So the question is simply this: what is your final authority? Many look to so many things of the world to shape their opinions: TV, Radio, Sports figures, Hollywood, even friends. However, these sources are not designed to edify and educate the believers of Christ, the Bible is. As you will see in the topics covered, society definitely has a contradicting if not differing opinions on these topics; the biggest issue is that too many Christians listen to the sources of the world over the words of God.
This article will deal with some worldly practices such as tattoos, piercing and other practices that are more and more becoming accepted by “Christians” and even encouraged to participate in … FROM THE PULPIT. As this is a current practice we should examine what the Bible has to say about it rather than any opinion.
Ye are not your own…
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.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Biblical separation is a fundamental and paramount teaching in the Word of God. If we are saved, we are new creatures, bought with a price; as such we should live as such. The “choices” we make about what we do with our bodies should be made with the understanding that the rightful owner, might want a say in it!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Consider the mindset that your neighbor comes to your home, grabs the keys of your brand new car and takes it for a spin. Furthermore however, he takes it to a bodyshop and has it painted, has holes drilled in the trunk and installs a huge spoiler, swaps for 20 inch rims and tires, changed the suspension and lowered it 2 inches; then brings the car back to you. In this effort he paid thousands of dollars using top quality parts and materials; the best technicians and top paid professionals specializing in performance cars…
Despite all the reasons and the excuses that can be made to justify this neighbor’s generosity, the issue was simply this: it wasn’t his to do this to.
We are noting that those claiming to be Christians are doing the same. They may use the best artists in the industry, done with the safest of practices to paint, pierce and modify their bodies; however the conclusion is still the same… it’s not theirs to do so with. We have been bought with a price, we no more have the right to alter our bodies as Christians, as that neighbor did; no matter the motivation or good intention. I have spoken with many who will “justify” a tattoo because they places one of their children’s names, mother’s name or even the name of Jesus. When God speaks to these things (see below) He didn’t give a list of what is acceptable to mark on your body or what is acceptable to pierce your body with; in fact the opposite is true.
1 Corinthians 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
If Christians in the service of God could wrap their heads around this we might cast aside the ridiculous reasoning that we give to justify our sins… Simply put: practice what we preach.
I have in my ministry always used this conclusory thought, if you truly want to know what is perceived as sin don’t ask a Christian… as a lost man. Ask someone who has lost it all from sin if what you want to do that is commonplace for the world to do, is right for a Christian to do…
Note: Trying to justify your sin by finding verses brought out of context to justify a sin or trying to explain it away, does not change the Word of God or God’s position on the matter. If we truly compare our actions and motives with the mindset, “would Jesus do that”… it might change what we do.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Tattoos, Printing, Cutting and Piercings
This has become such a hotbed topic over recent years becoming more and more popular both with the world and those professing to be Christians. This, like so many other things it seems; if you add the word “Christian” in front of it… that somehow makes it right. However, the Word of God is very clear on this topic.
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.
If I heard this one, I’ve heard it a dozen times: saying “that’s Old Testament” or “we’re not under the law but grace”. Again, trying to explain away the Word of God to justify sin, in my opinion; is just as much sin as the sin itself. When you look at those things that came from Moses law verses God’s law you will see that quite simply, if God thought it was important then, why wouldn’t it be important now? Furthermore the statements in the scripture that are specifically accredited to the Lord.. such as: “I am the Lord” or “and the Lord God said”… these are items that have consistency in the scriptures except for those rare instances that God dispensationally ends it. The cuttings in your flesh and markings on your body.. have never been rescinded by God.
I might make note that we should abstain from all appearance of evil, such as temporary tattoos, or even taking an ink pen and writing on your flesh. While some might dismiss this as innocent, these are things a Christian should not do; or allow their children to do.
Cutting of the Flesh
Leviticus 21:5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
Deuteronomy 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
The cutting of the flesh has ALWAYS been associated with a satanic mindset and influence. Emotional instability has found the mutilation of the body as a characteristic that medical professionals and counselors are trained to look for. Additionally branding, burning and cutting of the lips, nose, ears, breasts, face, neck, vaginal tissue and piercing of the same has been observed in African, Asian, Hawaiian and other tribal customs, including tattoos and the stain or markings of the flesh. Those considered to be the most “Godless” or heathen, as the Bible calls them; for years has practiced this mutilation of the body in an attempt to appease a false god.
This fact alone confounds me the most. Why don’t Christians know this and reject it? Because the world has become louder than the preachers and teachers of God’s Word. So afraid to “offend”. I recall Dr. Phil Kidd once said “your churches, Pastors; will be filled with those things you don’t preach about.”
1 Kings 18:28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.
This account in context brings about an account of Elijah had seen Israel begin to follow the satanic prophets of Baal and cast away the things of God… in direct rebellion. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to bring down fire from Heaven to consume the sacrifice. As the account goes, the prophets called and called their false god… and nothing happens; then verse 28. Cutting of the flesh is always part of a satanic influence of the mutilation of the body. This includes piercings, branding and tattoos.
Earrings
Another societal practice is that of piecing of the ears. So many use this “acceptable” piercing as a platform to justify piercings in other parts of the body. However, the only time that this practice is identified is for an indentured servant.
Deuteronomy 15:17 Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.
Purity of the Body
These are those as mentioned that are quick to explain away verses saying that they are “old testament” or “ those are under the law, we are under grace”. It is important to note that the major difference of the Law verses Grace is where it is written down.
Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
If it was something that was important to God then, it should be important now. Furthermore, there are those things that God provided in the form of a command for specific people, for a specific time, for a specific reason; God is just as specific to identify them.
The following verses here are in the New Testament and by examination of the fundamental purpose, say or echo the same as the old testament referenced without having be a command or “a law”.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Note this observation: When you first start driving you learn that there is a speed limit and taught to obey it. However the experienced driver knows “why” those signs and laws are important. Same as the old testament and the new. Under the new covenant God wants us to have an understanding of why those things are important.
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.
This verse is so important and so very much ignored in the modern church. Would you think it a crime if someone took your new car and repainted it? Drilled holes in it? Scratched it, marred it, dented it, burnt it? I would dare say that most people would say that they did not have the right to do those things… because they did not own it; you did.
How much more do we, that are Christians; feel that we have the right to damage something that God owns?
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
So often the modern Church is been so fooled and misled. Literally yielding themselves as instruments of unrighteousness being control by the hand of the world. Is it any wonder that the lost world look at Christians as a joke, hypocrites; by not practicing that which we preach. We slap the term “Christian” in front of a sinful act and it somehow makes it spiritual. You might feel good that you were able to find a verse or mindset that somehow you feel exonerates or justifies your sin, but that lost man looks at what you have to offer; and is left wanting.
Drinking Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol, the lifestyle that surrounds it and the draw that it has on Christians is certainly nothing new. Christians puff out with the “Jesus drank wine” claim as justification of drinking, or even the “all things done in moderation” to even a practical excuse of social drinking.
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Deception is the way of satan, not God. If God so plainly identifies the facts that a fermented alcoholic beverage that is called wine, is not something that God’s people should drink; why is it that those who seek to be called Christians work so hard to justify drinking it?
Isaiah 5:11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Leviticus 10:9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:
10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;
Allow me to pause here on verse 10. There is or SHOULD BE a clear difference between hooly and unholy, clean and unclean. There should never be a question from the lost world that God is clean and Holy and His children are clean and holy! When we were lost we knew drinking, smoking, tattoos, piercings, cuttings and branding were wrong; yet when we get saved we want to bring those things into our life and body?
Jesus Drank Wine
Lets tackle this with Bible.
Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
John Chapter 2 gives an account where Jesus turned water into wine.. however:
John 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
It does NOT say that Jesus drank wine.
Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Note: “but wisdom is justified of her children”, the context of this statement is a contrast to the statement of rather the false accusation that was made; simply… God’s people know better.
I can elaborate more to deal with “new wine vs fermented wine” but I will say it like this: God’s people should know better. There should be things of the world we stay away from, that we avoid for testimony’s sake if nothing else. But because there are those that like to run to verses to justify their action, lets deal with this one too:
1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
It is no secret that alcohol, taken properly, can be used in the production of; and use as a medicinal remedy. However, as a medicine is not the gateway or excuse to have a glass of wine with dinner at your favorite restaurant.
Is your testimony something that is important to you? Is your “liberty” more precious to you that a soul saved?
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Corrupt Communication
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
One of the traps that Christians often fall into is the language of the world. Now too often this is identified as “cussing” but it goes so much further. What we say and how we say it can build up and tear down. It it the most direct way for us to identify ourselves as Christians, but also the fastest way to destroy that testimony.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Psalms 39:1a I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue:…
Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Psalms 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Take a close look at Peter outside the hall where Jesus was on trial, 3 times Peter was challenged and 3 times he denied however; note what it took to get the people to believe that he was NOT with Jesus:
Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
Social Media
So you might wonder how social media made it on the list of worldly sins. This is perhaps a topic that is not clearly understood in the relationship of tattoos, piercings, cuttings, alcoholism, homosexuality and corrupt communication. In today’s method of media this has been used as the medium that satan has used to change the messaging using short simplistic messages that removes the need or desire for thinking for ones self.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
We are exposing ourselves to evil communications that cause us to think, hear and see things differently.
We are being bombarded by false information, misinformation, half truths and outright lies. The trouble is compounded when we see that this is all is being passed as normal.
We turn on the TV, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, twitter, snapchat and more and we are exposing our minds to corrupt communication that we, turn around and tell each other; without even thinking about what we are saying.
HOW ARE WE to have a heart and mind prepared to receive God’s message if seconds before you open your bible (if you brought one) you were on Tik Toc watching corrupt communication, fornication, profanity, vanity, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, those that are disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, highminded and lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God? ALL OF THIS AND MORE IS WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA USES TO SUCCEED… and is directly identified in the scriptures. (2 Timothy 3) This medium can change the environment and method whereby we process information. This causes even Christians to corrupt good manners, corrupt and twist God’s law into suggestions.
Homosexuality
There is much that can be said about the sin of homosexuality. I must note, this is NOT a variant of God; this is a sin that society has embraced and seeks to justify. God has been CLEAR in this matter from the very beginning throughout to the end and there is no variableness.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
It is important to look at the point that homosexuality is not the beginning of sin but a product of it. Romans chapter 1 as well as the preceding verses are clear that this sin is a result or eventuality of the depravity of sin:
- Vain in imagination
- Foolish heart was darkened
- professing themselves to be wise
- Changed image of God into animal
- God gave them up to uncleaness
- Dishonor their own bodies (tattoos and piercings, self mutilation)
THEN #7… God gave them into Vile Affections…
The rest is what is left after someone takes sin that far!
It is a clinical fact that those interviewed in rehab facilities that a large majority of those who came out as homosexual reported they were sexually assaulted as a child. Furthermore are those children who were introduced to sin early through movies and media including pornography. Additionally children in single parent homes where clear and identifiable roles were established.
There is no path identified where God should bow down or change to societal wills. The sin of homosexuality is a gateway for the world to push gender neutrality, transgenderism, pedophilia, bestiality and any other whim of the flesh to be validated and legislated. Now we see it being allowed in the Church and pushed by nearly all religions. In fact it is the ultimate corruption of the Word of God that brings together all the major sins identified in this article.
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.