Leviticus 19:28 “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
Wesley’s Commentary 19:28 Cuttings in your flesh - Which the Gentiles commonly did both in the worship of their idols, and in their solemn mournings, Jer 16:6.
"Ye worship ye know not what. . ." John 4:24
There are many ways in which the world is turning to Satan and not the least of which is tattooing. Pastors and Christians from all walks of life are getting tattoos in order to fit in with today’s society. Just like we are changing scriptures so that Christ is more of the world than of God, we are changing what is right and what is wrong.
God relates tattoos and piercing with death, should a Christian do something that relates him or her with death?
100 years ago or more we saw pictures of tribesmen in Africa and in those pictures we saw the evidence of what god’s they worshiped. We saw them covered in markings and piercing and shuddered at the sight and it reminded us how close the enemy is in this world. Piercing and tattooing go back thousands of years. Now we are entering a period of Christian tattoos, that’s like saying Christian Satan worship. It just isn’t right.
African tribes and in many other pagan beliefs around the world tattoos were used for religious worship. Female mummies had tattoos to worship the god of fertility. Men were found to have tattoos worshiping gods of warriors. Male mummies have also had tattoos to worship the sun for a good harvest. This permanent visible allegiance to pagan gods was soon adapted by Arabia, China, Persia, and Greece. Mostly in tribes in Africa such as Egypt and Ethiopia, piercing was used for a sensual beauty mark or religious purposes. A piercing that was used to keep away evil spirits is the ear piercing. Many African cultures believed that the material in an earring helped the spirited from entering the body. A simple pierce on the ear lobe kept the spirit from entering the body through the ear. Some practice pagan ritual of piercing for beauty and for sexual pleasure. It’s no coincidence that every pagan tribe has some form of piercing or tattoo ritual, and in the same tribes worship spirits gods. It’s clear that these practices are not of God and yet Christians align themselves with the world instead of setting an example and standing apart for God as we are instructed to do. The church growth movement (Emerging Church) is to blame for leading many away, no matter what anyone tells you the only person that benefits with compromising true Christian beliefs and aligning ourselves more with the world in order to make them more comfortable is the enemy. Christ made people think and change their ways, His messages were not always uplifting, they were honest and straight forward, but now we seem to know better than God, and have a “better way of doing church.”
This is another aspect of the emerging church, in which we attempt to blend the church and the world to make the church more successful. Careful our idea of success may not be God’s. We are called upon to be the salt of the earth:
Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
Being salty is likened to a believer salting the unbeliever and changing that person as salt changes the flavor of food, but the trend today is to act and think more like the unbeliever and change ourselves instead of the other way around. The non believers seem to have more of an impact on Christians than the Christians do on them. By this action we lose our saltiness, we are no longer effective in preaching the whole gospel and the bible is clear then we are to be trodden on.
History of Piercing
TONGUE PIERCING HISTORY - Tongue piercing was practiced in a ritual form by the ancient Aztecs, Mayas of Central America and the Haida, Kwakiutul, and Tlinglit tribes of the American Northwest. The tongue was pierced to draw blood to propitiate the gods, and to create an altered state of consciousness so that the priest or shaman could communicate with the gods.
EAR LOBE PIERCING HISTORY - Ears were probably first pierced for magical purposes, very many primitive tribes believe that demons can enter the body through the ear, because demons and spirits are supposed to be repelled by metal, ear-piercing prevents them entering the body.
LIP LABRET PIERCING HISTORY - The piercing of the lips for the insertion of objects into them is very widely practiced throughout the world, however only two tribes pierce the lips with a ring; the Dogon tribe Of Mali, and the Nuba of Ethiopia. Among the Dogon the piercing of the lip has religious significance, they believe that the world was created by their ancestor spirit "Noomi" weaving thread through her teeth, but instead of thread out came speech.
SEPTUM PIERCING HISTORY - The piercing of the septum is probably the second most common piercing among primitive peoples after ear piercing, it's even more common than nostril piercing. The septum piercing is particularly prevalent among warrior cultures, this probably has to do with the fact that large tusks through the septum give the face a fierce appearance. The Septum piercing was beloved by the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incas.
This marking a person to show belonging to a god or as the Hebrews adopted to a family or individual.The book of Exodus 21: 5-6 describes how Hebrew servants that pledged allegiance to their master would have their ear held to a door post and pierced with an awl.
Exodus 21: 5And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: 6Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
Tattoos
Tattoos have always had an important role in rituals, Tattoos around the wrist and fingers were believed to ward away illness. Like piercing tattoos are used for rituals practices and to show owner ship.
1. Graffiti In genesis we are told that we are created in God’s image and I find it abhorring that someone would consider walking up to a picture of God or Christ and graffiti it and yet that is what we are doing to God’s image with tattoos or piercing. We are now the temple of God would you graffiti a church?
To take part in a practice that started with pagan worship, even though we may have deceived ourselves into thinking that its not the reason we are doing it so its ok, or that its how we use it that matters, is wrong. This form of “expression” may very well mean something to the demons that started it and therefore it is a stand against God whether we believe it or not. Even if we don’t believe in such things evil does and this may open a door that’s difficult to close
2. The Mark of Blood. The tattooing procedure involves cutting the flesh with a sharp needle or instrument in order to carve out or make designs. The result is something called “blood-letting”. Blood-letting has both occultic and demonic origins and it is considered a power source that is supernaturally unleashed. Many pro-tattoo sources describe tattooing as having a magical, occultic connection with blood and blood-letting as being normal. Several pro-tattoo historians indicate the connection with scarification and blood-letting associated with religious practices. We read in 1Kings 18:25-28 the account of the prophets of Baal who met with Elijah to find out who was the true God. These were Satanists who were attempting to unleash supernatural power by cutting themselves. Blood has been a sacrifice to God, and in pagan cultures they too let blood for a sacrifice to whatever god they choose. So who are we bleeding for when we perform this ritual?
Not Yahweh.
1 Kings 18 25And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. 26And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. 27And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. 28And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.
3. The Cup of Devils. Historically, the origin of the tattoo is associated with paganism, demonism, Baal worship, shamanism, mysticism, heathenism, cannibalism and many other pagan beliefs. The tattoo has never been connected with Bible believing Christians. But today in the 21st century, the trends are reverting from paganism practices to include the modern Christian.
This web site is a “Christian tattoo” site. http://www.religioustattoos.net/
Satan is the god of this world and his agenda is to deceive as many Christians as he can, especially in the last days. But the fact remains that the tattoo has its roots in beliefs and practices that are demonic and pagan. Many pro-tattoo books indicate that tattooing is a magical rite and the tattooist is respected as a priest or shaman; it is connected to a religious ceremony and performed by priests or priestesses; it is intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces.
In other words, it is connected with the spirit world and a tattoo is really much more than simply a form of body decoration. They are strongly connected with channels into spiritual and demonic possession. Many pro-tattoo artists and historians can attest to this by saying things like, “tattoos have a power and magic all their own”.
Ronald Scutt, in his exhaustive book, Art, Sex and Symbol, covers a lot about the history and culture of tattoos. He documents that most of the time tattoos are associated with spiritual, religious and mystical purposes; linking it to mystical significance, sun-worship, serpent worship, and the sun-god Baal.
Author Steve Gilbert, of Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99, records, “The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan.” Yet today’s gullible Christians are out there in droves “marking themselves for Jesus”!
1Cor. 10:21 says, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be
partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”
Yet today we are so arrogant as to believe that we can walk the line between worshipping Satan and worshipping God and still enter heaven. We are no different than the people of Noah’s time or Sodom and Gomorrah.
Luke 17: 26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
4. The Mark of Rebellion. The Bible condemns all rebellion throughout its pages and declares that rebellion is as bad as witchcraft.
1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
It is clear that the tattoo has always been an indication of a spirit of rebellion and deviancy on its wearers.
All the tattoo books make comments about tattooing being rebellious.
One tattoo book, “Art, Sex and Symbol”, 1974, by Ronald Scutt, pg. 179, says “In a society that considers nudity as dirty, indecent, and subversive or morality … - it is not surprising that decorations to the body are allocated to the same category.”
Since tattooing is in the same category as sexual immorality how long will it be until we accept that as well, or maybe we are already there!
Quotes from Pro-tattoo books
"Tattooing is often a magical rite in the more traditional cultures, and the tattooist is respected as a priest or shaman." (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 73)
"In Fiji, Fromosa, New Zealand and in certain of the North American Indian tribes, tattooing was regard as a religious ceremony, and performed by priests or priestesses." (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)
"The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which were secrets known only to members of the priestly caste. . . Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 158)
Famous witch and author Laurie Cabot writes of the tattoo: "The origins of tattooing came from ancient magical practices. ."(Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch, cited in Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated by Dr. Cathy Burns, p. 301)
"According to Amy Krakow in her chronicle The Total Tattoo Book, ‘tattooing has had well-defined roles: marking a rite of passage at a stage of life, calling the spirits, proudly, defiantly or sneaky showing who you are via body art."
"Many native tribes practiced therapeutic tattooing. The Ojibwa, for instance, tattooed the temples, forehead, and cheeks of those suffering from headaches and toothaches that were believed to be caused by malevolent spirits. Songs and dances that were supposed to exorcise the demons accompanied the tattooing ceremony."(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 90)
"Tattooing is about personalizing the body, making it a true home and fit temple for the spirit that dwells inside it. . . Tattooing therefore, is a way of keeping the spiritual and material needs of my body in balance."(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 8)
"When the designs are chosen with care, tattoos have a power and magic all their own. They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul."(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 13)
"Burmese tattooing has been associated with religion for thousands of years. Tattooing among indigenous North American groups including the Arapaho, Mohave, Cree, and Inuit (Eskimo) is rooted in the spiritual realm as well."(Laura Reybold, Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattooing and body piercing, p. 15)
Over and over again those knowledgeable in tattooing declare it is pagan in nature and yet modern Christians say that it is alright. How far down this road to hell will we go before we realize and repent?
Tattoo's greatest enemy. . . The Lord Jesus Christ
In the pages of history, whenever and wherever "tattooing" pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without exception, tattoos were one of their first pagan practices to "pass away" Why? Because, unlike today’s "tattooed" Christians, the converted pagan knew the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly "told" the converted pagan – no tattoo.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Quotes from books on tattooing
"Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘converted’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . ."(Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9)
"When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of status and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin. The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99)
"These tattoos act as protective and empowering talismans for the wearer. There are even some body artists who perform ritual tattoos, piercing, brandings and cuttings. They may suggest you consult your astrological chart to pick the right time to get your body art. They will burn incense, light candles, . . ."(Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 29)
"Some tattooists in the West are experimenting with ritual tattooing. This method of working incorporates doing a ritual to create a sacred space in the area where the tattoo is positioned. Often incense is burned and the gods invited to bless the proceedings." (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)
All of the books on tattooing acknowledge the pagan meanings and ritual that are the art of tattooing, and yet many Christians ignore truth for a fantasy belief of their own.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
How do the Christians that tattoo get around Leviticus 19:28?
Leviticus 19:28 “‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.
A lot of Christians when confronted with Leviticus 19:28, scream, "Hey dude, that’s not for today. Man, that’s the Old Testament. I’m under the New Testament".
Did you know that "bestiality" was only forbidden in the Old Testament Levitical Law? Only in Leviticus 18:23 and Leviticus 20:15-16. Dude, only in the Old Testament Law. Does that mean a Holy God now – under the New Testament, approves of bestiality?
By the way, have you ever read Leviticus 19:29? The verse immediately after Leviticus 19:28?
Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness. Leviticus 19:29
This is the only place in the Bible that God directly forbids someone to prostitute their daughter. And since, it’s only in the Old Testament Levitical Law – it MUST be ok by the Lord for a parent to cause their daughter to prostitute. Clearly that is ridiculous, but this is the same reasoning we see in interpreting the word of God today.
Same reasoning. . . Same disobedience. . . Same perversion of the Word of God.
IT’S ONLY "FOR THE DEAD”
But by far the Christian tattooists favorite excuse for disobeying Leviticus 19:28 is the
“nor print any marks upon you – for the dead".
Is it ok to practice satanic bloodletting, self mutilation or cutting of the flesh as long as it’s not for the dead?
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:28
Merrill F. Unger's, very popular and authoritative, Unger's Bible Dictionary under the definition for "Mark" includes the following reference for Leviticus 19:28:
"In Lev. 19:28 we find two prohibitions of an unnatural disfigurement of the body: 'Ye shall not make any cutting in your flesh for the dead, nor any print any marks upon you.' The latter (Heb. qa aqa, incision) refers to tattooing, and has no reference to idolatrous usages, but was intended to inculcate upon the Israelietes a proper reverence for God's creation."(Merrill F. Unger, Unger's Bible Dictionary, 1974 ed., p. 696)
Notice that Unger teaches that tattoos were forbidden without any reference to pagan, heathen, or idolatrous usages. In other words, the tattoo itself, regardless the reason, was forbidden.
Wycliffe’s Bible Encyclopedia under the definition for TATTOOING distinctly says:
"While ‘cuttings in the flesh’ have reference here to mourning customs [for the dead], the tattooing does not appear to pertain to such practice."(Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, 1975 ed., p. 1664)
Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary and Explanatory on the Whole Bible writes under Leviticus 19:28
"nor print any marks upon you–by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It is probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden, for they were signs of apostasy; and, when once made, they were insuperable obstacles to a return."(Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Leviticus 19:28)
James M. Freeman in his excellent book, The New Manners & Customs of the Bible, says of Leviticus 19:28:
"Tattooing Forbidden Both cutting and tattooing were done by the heathens, and so God forbade His people from doing so in imitation of them." (James M. Freeman, The New Manners & Customs of the Bible, 1998 edition, p. 157)
Coffman's Commentary on the Old and New Testament under Leviticus 19:18 says:
"The cutting of one's flesh also characterized pagan worship as attested by the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel in the contest with Elijah. Tattooing was also a device of paganism. . . Christians generally disapprove of tattooing, despite the fact of the widespread use of it by many even today. In the light of what God says here, and in view of the history of it, it seems strange that anyone would pay someone else to tattoo him."(Coffman's Commentaries on the Old and New Testament, Leviticus 19:28)
Charles R. Erdman in his commentary on Leviticus 19:28 writes:
"The custom of tattooing was forbidden, while among all the nations of antiquity it was common." (Charles R. Erdman, The Book of Leviticus, 1951 ed., p.93)
Naves famous Topical Bible puts it best. Under the topic "Tattooing", Nave’s simply and bluntly writes: "TATTOOING, forbidden, Lev. 19;28" (Nave's Topical Bible, p. 1312)
It’s clear that the experts in studying the word of God all agree that piercing and tattooing are forbidden and not of God. Why are we allowing the flesh to guide us instead of the spirit of God?
What about Isaiah 44:5 and Ezekiel 9:4?
I've seen several references by "Christian" tattooists who claim Isaiah 44 and Ezekiel 9 are examples of God-ordained tattoos in the Bible.
Isaiah 44:5 One shall say, I am the Lord's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
Ezekiel 9:4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
The following excellent explanation of Isaiah 44:5 and Ezekiel 9:4 came from a Jewish web site:
1) In Leviticus 19:28 the term used is "k'thoveth qa'aqa." "K'thoveth" means "writing or inscription." "Qa'aqa" comes from a root whose meaning is "to insert or to stick in." Together, "writing that is stuck in"(see Rashi's commentary on the verse). Jewish oral tradition explains that the verse is talking about what we refer to today as tattoos, i.e. scratching or piercing the skin and filling it in with pigment.(see the tractate "Makoth" 21a).
2) Isaiah 44:5 uses the word "yichtov" which means "will write" without the word "qa'a'qa" "to insert or to stick in." Isaiah is not talking about tattoos. What he is saying is "...and he will write with his hand to the L-rd..." like someone who signs a contract to express his utmost commitment and obligation(see Metzudath David's commentary on the verse).
3) Ezekiel 9:4 uses the word "tav" which means "a mark or a sign." The man clothed with linen is going to mark the foreheads of the righteous with ink, not tattoo them!
Someone who read the verses Isaiah 44:5 and Ezekiel 9:4 in the original Hebrew would never dream that they are referring to tattoos or the condoning of tattoos.
Defiling the temple of the living God
Most Christians, would never desecrate or defile the local church building. Even among most lost people there is a reverence and sacredness to the church building.
If you are truly born again the Holy Spirit of God dwells within you;
John 14:17; “the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you”
Romans 8:9; “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 makes this very clear.
1 Corinthians 6:19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
The Lord warns several times of the seriousness of defiling the temple of God – your body!
In 1 Corinthians 3, the Lord clearly and sternly warns against defiling your body – the temple of God. If any man defiles the temple of God – HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY!
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
My Christian friend, you’d better watch what you do with your body. It is the temple of a Holy God. You’d better not defile it with pagan, devil-worshiping tattoos! I don’t think we can quote this too often;
". . . If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. . ." 1 Corinthians 3:17
In the last days in which we are living there is a great deal of deception put forth by the enemy, we must recognize the signs of the times.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
If you won't listen to me then listen to someone that was once involved:
This person was involved in tattooing world and came out of it
"This is just another tactic of unregenerate/carnal Christians trying to marry the world to the Church. (referring to Christians accepting tattoos) I personally have come out of that type of lifestyle, even apprenticing as a tattooist. I have in my past, seen professing christians giving tattoos at "biker rodeos" and all I could think about those individuals was "yeah, right... hypocrites". Mind you, this was before I was saved. Now however, by the grace of God, I have been called to be a child of God instead of a child of disobedience and wrath. God makes it perfectly clear in the Scriptures that we shall not do these things to our bodies i.e. Leviticus 19:28, also in I Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20. We should honor this temple that God has given us and not defile it with graffiti. As a christian I would not even give an idle thought to the notion of being seen at such an establishment and hopefully those that are propagating this practice, that it is acceptable to the Lord Jesus and His body, be reproved for their error and restored to the true faith. Posted by: Trinity Cuningham at December 8, 2005 05:25 PM
I understand that people make mistakes and regret them after becoming a Christian and that there is little they can do to change them. This is not what I am talking about in this article; we are all forgiven for past mistakes and should not hold the past against anyone. It’s the Christians that should know better that are finding these pagan rituals acceptable and are partaking in them that need to be ashamed and repent.
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