lisab76's Blog

Thank you Jesus for loving me for me
Not for what you can get from me
Even while i was in the gutter you were there for me.
You gave me new life and set me free to be with you for eternity.

Thank you Father for being the light that is in my eyes
For the hope that is left in my heart.
The new spring that is in my step
New love within my heart to love the loveless

You fill my heart with Forever
Just so i can be with you cause you want us to be together
You watch me while i am sleeping
While i am messing up
When i finally get something right

You are there through it all

My Jesus You are Everything to me
I need you
Need you more than ANYTHING

Thank you for words to express
But they don't portray the Deep love in my hear
Where only being in the secret place with you can reveal

I praise you my Jesus
Praise you for your Forgiveness
Without you i would be nothing
Thank you

Written by Lisa Burns 30/03/08

Bible study on body piercing and tattooing.

This is a very important question. I often receive questions from young people, wanting to know if it is okay to tattoo and pierce their bodies, something that has recently gained in popularity.

The purpose of this article is not to exhaustively deal with every type of piercing and every tattoo. But, to set forth the principles by which we can determine whether body piercing and tattooing are authorized in God's word.

Old Testament
In Old Testament days (as a matter of historical background), we know that the children of God had nose rings and earrings (Gen. 24:47; 32:2; Ex. 35:22; Deut. 15:16-17). We also know that tattooing their body was prohibited (Lev. 19:28).

Today, we do not live under the Old Testament (e.g., Mosaic Law) (Heb. 7:12-14), we live under the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2). Therefore, we must go to the New Testament (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and investigate the doctrine and law of Christ (2 Jn. 1:9), to see whether it is lawful for us to pierce and tattoo our bodies.

Bible Principles
There are four principles we can apply, when determining whether body piercing and tattooing are lawful.

* We are to glorify God in our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
o We must exalt Christ in our bodies (Phil. 1:20).
o Our outward appearance is to profess godliness (2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Tim. 2:2, 10; 4:7-8; 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:12; 2 Pet. 3:11; cf. 1 Cor. 11:1ff).
* We are to only do things that are honorable and respectable in the sight of men (Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8), obeying God in everything we do (Acts 4:19; 5:29).
* We shouldn't engage in lustful and licentious (sensual) behaviors (Rom. 6:12; 1 Jn. 2:16; 2 Cor. 12:20-21; Jude 1:4).
o "Lust" is a strong desire to sin.
o "Licentious" is unbridled lust -- excess, absence of restraint, indecency, and wantonness. The Greek is often translated sensual in the NASB.
* We shouldn't engage in questionable behaviors (Rom. 14:23; 1 Th. 5:21-22).
o We must be absolutely positive that body piercing and tattooing are lawful, before engaging in these behaviors.

Body Piercing and Tattooing
Now, let's apply these four principles to determine whether God authorizes us to pierce and tattoo our bodies.

* Discrete Body Piercings:
o Discrete body piercing, such as tasteful female ear piercing, is considered in society to be a godly adornment. The piercing itself is not associated with evil. As long as the earrings do not represent or communicate something sinful, pierced ears, and discrete nose piercings in some cultures, profess godliness and do not bring reproach upon God. Therefore, tastefully pierced ears are authorized in God's word.
* Wanton Body Piercings:
o On the other hand, a broad section of society believes that body piercings (other than discrete ear and nose piercings) reflects a licentious and riotous lifestyle. These piercings were popularized in the later part of the 20th century by people in pop culture known for sinful lifestyles. Because of the sinful connotations associated with these piercings, this behavior is questionable at best (Rom. 14:23; 1 Th. 5:21-22). Therefore, God's children should abstain from these piercings since:
+ They do not glorify God (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
+ They do not exalt Christ (Phil. 1:20).
+ They do not profess godliness (1 Tim. 2:2, 10; 4:7-8; 6:11).
+ They are not honorable and respectable in the sight of men (Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8).
+ Many are licentious, symbolic of a riotous lifestyle (2 Cor. 12:20-21).
* Tattooing:
o Tattoos were popular in the early part of the 20th century among military personnel, and others, commonly reflecting a carousing lifestyle. Later, gang members, rappers, and other celebrities began embracing tattooing as a sign of a licentious lifestyle. Because of the sinful connotations associated with tattooing, Christians should also abstain from this behavior, which is questionable at best (Rom. 14:23; 1 Th. 5:21-22).
* Cross Tattoos:
o Many young people have written me, believing that tattoos are okay if they are crosses, because they are emblematic of Christ.
o The cross tattoo has its roots in paganism, before the time of Christ. It reflects the enemies of Christ, rather than Christ Himself.
o Today, many cross tattoos are representative of pagan religions, while others have been created to represent Christ and His cross. The meaning behind the cross tattoo is often skewed, unknown to anyone but the wearer.
o At best, wearing a cross tattoos is a questionable behavior that Christians should avoid (Rom. 14:23; 1 Th. 5:21-22). In the time I spent researching cross tattoos, seeing some of the demonic ones and some models advertising the tattoos, it's not something that's profitable for God's children.
* What if I tattoo Scripture on my body?
o Christians must abstain from every form of evil (1 Th. 5:22). Therefore, we should abstain from all forms of tattooing.
o For example:
+ Hanging out at a bar is wrong, even if I put a sign around my neck with a Scripture on it.
+ Visiting a prostitution house is wrong, even if I put a sign around my neck with a Scripture on it.
* What if my tattoo is somewhere people can't see?
o The tattoo was seen by the person who put it there, and by everyone who knows the wearer very well. Most of all, it's seen by the person who wears it on their body. No matter where it is on the body and who sees it, the message is the same.
o At best, wearing a hidden tattoo is a questionable behavior that Christians should avoid (Rom. 14:23).

Fake (Pretend) Piercings and Tattoos
Fake piercings and tattoos, often associated with children, are another issue. Near the end of the 20th century, these toys were included in candy or bought very inexpensively. They often reflect carton characters.

Temporary tattoos have grown in popularity and sophistication, now being worn by adults. Whether a temporary tattoo is lawful or unlawful, is determined by applying the principles discussed above. For example, a temporary tattoo of a high school team's mascot worn at a game on Friday evening and removed before assembling with the saints on Sunday, professes godliness. On the other hand, a temporary tattoo of a woman in a bikini or a muscleman, does not profess godliness and dishonors God because of the licentious message expressed by the tattoo.

At Best, Body Piercing and Tattooing are Questionable Behaviors
Someone may say that culture and society have changed, arguing that body piercing and tattooing do not have the riotous and rebellious connotations they had a few years ago. They may argue that society's view toward body piercing and tattoos has changed, just as society's view of women wearing pants changed in the last century.

It is true that society changes and that styles (such as women wearing pants) change. A hundred years from now, the rebellious and licentious lifestyles associated with the people popularizing body piercing and tattoos may no longer be associated with these behaviors. But for now, the message a person sends to others when tattooing and piercing his body is a questionable message of godliness. A pierced or tattooed body, still associates the person with the licentious pop culture that continues to make these behaviors popular in our society.

Therefore, body piercing (except for discreet piercings) and tattooing are, at best, questionable behaviors. This is evidenced in many ways, including the many questions I've received from young people on this topic.

Since Christians are not permitted to engage in questionable behaviors, and since body piercing (except for discreet piercings) and tattooing are religiously questioned by many in our society, we must conclude that body piercing and tattooing should be avoided by Christians (Rom. 14:23; 1 Th. 5:21-22).

* They do not glorify God (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
* They do not exalt Christ (Phil. 1:20).
* They do not profess godliness (1 Tim. 2:2, 10; 4:7-8; 6:11).
* They are not honorable and respectable in the sight of men (Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8).
* Many are licentious, symbolic of a riotous lifestyle (2 Cor. 12:20-21).

Don't Do Something You'll Regret When You Grow Old
In this section, I want to give some practical advice (not from God's word) to young people thinking about piercing and tattooing their bodies.

* Disease often results from tattoos and body piercing:
o Deadly blood-born diseases can results from tattooing and body piercing (HIV that causes AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus, tuberculosis, etc.).
o A study by Dr. Bob Haley and Dr. Paul Fischer found that commercially acquired tattoos accounted for more than twice as many hepatitis C infections as injection-drug use. And people who get tattooed in a commercial tattoo parlor were nine times more likely to get hepatitis C, than someone who is not tattooed.
o Personally, I know a man who became a Christian later in life after he was tattooed. Now he is very sick with hepatitis. It's hard for him to enjoy life. He's miserable; it's even impossible to work some days.
* Tattoos:
o Talk to some elderly people who have had tattoos since they were young. Carefully look at the tattoo and notice that it is faded and does not look as good as a new tattoo. Try to imagine a tattoo on you, when you are old. How would it look when it's faded and your skin is stretched and worn.
o Ask the elderly person, "If you were young again, and you were thinking about getting a tattoo, would you do it?" Many will tell you "No." Some will even tell you that they wish their tattoo could be taken off.
* Body Piercings:
o Body piercing is a rather new behavior in the developed world, so I doubt you can talk to elderly people who have had pierced body parts for fifty years. But, you can look at pictures of people in third world nations who have practiced body piercing for generations. In the pictures, look at the old people's stretched and worn skin and notice that the piercings are disfigured, as a result of their skin becoming old and saggy. Imagine what your pierced body would look like in your elderly years, when your skin is stretched and sagging from childbirth or loss of muscle tone. Ask yourself, "How will I look with loose and sagging body piercings when I'm eighty years old?"
* Body Piercings and Tattoos are Permanent:
o Before making a permanent change to your body, be sure it's something you want to live with forever.
o Look at pictures of your parents and grandparents when they were your age. Their hair and clothes styles were much different when they were young. How would your parents feel if they had to wear the same styles today, which they wore twenty or thirty years ago? This is the way you may feel when body piercing and tattooing go out of style. Much of the time, tattoos and body piercings are permanent.
* Doctors Say Tattoo Removal Is Becoming More Common:
o On November 30, 2003, a story by Michael Hill was published by The Times-Enterprise in Thomasville, Georgia. The title of this article is, Doctors Say Tattoo Removal Is Becoming More Common. This article reveals that more and more people who have tattoos, are deciding to have them removed. Below are three quotes from the article, which everyone should read before getting a tattoo:
+ At 23, Alexandra Baker figures it's time to get rid of the spider on her ankle. The tattoo was inked on in college -- one of seven on her body. But Baker's outlook has changed somewhat. The spider is something to hide rather than exhibit. So it's coming off, along with two little fairies on her chest. "I can't stand having them anymore," said Baker, who lives in New York's Hudson Valley. "It's just not how I want to portray myself anymore." (Times-Enterprise, 11-20-2003, Albany, NY, Associated Press)
+ "There are a number of people who did this and have said 'Geez, this is not what I want.' What seems really great at age 17 or 20 may not seem so great at age 30," said Dr. Brian Kinney, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon and spokesman for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (Times-Enterprise, 11-20-2003, Albany, NY, Associated Press)
+ Professionals -- from artists who create tattoos to doctors who remove them -- say the best strategy is not to get ill-considered tattoos in the first place. Their advice: Think. Will you enjoy having your fraternity letters on your backside in a decade? (Times-Enterprise, 11-20-2003, Albany, NY, Associated Press)
o This article emphasizes that health care professions are trying to develop new methods of tattoo removal. But, we currently do not have a method that will totally remove a tattoo. And, common methods of tattoo removal are often painful and expensive.

Can I Be Saved, Even If I've Dishonored God in My Body
Lastly, we'll ask the question, "Can I be saved if I've already pierced and tattooed my body in ways that dishonor God?"

The answer is, "Yes." All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Everyone turning from sin to God, must repent and obey Jesus (Lk. 13:3, 5; Heb. 5:9). A person who has adorned his body with piercings or tattoos dishonoring God, will undo (as much as is reasonably possible) the piercings and tattoos which prevent him from glorifying God in his body, especially those that are visible to others. And they too, can be confident that they are saved from their sins.

It's important that we forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead, no matter the sins of our past (Phil. 3:12-14). We must look to the future and glorify God, with whatever days we have remaining upon the earth. Whether you've sinned by dishonoring God with a tattooed and pierced body, or something else. You can be saved by obeying Jesus (Heb. 5:9).

SINCE I AM IN CHRIST, BY THE GRACE OF GOD.



Rom. 5:1 I have been Justified (completely forgiven and made righteous).
Rom. 6:1-6 I died with Christ and died to the power of sins rule over my life.
Rom. 8:1 I am free forever from condemnation.
1 Cor. 1:30 I have been placed into Chris by Gods doing.
1 Cor. 2:12 I have received the Spirit of God into my life that i might know the things freely
given to me by God.
1 Cor. 2:16 I have been given the mind of Christ.
1 Cor. 6:19,20 I have been bought with a price. I am not my own. I belong to God.
2 Cor. 1:21 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God in Christ, and have been
Eph. 1:13,14 given the Holy Spirit as a pledge ( a deposit/down pay-ment) guaranteeing my
inheritance to come.

2 Cor. 5:14,15 I no longer live for myself since i have died, but i live for Him (Christ).
2 Cor. 5:21 I have been made righteous.
Gal.2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer i who live but Christ
lives in me ( the life i am now living is Christ's life).
Eph. 1:3 I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing
Eph. 1:4 I have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be
holy and without blame before him.
Eph. 1:5 I was predestined (determined by God) to be adopted as His son.
Eph. 1:7,8 I have been redeemed, forgiven, and am a recipient of His lavish grace.
Eph. 2:5 I have been made alive together with Christ.
Eph. 2:6 I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven.
Eph. 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Eph. 3:12 I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.
Col. 1:13 I have been delivered (rescued) from the domain of darkness (Satans rule)
and transferred to the kingdom of Christ.
Col. 1:14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (the debt against me has
been cancelled) ( See Col. 2:13,14).
Col. 1:27 I have Christ himself in me.
Col. 2:7 I have been firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built up in Him.
Col. 2:10 I have been made complete in Christ.
Col. 2:11 I have been Spiritually circumcised ( my old, unregenerate nature has been
removed).
Col. 2:12,13 I have been buried, raised, and made alive with Christ.
Col. 3:1-4 I have been raised up with Christ. I died with Christ. My life is now hidden with
Christ in God. Christ is now my life.
2 Tm. 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.
2 Tim. 1:9; Tim. 3:5 I have been saved and called ( set apart) according to Gods doing.
Heb 2:11 I am one with the Sanctifier (Christ) because i am sanctified, and he is not
ashamed to call me brother.
Heb 4:16 I have a right to come boldly before the throne of God ( the throne of grace) to
find mercy and grace to help in time of need.
2 Pt 1:4 I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises from God by which i
am a partaker of the divine nature (Gods nature).

WHO AM I

Mt. 5:13 I am the salt of the earth.
Mt. 5:14 I am the light of the world.
Jn. 1:12 I am a child of God (part of his family). (See Rom. 8:16.).
Jn. 15:1,5 I am part of the true vine, a channel (branch) of Christ's life.
Jn. 15:15 I am Christ's friend.
Jn. 15:16 I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit.
Rom. 6:18 I am a slave of righteousness.
Rom. 6:22 I am enslaved to God.
Rom. 8:14,15 I am a son of God (God is spiritually my father) (see Gal.3:26;4:6).
Rom. 8:17 I am a joint-heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him.
1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19 I am a temple (home) of God. His Spirit (His life) dwells in me.
1 Cor. 6:17 I am joined (united) to the lord and am one spirit with Him.
1 Cor. 12:27 I am a member (part) of Christ's body. (See Eph. 5:30).
2 Cor. 5:17 I am a new creation (new person).
2 Cor. 5:18,19 I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation.
Gal. 3:26,28 I am a son of God and one in Christ.
Gal. 4:6,7 I am a heir of God since i am a son of God.
Eph. 1:1 I am a saint. (See 1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; and Col. 1:2).
Eph. 2:10 I am Gods workmanship (handiwork) created (born anew) in Christ
to do His work that He planned beforehand that i should do.
Eph. 2:19 I am a fellow citizen with the rest of Gods people in his Family.
Eph. 3:1 ;4:1 I am a prisoner of Christ.
Eph. 4:24 I am Righteous and Holy.
Phil. 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven and seated in heaven right now (See Eph. 2:6).
Col. 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Col.3:4 I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life.
Col. 3:12 I am chosen of God, holy, and dearly loved.
1 Thes. 1:4 I am chosen and dearly loved by God.
1 Thes. 5:5 I am a son of light and not of darkness.
Heb. 3:1 I am a holy brother, partaker of a heavenly calling.
Heb. 3:14 I am a partaker of Christ.... I share in his life.
1 Pt. 2:5 I am one of Gods living stones and am being built up (in Christ) as a spiritual house.
1 Pt. 2:9,10 I am a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods possesion
to proclaim the excellencies of Him.
1Pt. 2:11 I am an alien and a stranger to this world in which i temporarily live.
1 Pt. 5:8 I am an enemy of the devil.
1 Jn. 3:1,2 I am now a child of God. I will resemble Christ when He returns.
1 Jn. 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one ( the devil) cannot touch me.

WHO AM I IN CHRIST

I AM ACCEPTED

John.1:12 I am Gods Child.
John. 15:15 I am Christ's Friend.
Rom. 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Cor. 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and am one spirit with him.
1 Cor. 6:19,20 I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
Cor. 12.27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Eph 1:1 I am a Saint.
Eph 1:5 I have been adopted as Gods child.
Eph 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Col. 1:14 I have been Redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Col. 2:10 I am complete in Christ.

I AM SECURE

Rom 8:1,2 I am free forever from Condemnation.
Rom 8:28 I am assured that all things work together for good.
Rom 8:31-34 I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Rom 8:35-39 I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Cor 1:21,22 I have been established,anointed sealed by God.
Col 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Phil 1:6 I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected.
Phil 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Tim. 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
Heb 4:16 I can find grace and mercy to help me in time of need.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.


I AM SIGNIFICANT

Matt. 5:13,14 I am the salt and light of the earth.
John 15:1,5 I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 I am a personal witness of Christ.
1 Cor. 3:16 I am Gods Temple.
2 Cor. 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Cor. 6:1 I am Gods co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9).
Eph 2:6 I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.
Eph. 2:10 I am Gods Workmanship.
Eph 3:12 I May approach God with freedom and confidence.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.