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Welcome, and thanks very much for your question. There is no question in my mind that this is NOT an issue of salvation. In other words, there is no way that a person who has given their life to Christ and placed their faith in Him will go to Hell simply because they have a tattoo. Our salvation is by faith in Christ alone, and nothing we do or don't do, so long as our lives belong completely to Him, will affect where we go when we die.
I really think it's important to get some perspective on this issue. I know you've read the recent article I wrote about this subject, so let me just touch on a few points from there. The purpose of the commandment is to ensure that no one sees you and thinks you are a pagan or devil worshiper. Assuming that your tattoo is small and tasteful, my personal opinion is this: I wouldn't personally get one, but it's really not a big deal. If someone else were to tell me they got a tattoo of a demon skull life size on their back, well, that would be another story.
I suggested that it might be easier to witness to people when you don't have any tattoos so that they will be more likely to take you seriously. I did spend some time thinking about the scenario of witnessing to biker gangs or people who, themselves, have a lot of tattoos. In the end, I decided not to write about that scenario because for me, I would try to witness to them as I am - I would not try to pretend I was something that I'm not, and I would hope they would see Christ alive in me and accept me for that reason. But what if you used to be a biker before you came to know the Lord and had lots of tattoos? Does that make you any less able to witness to other bikers? Not at all. Does it make you any less of a Christian? Not for one second.
All in all, I think this is not a really big deal. If you are comfortable with your tattoo and you can honestly say that the Holy Spirit has not convicted you in this area to change, then I say don't worry about it for one more second. I would never, ever judge you for such a thing. In all things like this, we have to pray and let the Spirit guide us and let go of the small things. I think Christians tend to focus too much energy on little things and not enough on the big things, and this is a little thing for sure!
I hope this helps. God bless you!
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arsindelve-
4/25/2008 10:11:27 PM
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Thank you for your input. I actually said to my in-law today and he is a devout Christian that I felt as if he were judging me. He got a little upset. He said he was not judging me just that we should not do that to our bodies. Then he started talking about the mark of the beast. Can you explain that? He says that it will one day be like if we are not marked on our hands or head that we will not be able to get into stores or anywhere. Do you think that is what it will be? IsN'T that the government? I am doing the Lord's will I know. I am a RN and I work in a hospital and witness to people all the time. I feel like I do have a good relationship with the Lord. He has lead me in all the right directions. I have just had a hard day today about the tattoo thing and my in-law did hurt my feelings.
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anonymous-
4/25/2008 10:24:48 PM
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The "mark of the beast" comes from Revelation 16:2 if you want to read more about it. Some people think it will be a tattoo, but in my mind, there is no connection whatsoever between the mark of the beast, and recreational tattoo like the one you have. If I were you, I would not give it a second thought. From what you describe, your in-law is being too judgmental and taking some figurative language from Revelation out of context. You know where you stand in your relationship with Christ, so let Christ be your judge. He knows the good work your are doing for Him! It sounds like you have a very good, grounded perspective on everything, so try not to let this bother you.
Try to do what you can to avoid having this come in conversation with your in-law so the two of you can put it behind you - sometime two people will not see eye to eye, and all you can do is just avoid discussing it.
God bless!!
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arsindelve-
4/26/2008 8:08:26 PM
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congradulations you love Jesus and are no longer under the law!!!!
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Nxaxtxe777-
6/5/2008 5:36:23 PM
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