The Christian Letter, Volume One: Chapter 14, Part 5 of 6
For men, though for some women too, the tattoo is a mark of pride. Throughout history the tattoo bears the mark (pardon the pun) of sun worship, demonism, shamanism, mysticism, heathenism, and just about every other pagan belief known, even cannibalism. The tattoo has never been associated with Bible followers. Historically, when Christianity appears—tattoos disappear. (The only exception is the modern, lukewarm, disobedient, Christians.) Why did tattoos disappear? Because the former pagans knew they were evil, and so they put their faith and actions in: “Therefore, if anyone is in Messiah, he is a renewed creature—the old matters have passed away, see, all matters have become renewed!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Side note: As strange as it may sound, some actually use Revelation 19:16 as a proof text that it’s okay to tattoo yourself, because, as they see it, this shows the Messiah has a tattooed “thigh.” Many scholars believe this word to be “banner,” but even if it doesn’t mean that: I have a funny saying on my chest—no, not a tattoo—it’s just on my t-shirt. The Messiah would never break Yahoweh’s Word by having a tattoo. An exposed thigh is contrary to His dress in Revelation 1:13 where our High Priest’s robe is all the way down to His feet (Leviticus 16:4).
The tattoo is a fruit of pagan religion and mysticism. Without exception, with research after research, study after study, and book after book, the roots of the tattoo never wavers. The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration. It’s more than just a layer of ink cut into the skin. In fact, the tattoo, in every culture, in every country, is considered to be a vehicle for pagan, spiritual, and religious invocations. Even today, the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world, and this is still the number one reason given for getting a tattoo today. The second reason? Sex.
When asked why they got tattoos, some of the reasons given are, “To secure a place in heaven.” “Powers.” “To be sexy.” While some women have tattoos on the lower back called a, “tramp stamp” with Scripture on it, the tattoo retains its name and remains what it is: an act apart from His Commandments and Spirit.
“It doesn’t mean that to me.” I grow weary of this response. I am tired of it. Like stale dry bread, and no water, it leaves much to be desired. By far the Christians who are in favor of tattoos have this as their favorite excuse for disobeying Leviticus 19:28: “That old verse means you’re not supposed to tattoo yourself for the dead. It’s okay, as long it’s not for the dead.” Is it okay to practice satanic bloodletting or cutting of the flesh as long as it is not for the dead? Let’s take a closer look:
“And do not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor put tattoo marks on you. I am Yahoweh.” (Leviticus 19:28).
Notice the phrase, “for the dead,” is only referencing the cuttings of your flesh. The condemnation of, “nor put tattoo marks on you,” is not included by the phrase, “for the dead.” The tattoo itself, regardless of the reason, was forbidden. Many Christians work day and night to justify their open disobedience to the Word. Some scream, “Hey back off, that’s not for today. That’s the Old Testament; I’m under the New Testament.”
Bestiality (sex with an animal) was only forbidden in the “Old Testament” Leviticus Law, as was the sacrifice of children. By the way, have you ever read Leviticus 19:29? The verse immediately after the “it’s not for me” Leviticus 19:28?
“Do not profane your daughter by making her a whore, so that the land does not whore, and the land becomes filled with wickedness.” (Leviticus 19:29).
This is the only place in the Bible that directly forbids parents to prostitute their daughters. If you are thinking, “It’s only in the Old Testament Leviticus Law.” then is it acceptable for a parent to cause their daughter to become a prostitute? Will the disobedience of the church reach this point, when even prostitution is accepted? Or, by our dress, has it already?
One morning, as I was in the garden, the church bells rang—I thought I still had at least an hour—so I ran over to the church as quickly as I could. I came in and crept up the stairs to the sanctuary, where the congregation had just finished singing and were now sitting down. Many looked to the back of the church to see who had come in, and I thought sheepishly in my mind: ‘It’s just me. Sorry about that.’ Then several of the elders of the church got up and started walking towards me, and in my mind I thought with an uplifted heart: ‘This is wonderful. They are coming to great me.’ Then I noticed their faces … those of malice. One of them was red in the face angry, and began repeatedly moving his hand from his brow to above his head as he huffed and puffed in unison. It was then I realized I still had my hat on. Sometimes you have a hat on for so long that you forget you do. Well, I do anyway.
At once, I removed my hat. As soon as I did, they stopped coming towards me, and returned to their pews as they kept looking back at me with a glare and distrust. Stepping to the side, I sat in the back of the church, and wondered about such things as I began to notice the women sitting in front of me, wearing see through clothing. I could see the outline and color of their bra straps through the back of their shirts. Through the service, I looked at the floor, and thought about other assemblies that would not let me in unless I wore a hat. After the service, though, it really hit me. People turned around, and, to my repulsion, as well as sorrow, I turned my eyes away not fast enough: A man had a tin of tobacco sticking out of his tight jeans. Women were wearing shirts that were sheer. The woman in front of me was exposing half of her breasts, which were nearly falling out of her dress. The tattoo on her breasts I am keen to forgive, for I dare not judge a person on what they once were, but immodesty was a decision made that very morning! I yelled to myself: “Why didn’t the elders jump up and run over to these men and women! Why was my hat a concern, but immoral dress, drugs, and glaring looks, were just fine?” … To be honest, I have not gone back to that church since.
I do not say this in condemnation, though, as, “Afterward Yahoshuah found him in the Set-apart Place, and said to him, ‘See, you have been made well. Sin no more, so that no worse matter befalls you.’” (John 5:14). The world’s dirt gets on us all, and sometimes it stains for a long time, but I know that through Him, He can wash away every sin. Yet, was my hat a true problem?
Be Blessed and be a Blessing.
Shalom
-Valentine Thalken Billingsley
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