What does the Bible say about tattoos and body piercings?

The scriptures from the Old Testament mention body piercings and cutting one's self, however there is no mention of the practice in the New Testament.

Leviticuis 19:28 You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD.

Why did the Lord forbid these two practices – cuts and tattoos? The context of the prohibitions mentioned in Leviticus 19" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 19 is to protect the Israelites from heathen practices related to idol worship.

Notice the other verses mentioned in this chapter.

Other forbidden practices were:

eating meat in which there still was blood (v. 26a);
omens and fortune telling (v. 26b);
hair cuts that were in the style of idolatrous temples (v. 27);
making cuttings in one's flesh as an expression of mourning for the dead (v. 28a);
making marks on the body like the pagan people around Israel (v. 28b);
giving a daughter up for prostitution. This was probably done, not for the money the trade would have brought to the parents, but likely for the purpose of becoming a "holy prostitute" in pagan temple worship (v. 29);
not honoring the Sabbath Day (v. 30);
communicating with spirits (v. 31).

In the New Testament the instructions given to believers in relation to pagan worship is in found in three passages: Romans 14," TARGET="_blank">Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 10." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10. The questions in the churches of Rome and Corinth were about whether to eat meat used in the temple and holidays that were holy to the Jews.

The Christian should not participate in worship in the temples of the gods of the heathen, which are in reality not gods, but demons (1 Corinthians 10:20)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:20). This would lead us to avoid purposeful contact with pagan religious practices, including being careful about the food we buy. However, if someone were to offer a believer a meal, it is wise not ask questions about the source of the meat. After all, the meat was created by God and is good for food.

If we apply the principles in these three chapters to the practice of tattoos, we could conclude that a believer shouldn't purposefully mark his body. But if someone does have a tattoo, we shouldn't condemn him either.

In today's culture, tattoos are common in drug users, criminal gangs and the occult. Why would a believer intentionally imitate a practice from these groups?

1 Peter 2:9" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Ephesians 5:11" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Shad Sluiter
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Why does the Bible refer to the Spirit as "itself" rather than "himself"?

Why do the Scriptures refer to the Spirit of God as "itself" occasionally?

The Spirit is twice referred to as "itself" in Romans 8:16" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:16 and 26. Greek students tell us that the pronoun in the original is neuter in strict grammatical agreement with the word "Pneuma" (Spirit), a neuter word. Since the Spirit is a person in the Godhead, other translations read, "Himself."

Our Lord Jesus used the masculine pronoun "He" with the neuter "Spirit" in John 14:16, 17;" TARGET="_blank">John 14:16, 17; John 15:26;" TARGET="_blank">John 15:26; John 16:7,8,13." TARGET="_blank">John 16:7,8,13. Using this "phenomenon of grammar," as another has called this exceptional use of the masculine pronoun, He shows that the Spirit is a person.

W. Gustafson
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Is the role of an elder's wife as significant as her husbands?

Is her role just as significant as her husband’s?

Yes. Eve was equally responsible for the work entrusted to them on creation’s sixth day (Genesis 1:28)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:28). Her role in fulfilling that work was different, but inseparable from Adam’s role. Competition between a man and his wife is unbecoming; marriage should reflect the wonderful union between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:32). Each rejoices in the usefulness of the other and supports and encourages the other in fulfilling God’s will.

A husband who fails to appreciate the significance of his wife’s role does not understand God’s intention in his marriage. Having responsibility as an overseer never exempts a man from his responsibilities as a husband. He is equally accountable to the Lord for both roles. Caring for and nurturing his wife (Eph 5:29)" TARGET="_blank">Eph 5:29) will express the kindness, sensitivity, and concern that should mark his shepherding work in the assembly (see 1 Thessalonians 2:7)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 2:7). In caring for his marriage, he will be better equipped to "take care of the church of God" (1 Timothy 3:5)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:5).

D. Oliver

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Will all people eventually be saved?

UNIVERSALISM

Do not scriptures such as Colossians 1:20," TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:20, Ephesians 1:10;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:10; 1 Timothy 2:4-6;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:4-6; 1 Timothy 4:10;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:10; Romans 5:19;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:22-28; Philippians 2:9-11;" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:9-11; teach the universal salvation of the race? Will not all men be saved?

This questioner is a “Universalist,” believing that all fallen creatures will one day be restored to Divine favour, and brought to heaven.

Let us examine each verse in turn:

there is nothing in Phil. 2:9-11" TARGET="_blank">Phil. 2:9-11 about willing submission. All will bow the knee and confess Christ as Lord, if not willingly, then unwillingly. When the Lord utters the terrible words to certain ones, “Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels,” is there a hint that this will mean their conversion and restoration?

Certainly 1 Corinthians 15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15: 22-28 is a strange passage to prove the salvation of all. It refers to the terrible scenes in Revelation 20" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20 when Satan and the impenitent will be judged and cast into the lake of fire. It is said that Christ at the end will “put down all rule and all authority and power” (v. 24). If this meant their reconciliation, then death would be reconciled too, for “destroyed,” in verse 26, is the same in the Greek (Katargeo) as “put down” in verse 24. The real meaning is explained in v. 25: “all His enemies will be put under His feet,” or “made His footstool,” as in Psa. cx. This would be a peculiar way of expressing reconciliation. It was not thus that the father in Luke 15" TARGET="_blank">Luke 15 welcomed the prodigal. Joshua did treat the Amorite kings just in this way, and it sealed their doom, and they were executed before nightfall.

Romans 5:19" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:19 does not say a word about all being saved, but merely that “as many were made sinners by the disobedience of Adam, so many will be made righteous by the obedience of Christ”. The condition of repentance and faith is enforced throughout the epistle. How divorce it from this verse? Romans 2:5" TARGET="_blank">Romans 2:5 tells us of those who refuse to repent.

1 Timothy 4:10" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:10 simply says that God is the Saviour of all men, “specially of them that believe.” Why “specially,” if all are equally saved? Many believe, and I think they are right, that Saviour here means “Preserver.” (The French—version has usually ‘Conservateur,” i.e, Preserver.) The Lord cares for all, and in a special way for His people.

1 Timothy2:4-6" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy2:4-6 does not say that all will be saved, but that God is willing that all should be saved. We glory in this truth, and we are sure that wherever He can righteously apply the saving efficacy of the blood of Christ, He will do so. The ransom is paid for all. It is sufficient for all, efficient for them that believe. But those who refuse to believe will perish in spite of the work of Christ. To some the Lord had to say, “Ye will not come to Me that ye might have life”. Neither Ephesians 1:10" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:10 nor Colossians 1:20" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:20 says a word about “things under the earth,” or infernal things, as Phil. 2:10" TARGET="_blank">Phil. 2:10 does, when the sujection of all is in view. It is, moreover, “all things” that are to be reconciled. How could heavenly persons need it? But sin has entered the heavenly sphere; discord has marred the harmony there as here, and things, so far, need adjustment or harmonising. Certainly, all things in heaven and earth will be “headed up” in Christ (Ephesians 1:10)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:10), but the impenitent are not included. They will be vessels of wrath to display God’s power and wrath. The questioner allows there are some verses which seem to teach otherwise, and quotes one—John 3:36" TARGET="_blank">John 3:36—which he really explains away by leaving out the first part, and dwelling on the fact that “the wrath of God abideth in the unbeliever” is in the present. But it is clear that the future is referred to from the first words, “He that believeth not, shall not see life.” This cannot refer to the present, for as long as breath is in the body, a man may turn, believe, and see life; but once the unbeliever passes from this scene he will never see life, but will exist under the wrath of God for ever. Space will only allow me to point out, that our Lord gave no hint of a future probation and restoration of all. Do His words (to quote only one Gospel) in Matthew 10:28;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:28; Matthew 13:42;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 13:42; Matthew 18:9;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:9; Matthew 25:46," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:46, teach universal salvation? The Lord spoke of many passing down the broad road to perdition; of a “closed door,” and of many asking in vain for admission; of “a great gulf fixed,” which none might pass! The hope of Universalists is a false hope, as all who trust in it will one day find. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, He that believeth not shall be damned."

William Hoste

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How does a saved person have "the rightousness of God"?

To what does "the righteousness of God" (Romans 3:22)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 3:22) refer?

Gods court and law requires righteousness. Romans 3:10" TARGET="_blank">Romans 3:10 flatly states that the defendant (man) has not satisfied the requirement. Man is guilty. "Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus," the guilty is pronounced "right with God," justified (verse 24). The "propitiation" (verse 25) has satisfied the requirements of the court and the Judge pronounces that the guilty has a righteous standing. This righteous standing is the "righteousness of God" that the law didnt produce, but was "witnessed by the law and the prophets" (verse 21, see also Romans 4:1-8)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 4:1-8).

This "righteousness of God" is received by faith, apart from merit, solely through the blood of Christ (verse 22, with Romans 5:1; 3:24; 5:9)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:1; 3:24; 5:9). It is not an exchanged righteousness - a record of sin removed and a record of righteousness replacing it. It is a righteousness based on Gods requirements being met by the sacrifice. Neither is this an engrafted righteousness, as though we now possess an attribute of God, the righteousness of God. It is a righteous standing, declared and accounted by God and based on the satisfaction God has received from the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

D. Oliver
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Was Moses "slow in speech" or "mighty in word"?

In Exodus 4:10," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 4:10, Moses complained of “slowness of speech” but Stephen in Acts 7" TARGET="_blank">Acts 7:. says he was “mighty in words and in deeds.” Is there not a contradiction here?

Someone has said that Moses took forty years in Egypt learning all the wisdom of the Egyptians, then forty years in Midian learning that he knew nothing after all, and then forty years in the wilderness in learning what God could do with a man who had learned he knew nothing. There is no contradiction here, or anywhere else in the Scriptures. We read first what Stephen says of Moses, that he was “mighty in words and deeds,” that is, during his Egyptian period; then what Moses says of himself. Perhaps there are good speakers to-day who are genuinely diffident, and are quite unaware they are eloquent. It does not matter, if they think so, as long as they are all the more cast upon God and fulfil their ministry. Possibly the reverse is true of some of us. We think we can speak and would do well to be more often silent. In fact, the word is addressed to all “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

W.H.

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Are Christians supposed to be ambassadors for God?

To whom does "we" refer in verse 20: "We are ambassadors . . ."?

Paul uses the first person singular pronoun (I, me, my, mine: see v 11, for example) because he is the writer, but he includes at least Timothy (1:1) and Silvanus (1:19) with himself.

Before this verse (5:20), Paul uses the first person plural pronoun (we, us, our) about 120 times. About one fourth of those uses could include the Corinthians, but the context indicates that all but one refer to Paul and his associates. That one time, Paul includes the Corinthians by using the word "all": "We all with open face . . ." (3:18).

In a unique sense, the Lord had directly entrusted to Paul ("He hath given unto us") - and Paul graciously includes his associates - a "ministry of reconciliation" (5:18). That makes it likely, then, that in verse 20 Paul means that he - and those with him - were ambassadors for (on behalf of) Christ.

Some will point to the next verse and ask if being "made the righteousness of God in Him" is exclusive to Paul. In the context, Paul is referring to "us," meaning himself and his associates. He is emphasizing the blessings that constrained them in their labors. All will have to agree, though, that we have received the same blessings that Paul received through the work of Christ. Further, we have a responsibility to declare "the word of reconciliation" to sinners. More than that, in our declaration, we should be no less conscious than Paul was that we are speaking on behalf of God or Christ (1Pe 4:11)." TARGET="_blank">1Pe 4:11).

We have a work to do and we do not need "ambassador status" to do it. For us, failing to do this work would be what Paul calls (6:1) receiving "the grace of God in vain."

D. Oliver
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Can an elder

Can an elder’s wife receive a "crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:2-4)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:2-4)?

That crown is apparently for "under-shepherds" who are taking care of the Chief Shepherd’s sheep. The context of the book may explain why Peter (by the Spirit’s inspiration) calls it a crown of glory. Peter reminds believers of the sufferings of the Lord Jesus and of His subsequent glory (1 Peter 1:11)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:11). He encourages believers in their trials that their suffering likewise precedes glory (1:7; 4:13). In two ways, elders may have special sufferings. When enemies persecute believers, leaders are special targets. In addition, the burden of caring for the flock often causes them much grief and suffering of soul. Glory follows suffering, so in a unique way the Lord has reserved for them a crown of glory.

Another crown, the crown of life, is offered to those who "endure temptation" (James 1:12)." TARGET="_blank">James 1:12). An elder’s wife may receive this crown for suffering with her husband (in whatever way you may wish to apply that!).

D. Oliver
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Bible Word Search Puzzles

To create a Bible word search puzzle or other similar bible word puzzle, choose one of the following programs:

Bible Word Search Puzzle

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You may also want to choose a Bible word search puzzle from one of the 350 Sunday school worksheets . Each worksheet contains a Bible word search puzzle as well as a crossword puzzle, quizzes, a coloring page and other activities will help you prepare for next week's Sunday school lesson.

Some of the other items available for Sunday school teachers include printable Bible craft ideas for making 3d paper models, mini story books and power power lessons. For an example of what kind of projects you can use see the 3D Tabernacle model and other teaching materials at Sunday School Activities

You can also get a weekly lesson idea in your inbox. Click here to subscribe to the weekly Sunday school projects .

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I know Christ took our sins on the cross, but for some reason I'm not sure if I'm saved.

The subject of knowing if one is saved or not is probably the most important issue in the Christian life.

The assurance of salvation only comes from the Word of God. Your feelings will change. Your pastor can lie. Your life will not always be an example of perfect Christian living. The scripture, however, cannot be broken and will never pass away.

A common feature of many stories of salvation is that a person has a moment in life, when a particular verse or truth based on the teaching of a verse is the only ground on which that person stands. If you know that Christ died for your sins on the cross, what is it that tells you that truth? It's the scripture - the Word of God.

The God who cannot lie is the God who wrote the Bible. Through his word, you can be assured that if God says something, you can trust it.

Some assurances from the scripture include:

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. - John 5:24" TARGET="_blank">John 5:24
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. - 1 John 5:11" TARGET="_blank">1 John 5:11
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, - John 1:11-12" TARGET="_blank">John 1:11-12

There is a book online called "Here is the difference " by William McDonald that may help answer some of your doubts. There are other doctrines such as forgiveness for the believer and salvation from the habits of sin that are relevant to your question.

Also, read the book Safety Certainty and Enjoyment to answer similar questions.

Shad Sluiter
Postville, IA

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