord is depicted as having a name written on Him (verses 12 and 16). As unthinkable as it may be for some to picture our Lord Jesus as having a tattoo, the author of the Apocalypse had no problem with it. Some may argue that the seal of God/written name of God upon the foreheads of believers does not constitute a "tattoo," and that the name "King of kings and Lord of lords" written on the thigh of Jesus certainly does not constitute a tattoo. If writing on the flesh here cannot refer to tattoos, then neither can the writing of the number of the beast ("the mark of the beast") upon those who follow the beast. If not, why not? In conclusion, the Scriptures do not condemn having a tattoo per se. "Tattoos" are spoken of both positively and negatively in the Scriptures, and the message of or purpose behind the tattoo is what determines whether or not such a mark is good or bad. Those who would judge the salvation or Christian walk of others on the basis of outward appearance and Old Covenant commands should be reminded of two things. One, "man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV) Two, the basis of our covenant relationship to God in Christ is based, not upon rules and regulations or dress codes, but upon God's grace, which is received by faith (Ephesians 2:8f.; Titus 3:4-5). God bless |