PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
THE BIBLE AND TATTOO MARKS
Devotional Text: Lev.
19:28
Introduction:
The first part of the main Scripture text of
this lesson points to the ban on cutting marks on one’s body for the dead, (vs.
28A), whereas the second part places
inhibition on tattoo marks (vs. 28B).
According to Matthew Henry, the rites and ceremonies of cutting one’s
flesh for the dead, by which the heathens expressed their sorrow at funerals
must not be practiced or imitated, in line with the Law of Moses. They must not
make cuts or points in their flesh for the dead, for the heathen do so to
pacify the infernal deities they dream of, and by so doing, render their
propitious to their dead friends. John Wycliffe also notes that the prohibition
of any voluntary disfigurement of the person was in place, since both cutting
and tattooing of the body were practices by the heathen.
GENERAL REMARKS
(1)
Cutting of
marks on one’s body for the dead is idol worship that must be avoided, (Levi.
19:28)
(2)
Tattoo marks
show the identity of the devil and not Christ, (vs. 28)
(3)
The cutting
of marks on one’s body for the dead is
heathenish way to grieve for the dead (vs. 28)
(4)
Tattoo marks
are demonically inspired marks to show who belong to them, (vs. 28)
TATTOO AS MARK OF IDOL
In the words of Adam Clarke, “it was a very
ancient and general custom to carry tattoo marks on the body in honour of the
objects of their worship”. In this connection, Clarkes, as well notes that
there were several cases where persons have tattoos of the figures of the
cross, the Virgin Mary and more, made on
their arms, breasts and other parts of the body, in which the skin was being
first punctured, and then a blue colouring matter rubbed in, which is never
afterward effaced. All these were done for superstitious purposes and to such
things probably the prohibition in the verse as cited. The above citation
definitely shows that tattoo marks are the symbols or identities of the strange
gods or idols which people worship or identify with. Thus, the Holy Scripture
says:
(i)
You shall
not print any marks on your body for the dead, (Lev. 19:28)
(ii)
You should
not make a graven image, in the similitude of any figure of a god to you,
let
alone making tattoo of them, (Deut. 4:15-20)
(iii)
Any image in
the similitude of any figure including that of
Virgin Mary, Jesus, the cross, or any other saint or religious leader are
not to be reverend or worshiped or their tattoo ,marks carried on the body,
(vs. 15-20).
TATTOO MARKS AND CASTE (SYSTEM)
Adam Clarke further notes that, “all the
castes of the Hindus bear on their forehead or elsewhere what are called the
sectarian marks, which distinguish them, not only in a civil, but, from each
other”. The foregoing cites another evil of tattoo marks, as it shows that the
marks are used sometimes to identify those marked as slaves in certain caste
systems of the world. But, in Christ, all mankind are His creatures, all
conditions are deposed and regulated by His providence, and all human beings
are equally purchased by His Blood. Thus, in Christ Jesus, there is no caste
distinction to warrant tattoo marks, (Col. 3:10-11). By this, therefore, please
note that;
(i)
One of the
reasons for banning tattoo marks in the Law of Moses is that the heathens
sometimes used the marks to discriminate
against those they refer to as outcasts,(Lev. 19:28)
(ii)
The Lord
hates printing tattoo marks on the bodies of
individuals
as
a way of showing they are outcasts, (vs.
28)
(iii)
Now, by the
redemptive work of Christ Jesus, one who believes in Him
is not an outcast or slave, (Col. 3:10-11)
TATTOO MARKS AND THE MARKS OF
CHRIST
Now, that it has become obvious that tattoo
marks are heathenish, as well as the identity that distinguish members of
certain caste system and strange gods, it therefore, becomes expedient for the
Christian faithful to look forward to marks of identity of his faith. To this
end, the Apostle Paul says… henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear in my
body the marks of the Lord Jesus”, (Gal.6:17). Here, the Apostle probably
speaks of the many scars of the wounds he had received in the work of the
ministry of the Lord and other dehumanizing problems that come as a result of
his faith, which had remained indelible, in both his physical and psychological
life as tattoo marks, and not just any sectarian marks. In this connection, the
truth remains that;
(i)
The Marks of
Christ in the life of a Christian are not sectarian tattoo marks, but the
physical and psychological marks which come as a result of temptations and
trials of one’s faith, (Gal.6:17)
(ii)
The
Christian should endeavour to endure till the end, so as to be saved, (Matt.
10:22)
(iii)
…if he draws
back, the Lord will not have pleasure in him, (Heb. 10:38)
In
conclusion, let it be
sounded loud and clear that tattoo marks are evil marks initiated by the
kingdom of darkness to strike identity for the various demons in their
networks, and accordingly, the Word of God say no to such marks, as well as the
cutting of the body for the dead, as a way of mourning. This, therefore, should
be rejected and denounced by every Christian who truly desires to be with the Lord
in His kingdom, hereafter. MAKE SURE YOU
HAVE NOTHING WITH THE DEVIL!
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