Can we go to heaven with tattoos? This is a question that has boggled our minds a lot of times. This article will attempt to give you a yes or no answer.
Before delving into the chunk of the topic, let us understand what a tattoo is. While there are different definitions of the term ‘tattoo’, it is usually defined as a permanent marking done on the skin using tools such as needles with ink.
Once this ink is deposited into the lower layer of skin, named the dermis, the wound is naturally regenerated, and a layer of scab forms. Then the skin heals, and the design is exposed under the new layer.
1. The Tattoo History
Tattoos have had a long history throughout all these years. It is as old as Biblical books like Leviticus and so on. Back then, it was an Old Testament law you can say. Tattooing has been a symbol as part of conducting rites and ceremonies across the world, also in pagan nations.
Tattoos usually tell a story about something. This can be in different languages, different symbols, different designs, etc. This can be custom-made as well, so anything that the person thinks of, the tattoo artist can likely tattoo it.
The next natural question could be:
2. Why Do We Use Tattoos?
There are a few main reasons why this is and was used.
2.1 Historic
Tattoos were inked by pagans centuries and decades ago as part of their pagan mourning rituals. Bible scholars agree with this by stating the common Bible verse we use when it comes to tattoos, which is, Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any gashes in your flesh for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
However, there are others who disagree with this saying that the Hebrew word translated “tattoos” refers to gashing the skin or painting it. In this case, this could mean forbidding modern-day tattooing. This could branch out to forbid body modifications such as ear piercing, makeup, etc.
2.2 To “Identify” Themselves
Many tattooed folks claim to ink themselves as a significant part of themselves or their lives. This could be a zodiac sign or anything that relates to them or any event that might have been significant in their lives.
On the flip side, there are those who argue that your identity belongs to Christ and hence you are a ‘Christian’. There are plenty of Bible verses that prove this. For instance, the Bible teaches us in Genesis 1:27, “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” John 1:12 also says that you are a child of God and the list goes on.
So, does inking yourself mean something as powerful as God Himself saying that you are His child?
2.3 Style Factor
This could be linked to identifying themselves. In other words, tattoos can be a fashion statement where others can identify them with the tattoo inked on them. This uniqueness of a tattoo set them apart from the others and will go hand-in-hand with their sense of fashion.
The book of 1 Peter 3:3-4, however, says, “Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.” Even though this does not directly quote anything about tattooing, there are claims by the inked mass that they tattoo the Cross on different parts of their body. And this is also considered a style among them.
The Bible teaches that the lifelong beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is very dear in God’s sight. In other words, it is unnecessary to endure the pain of inking yourself with a tattoo, regardless of whether it is the Cross.
This could also be applicable to those who justify their tattoos as something to cover their scars or other body marks. But, again, God does not care about anything externally, but everything internally.
3. The Real Question: Can We Go to Heaven with Tattoos?
Before this question is answered, let us ask another question: is getting a tattoo a sin? As we saw earlier, many people have different reasons to get a tattoo but does any of them exercise the justification of whether it is a sin and further, can you go to heaven?
3.1 From the Beginning
Many believe that humans are created in the image and likeness of God. This is clearly written in Genesis 1:26. Therefore, it is understood that our bodies are pure, which means our bodies are pure and good. So, it should be cared for as God designed it for us.
Furthermore, it can be considered a violation of God’s creation if you are inking yourself. Countering this point, some believe that if this is taken to heart, then you should refrain from manicures and even more crazier, haircuts. However, this is not reasonable because this is not permanent and it does not damage your body.
3.2 Be Different
The Bible clearly speaks against tattoos since it was a pagan belief to do so. So, is it okay to do it now? Not really because if you believe in Jesus Christ, then all these practices, especially those involving damaging your body, are pagan in nature.
Furthermore, Leviticus 19:26-30 says that tattoos were part of pagan practices; something we already came across. But, Israel was God’s chosen people and He wanted them to be different from other nations. In today’s context, this means that we need to be different from the ways of those around us. This calls us to be different.
3.3 Your Body is a Temple
The Bible is clear that your body is a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19) and ‘temple’ means ‘holy’. Therefore, anything done to harm it would be sinful. In other words, the Holy Spirit cannot reside in you because your body is not holy. Therefore, it is sinful. In addition, it becomes almost impossible for Jesus to work within you.
In fact, some Christians believe that getting yourself tattoo marks is wrong and unholy. They think of it as worldly and the opposite of worldliness is holiness. They also believe that tattoos are a modern-day trend, a godless element, and do not find any place in a church.
4. Tattoos are Allowed, but…
There are exceptions, of course. There are many who have inked themselves but have experienced Jesus in their lives. As mentioned earlier, tattoos are lifelong and it is almost irreparable to remove them from the body. But, Jesus does not disallow them from attending church.
However, this does not offer a license to get tattoos. This means that Jesus forgives whatever your past life has been, however dark your thoughts have been or anything you have been through.
You can live a righteous life, according to the Bible, and believe and glorify God. Repent from your sins, which is the fundamental step to living a righteous or virtuous life. But, this does not allow you to intentionally commit that sin again. Repentance is an act of desire that you want to live a righteous life, which is good in God’s eyes.
5. Christ Died for Us
The biggest passion behind dying on the Cross was to save His people, which is us, from all sins. If there is the smallest hint that damaging our bodies is sinful, then why are we subconsciously attempting to humiliate the death on the Cross?
6. Here’s Some Science for You
It was recently found that there are toxic heavy metals used in the ink of tattoos. Lead is one metal usually used in tattoo inks, which is a chronic exposure to human skin. Titanium and aluminum are also used as colorants in tattoos. Other nonmetal colorants include antimony, beryllium, cobalt, arsenic, chromium, selenium, and nickel.
Further, you have to create a scar, by scraping your skin repeatedly with the needle and then infusing the ink.
Conclusion
So, can we go to heaven with tattoos? Yes, but with conditions. Exceptions such as people who inked themselves, but encountered Jesus and want to live a righteous life will definitely go to heaven. However, for those who decide to get a tattoo and think that they will still go to heaven, it might not be easy.
This message is to Christians who want to live a righteous life, tattoos are prohibited in a Christian’s life. The Bible may not specifically mention “tattoos”, but it is quite clear that you should not damage your body. It says both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.
Here is something to think about. If you supposedly think that tattoos should be allowed in Christianity because it was allowed to show faith in pagan gods, then you are saying that your faith is based on that graffiti you marked on your holy temple. Then, is the One True God like those pagan gods?
Last Updated on by Himani Rawat