THE BIBLE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

 

THE BIBLE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

Devotional Text: Psalm 15

Introduction:

Theologically, righteousness is the state of being right with God, and by way of information, the righteousness that makes one right with God is Christ-centered and not self-centered, (Rom. 3:21-23). Practically, too, righteousness is the quality of doing things right,, principally, in line with the stipulations of the Holy Scripture, which in effect, is a demonstration of holiness, purity, uprightness and rectitude. The righteousness that commands rightness with God must be beyond self or mere presentation of religious good works, which was the form of the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, which Jesus cautions against, when He says… “Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, , hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation”, (Matt.2314). In line with this, there must be no hypocrisy in our righteousness, if our righteousness must be accepted by God. In other words, our righteousness must be transparent and full of godliness and manifested through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, (Phil. 3:8-9).

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       Righteousness inspires upright walk in someone, (Psalm 15:2A)

(2)       Righteousness imbues speaking the truth in the heart, (vs. 2B)

(3)       Righteousness does not backbite, nor does evil to neighbours, (vs. 3)

(4)       Righteousness generates integrity, (vs. 4).

THE FUTILITY OF SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Self righteousness is not acceptable to God. Thus, Isaiah remarks that, …“we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind, have taken us away”, (64:6). In furtherance, the Apostle Paul says, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law, for righteousness to everyone who believes”, (Rom. 10:1-4). The cited Scriptures shows that God does not look at anyone from the vantage of his personal righteousness, but from the point of the Righteousness of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, (vs. 4), and any righteous act done outside Christ, is but a filthy rag before Him (Isa. 64:6). By this, therefore, this lesson stresses that;

(i)                    Our self acts of righteousness cannot save us (Rom. 10:1-4), since they are regarded

as rubbish before God, (Isa. 64:6)

(ii)                  God’s Righteousness is not by self acts of good deeds (vs. 6), but by faith of Jesus Christ, (Rom. 3:22)

(iii)                 Outside Jesus Christ, no acts of righteousness are acceptable to God (Rom. 10:3-4), since

 self righteousness cannot achieve the excellence of the knowledge of Christ, (Phi. 3:8-9).

EVIDENCES OF GENUINE RIGHTEOUSNESS

The main text of this lesson concretely gives the evidences of genuine righteousness, which God accepts. To this end, it notes that a person of genuine righteousness is a person of upright walk, as well as one who speaks the truth from the heart (Psalm 15:2). Such a fellow also does not backbite, nor does evil to his neighbour, as he, equally does not take up reproach against his friend, (vs. 3). From the text, as well, one notices that a person with genuine righteousness does not honour those who are morally bankrupt, but honours those who fear the Lord, (vs. 4). Furthermore, one who possesses the quality of genuine righteousness does not change his mind when he vows or becomes committed to a promise, nor does he give out loan on the basis of receiving interest from the needy (vs. 4-5).  And, he does not take bribes against the innocent, (vs. 5). The cited biblical text shows righteousness in its practical terms, as it concludes that, “he who does these things shall never be moved”, (vs. 5). In this connection, please observe that;

(i)                    “treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death”, (Rom. 10:2)

(ii)                  “riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death”, (Prov. 11:4)

(iii)                 “in the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death, (Prov. 12:28).

EVIDENCES OF FALSE RIGHTEOUSNESS

The expression of Jesus,…”Beware of the leaven (doctrine) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be made known (Luke 12:1-2) shows that the Pharisees were really a religious sect of false righteousness. In certain occasion,  Jesus refers to them, with their counterparts, the Scribes, as hypocrites, and labelled them, painted sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness, (Matt. 23:27). This, indeed implies that the Scribes and the Pharisees were peoples of false righteousness, which became evidenced in their religious activities, as they prayed in pretence (Matt. 23:14), and equally paid tithe, showing some works of righteousness, but were full of wickedness and injustices, (vs. 23-26). This correlates the attitude of most members of the Christian church of this era, who;

(i)                    spend much time praying for the needy, but are heart-hardened in helping them, (James 2:14 -17)

(ii)                  pay tithe, but are full of wickedness and immorality, (Matt. 23:23)

(iii)                 attend church activities regularly, but live in secret sins, (Luke 12 2-3)

In conclusion, please not that God is righteous and loves righteousness. However, it is important to quickly remind ourselves that self-righteousness does not find approval in His Sight, as He equally shuns false righteousness, which was the stuff of the Scribes and Pharisees. Thus, this lesson shows that, it is only in Christ Jesus that righteousness can find approval in the Sight of the Most High, (Rom. 3:21-23). EMBRACE HIM TODAY!

THE BIBLE AND PURE RELIGION

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND PURE RELIGION 

Devotional Text: James 1: 27

Introduction:

The EN English dictionary defines religion as “the belief in, and worship of a Supernatural Controlling Power, especially a Personal God or gods. And, the Bible portrays “Pure Religion” as a caring religion. This connotes the concept of practical Christianity, which demonstrates genuine love towards the less-privileged members, by providing their basic necessities of life. To this end, the scriptural text of this lesson stresses that, “Pure Religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”, (James 1:27).

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     Pure Religion must be undefiled before God (vs. 27)

(2)     Pure Religion seeks to do the will of our heavenly Father, (vs. 27)

(3)     Pure Religion takes care of the less-privileged in society (vs. 27)

(4)     Pure Religion must be unspotted from the world (vs. 27)

PURE RELIGION AND DEFILEMENT

Pure Religion does not condone any form of pollution or impurity, as it inspires hope and positive living aimed at being like Christ. In this connection, the Holy Scripture says … “now are we the sons of God and it have not appeared what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2-3). This shows that the evidence of Pure Religion is a practical life of holiness, for He says… be holy, for I am holy, (1 Peter1:16). To this end, therefore;

(i)                   whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law, (1 John 3:4)

(ii)                 and you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin (vs. 5)

(iii)                whosoever abides in him sins not; whosoever sins had not seen, nor know Him, (vs.6)

PURE RELIGION AND CHARITY

Charity is another mark of Pure Religion, and charity, in general, is an attitude of kindness and understanding towards others, and often manifested in benevolence to people less fortunate than ourselves, by providing goods or money to those in need. This supports the biblical truth that, Pure Religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction… (James 1:27B). Without charity one’s religion is nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-2), and when one shows kindness without charity, it profit nothing, (vs. 3). So, Pure Religion goes with genuine charity. Based on the foregoing, please notice other characteristics of charity;

(i)                   charity suffers long, and is kind: charity envies not: charity vaunts not itself unseemly; seeks not her own; is not easily provoked; thinks no evil (1 Cor. 13:4-5)

(ii)                 charity rejoices not in iniquity; but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things; endues all things (vs. 6-7)

(iii)                charity never fails; but whether there be  prophecies, they shall fail, whether there be tongues, they shall cease, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away, (vs. 8)

PURE RELIGION AND WORLDLINESS

Pure Religion has nothing to do with worldliness. For, it sticks to the Scripture, “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; if any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes; and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away; and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abides forever”, (1 John 2:15-17). The world is a point of pollution to Pure Religion, and so, one with Pure Religion must keep oneself unspotted from the world, (James 1:27C). In line with the above, let it be noted that Pure Religion must;

(i)                   have nothing to do with the lust of the eyes and flesh, as well as the pride of life, (1 John 2:15-16)

(ii)                 not allow the spots of the pollution of the world, (James 1:27)

(iii)                get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the Word of God, which can save, (James 1:21)

In conclusion, please, note that Pure Religion has three outstanding characteristics; the undefiled state, charity and freedom from the pollutions of the world, which the Lord Jesus Christ is the Absolute Source of Enablement, for without Him, we can do nothing, (John 15:5). SO, YOU NEED HIM!

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND CASTE SYSTEM

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND CASTE SYSTEM

 

Devotional Text: Col. 3:9-11

Introduction:

According to Wikipedia, caste (system) is a form of social stratification (or class structure) characaterised by hereditary transmission of a lifestyle which often includes an occupation, status in a hierarchy and customary social interaction and exclusion. The caste system is widely practiced in various forms in most societies of the world. But, for the purpose of this lesson, the focus will be on caste system among the Igbo of Nigeria, especially; Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo, and Delta states, where the Osu Caste system has been, and remains a big social problem. The Osu Caste, in the cited areas, is determined by one’s birth into a particular family, irrespective of the religion practiced by the individual. One born into the Osu Caste is automatically branded an outcast, and in view of this, the individual is shunned and ostracized with limited opportunities or acceptance regardless of his ability or merit. This is biblically wrong and should be stopped in keeping with the concept of the brotherhood of all mankind.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       In Christ, there is no tribal discrimination against anybody, thus the Bible says, there is no Greek nor Jew, (Col. 3:11)

(2)       Equally, in Christ, there is no religious discrimination against anyone, thus, it recognises no one as circumcise

 nor uncircumcised, (vs. 11).

(3)       In Christ, also, there is no social discrimination against any individual, thus, it does not see anyone

 as Barbarian nor Scythian, (vs.11)

(4)       Finally, in Christ, no one is regarded as slave, since it says, there is no bond nor free, (vs.11)

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND THE STRUCTURE OF CASTE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

In this lesson, it has already been indicated that the teaching will concentrate on caste system in Nigeria, as practiced in the Igbo communities of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo and Delta states. However, the drive here is to draw attention to the complete menu of the caste system in the cited areas, since the Osu Caste is about the only one often in focus. But, there are three layers in the caste system of Nigeria, namely; the “Diala”, the “Osu” and the “Ume” classes. In this social order, the Diala Class is believed to be the only “good stuff”, since by this demonic tradition, it offered the Osu Class to the gods of the land, as the Osu Class became responsible for the offering of  the Ume Class to the same or similar gods of the land. Thus, the Osu Class is regarded as outcasts and slaves of the Diala Class, while the Ume Class are seen as those of the Osu Class, and so, the “slaves of slaves”. This demonic social order, the Bible is strictly against, as it impresses that;

(i)                    no religious segregation should exist in the Body of Christ, (Col. 3:9-11)

(ii)                  tribal distinction should equally not have a place in the Christian Church, (vs. 9-11)

(iii)                 no one should be regarded as slave or outcast in the House of God, (vs. 9-11)

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH CASTE SYSTEM IN SOCIETY

The Scripture “let brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1) marks out the identity of the Christian Faith. And, in society, the Christian should champion the course of love without discrimination. To this end, God’s Word remarks… “Do well to all men”… as the Lord presents the opportunity, (Gal. 6:10). This shows the nondiscriminatory stance of the Christian Faith, in love and human relations. But, evidences abound that many Christians goof in the cited area of practical Christianity. The caste system is a very serious discriminatory issue in society, which a vast majority of Christians are guilty of. For, even among Christians are “individuals who believe they are of the “Diala Class”, and so, have nothing to do with those of the “Osu” and “Ume” classes, in terms of marriage and other social interactions. This is a deadly blind spot, since the “Diala Class” is also demonic, and does not make one a child of God, but that of the “diala demon”, in whose name the Diala Class is founded. In this connection, therefore, let it be stressed that those of the;

(i)                    “Diala Class” remain children of the “diala demon” (or the devil) and not children of God, unless the repent and receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour, (John 1:11-12)

(ii)                  “Osu” and “Ume” classes who have repented and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour  are no longer outcasts, (1 Cor. 12:13), but children of God, (John 1: 11-12)

(iii)                 “Diala” “Osu” and “Ume” classes who refuse to repent are children of the “diala demon”, “osu demon” and “ume demon”, respectively, and can never be children of  God unless they repent and embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, (John 1:11-12; 1 Cor. 12:13).

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND THE IMPORT OF CASTE SYSTEM INTO THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

By “Biblical Christianity” the writer means that Christian Faith that is built on the principles of God’s Word, which are never compromised. God’s Word does not portray anyone who is in Christ as “Diala” “Osu” or “Ume”. But, regrettably, the Christian Church of toady harbours a lot of individuals who still believe they are of the “Diala Class” and have nothing to do with those of the “Osu” or “Ume” castes, even if they are Born Again Christians. This was how the Apostle Peter viewed the Gentiles until the Lord rebuked him in a trance, and said… “What God hath cleansed, you should not call common or unclean,”… (Acts 10:9-16). By this, the lesson in focus submits that;

(i)                    Those Christians who believe they are of the “Diala Class”, and so, have no dealings with those of

the “Osu” or “Ume” classes, are really offending God, (vs. 9-16)

(ii)                  No Christian should be discriminated against on the basis of “osu” or “ume” class distinctions, in marriage

 or other social interactions, as such an attitude is against the Word of God, (vs. 9-16)

(iii)             The Christian who believes he is of the “Diala Class”, and so, have no association with those of the “osu” or “ume” classes makes himself a child of the “diala demon” or the devil, and not a child of God, (vs. 9-16)

In conclusion, the caste system, no matter where it is practiced in the world, is of the devil, and should be condemned and dismounted. For, before God, all men are equal, and by way of information, the only thing that makes one an outcast before the Lord God is sin, (Isa. 59:2). PLEASE, REPENT!

THE BIBLE AND OBJECTS OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

 

THE BIBLE AND OBJECTS OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP

Devotional Text: Deut. 4:15-20

Introduction:

By “object of religious worship” attention is drawn to those religious graven images that depict certain concepts, deities, saints or personalities in certain religions of the world. These, the Bible strictly forbids in religious worship and practices, when it says, “take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spoke unto you in Horeb out of the midst of fire. Lest ye corrupt yourselves and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flies in the air. The likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth. And less thou lift up your eyes  unto heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon, and the stars, even all the hosts of heaven, and be driven to worship and serve them”…(Deut. 4:15-19).

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       The cited Scripture reveals that God Has not revealed the similitude of His person at any time, (vs. 15-19)

(2)       The Scripture, also reveals that all religious symbols in the similitude of anything are not ordained by God, (vs. 15-19)

(3)       The scriptural implication of all forms of religious symbols in use today,  therefore, is that they represent strange

gods and not the Lord of Heaven and earth, (vs. 15-19)

(4)       The Scripture in focus equally shows that the photograph of the figure of the glorified state of Jesus which some religious groups present to the world today is false, since no camera or any other human equipment can take the photograph

of Jesus in His glorified state, (vas. 15-19)

OBJECTS OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

From the Old Testament era, the Bible shows that God forbids the worship of graven images, as cited in the main text of the lesson. Here, God reveals His desire to be worshipped in spirit and in truth, which Jesus cites in the Gospel of John, (4:24). For, when God is worshipped in spirit and in truth, no religious images or symbols are required, as what is needed in this context of worship is the spirit of the worshipper connecting the Spirit of God in worship (vs. 24), and not just any kind of fruitless attempt to establish religious contact  with God through any form of religious objects or symbol like; medals, beads, apron, bangles and a host of others, which amount to idol worship, considering the Word of God, as cited in Deuteronomy 4:15-20. This reveals that in the Old Testament;

(i)                    No religious objects of any shape were required for worship (vs. 15-20)

(ii)                  Any religious objects in the similitude of man or woman, animal or bird, star, moon

 and sun were regarded as idols (vs.15-20)

(iii)                 God was worshipped in spirit and in truth, as Jesus later cited in the New Testament (John 4:24)

OBJECTS OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

                        As cited in the previous section of this lesson, Jesus reveals that, “God is spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), and in turn says, He is the way, the truth and life, and that no one comes to the Father but by Him” (John 14:16), which accordingly removes all forms of religious symbolism or images in the worship of God, (Deut. 4:15-20_. For His Name shall be called Emmanuel, which by interpretation means, God is with us, (Matt. 1:23). Therefore, now that the Lord God Has revealed Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ, it becomes evident that no other intermediary is required between God and man, except the Lord Jesus Himself, (1 Tim.2:5). This makes it clearer that;

(i)                    God does not require any other religious object in worship except Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, (Deut. 4:15-20)

(ii)                  Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and Life, and no one comes to the Father, but by Him, (John 14:6).

(iii)                 There is no other mediator between God and man, except our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, (1 Tim. 2:5)

OBJECTS OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP AND THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Before the crucifixion and ascension of Jesus Christ, He promised another Comforter, who would lead the Christian-church, in the person of the Holy Spirit, (John 14:16;26;15:26). In furtherance, Jesus remarks, …”I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send Him unto you” (John 16:7). This promise was officially fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, (Acts 2:1-4). What a glorious handover of the Christian Church into Able Hands of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity! For, there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word(Jesus) and the Spirit,  and these three are one, (1 John 5:7) Having stressed the above, now observe the n the Old Testament, every object of religious worship was forbidden (Deut. 16:15-20) , in the New Testament, Jesus became reveals as the  Express Image of His Person (Heb. 1:3) and in the Christian Church era, the Holy Spirit is the leader, (Acts. 10:19). So, in the Christian Church, also;

(i)                    Religious objects of worship like, medal, bead, bangle, images of Mary, Joseph or any other saint or figure (Deut 4:15-20) are, as well forbidden, as the Holy Spirit now leads, (Acts 10:19)

(ii)                  Only Jesus remains the figure of worship, and the way to the Father (John 14:6), as the Holy Spirit testifies of Him, (John 15:26)

(iii)                 Worship and contact with the Spirit of God should be by the spirit (John 4:24) and not by any religious objects like; medal, bangle, bead, etc. (Deut. 4:15-20)

In conclusion, let it be summarized that in the Old Testament, all forms of religious images are forbidden in worship (Deut. 4:15-20), and tagged idols. In the New Testament, Jesus became manifested as the only Figure of acceptable worship before God, the Father (John 14:6), while in the Christian Church era, the Holy Spirit becomes the center of adoration and worship to God, the Father, Son and Himself, (the Holy Spirit), being one, (1 John 5: 7), foreclosing the use of religious images in worship.  BEWARE OF IDOL WORSHIP!

THE BIBLE AND TATTOO MARKS

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

  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!