There is a lot of debate surrounding tattoos and whether or not they are appropriate for someone who wants to go to heaven.
Some people believe that having tattoos will prevent them from getting into heaven, while others think that it’s perfectly fine as long as the tattoos are modest and tasteful. In this blog post, we will explore both sides of the argument and let you decide for yourself!
Because of the silence of Scripture, getting inked falls into the “grey area” category, and believers should obey their faith in the matter, respecting others who may have distinct convictions.
What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos
There is no explicit mention of tattoos in the Bible, but there are a few verses that could be interpreted as a prohibition against them.
One such verse is Leviticus 19:28 which says, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” This verse is often cited by people who believe that tattoos are not allowed in heaven.
However, there are also a number of Christians who believe that tattoos are perfectly acceptable as long as they are tasteful and modest.
They argue that the verse from Leviticus is not actually talking about tattoos, but rather cutting oneself for the dead (which was common practice in ancient cultures).
The Bible does not make any specific reference towards getting or having tattoos. To get a tattoo, here are some general biblical concepts that might apply:
Children are to respect their parents and follow them (Ephesians 6:1–2). It is biblically unsupportable for a minor to have a tattoo in defiance of their parent’s wishes. Rebellion-born tattoos are sinful.
“Outward adornment” is not as relevant as the growth of the “inner self” and should not be a Christian’s priority (1 Peter 3:3-4). A person who wishes to get attention or attract praise from a tattoo has a selfish, sinful fixation on himself.
God sees the heart, and glorifying God should be our inspiration for everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). The reasons for having a tattoo, such as “fit in,” “stand out,” etc., fall short of God’s glory. The tattoo itself may not be a sin, but it might be the reason to get it.
Our bodies have been purified and belong to Creator, as well as our souls. The believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20). How much improvement is sufficient for that temple? Is there a line that is not meant to be crossed?
Is there a point at which painting ceases to be the proliferation of tattoos on one body and begins to become sinful mutilation? This should be a topic of meditation on individuals and sincere prayer.
We are ambassadors of Christ, bringing the word of God to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). What message does the tattoo give, and will it benefit or distract from Christ’s representation and gospel sharing?
Anything that does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23), so the person who gets the tattoo should be completely assured that it is the will of God for them.
Tattoos Mentioned In The Old Testament
We cannot leave the discussion of tattoos without looking at the Old Testament law that prohibited tattoos: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.” I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28).
In this passage, the explanation for the prohibition of tattoos is not mentioned, but tattooing was probably a pagan activity associated with idolatry and superstition.
Marking their skin with the name of a false god or with a sign honoring some deity was possibly popular for the pagans. God was asking His children to be different.
The Israelites belonged to Him as He reminded them in the same verse, ‘I am the LORD.’ They were His workmanship, and they could not carry on their bodies the name of a false god.
Although believers in the New Testament are not under the Mosaic Law, we may take from this command the idea that it should never be for superstitious purposes or to spread worldly ideology if a Christian wishes to get a tattoo.
The bottom line is that it is not a sin to have a tattoo, per se. It is a matter of Christian liberty and should be guided and rooted in love by biblical values.
Can You Go To Heaven If You Have Tattoos
A Christian may have converted and was not a believer before they got tattoos and piercings; they can still go to heaven. All of us may not get to God simultaneously and may do ungodly things through our journey to God. This is why we repent and ask for God’s blessings and forgiveness.
You don’t go to hell for having tattoos, and we believe that you should not allow others to make you feel bad because of their personal convictions.
We believe that Christians can still go to heaven even if they have tattoos. Our bodies do not define the faith of our souls. Our bodies are the vessels on earth for our souls, which we will be separated from when we die.
Even if the reference to tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 is addressed purely to how pagans mourned for the dead (something that can certainly not be proven), the above-noted scriptures make it clear that Christians tend to avoid tattoos.
We must live our lives in faith to please God (2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6) that we obey His commands because whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
We are to be the members of the coming Kingdom of Heaven and of Christ Himself, rather than upholding the traditions and practices of the community around us.
“And do not comply with this world” (Romans 12:2). Come out from among them, therefore, and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch unclean things, and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17).
We believe a Christian should not get a tattoo based on the proof from God’s Word and these beliefs. It is your choice whether to leave it alone, cover it up or have it removed if you already have one.
Tattoos and Heaven Summary
It’s not our job to judge each other and to discern who has or has not sinned. At the end of the day, it is our faith and trust in God that are most important.
Bible Verses About Tattoos
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to get a tattoo is up to each individual. However, here are some Bible verses that might help you make your decision:
1. “Do not cut yourselves for the dead, and do not put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28
2. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
3. “And as for what falls into the ear, it is the voice of an angel to declare to those who will live forever that God is just, and they will be vindicated. As for the rest of mankind, they were given a spirit of stupor so that they would not understand.” Romans 11:33-34
4. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 11:14-15
5. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 14:23
6. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 17:13
7. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 15:11-12
8. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:19
Summary
As you can see from these verses, there is no clear consensus on whether or not tattoos are allowed in heaven.
However, the majority of these verses seem to suggest that it is ultimately up to God and that we should not judge others based on their appearance. So if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, go ahead – but be sure to pray and seek guidance from God first!
So what’s the verdict? There is no clear answer from the Bible, so it ultimately comes down to a matter of personal opinion.
If you’re considering getting a tattoo, we encourage you to pray about it and seek wise counsel from trusted friends or mentors. Whatever you decide, be sure that your tattoos reflect your love for God and His glory!
Do you have any tattoos? What do you think about them? Let us know in the comments below!