Here's some brief reflections on Scripture, with reference to Christians and tattoos. Click a heading to expand.

• Christians are not under the Mosaic law. We live in the grace of the Lord Jesus, free to live please Him.

• We have no record of the Lord Jesus teaching that His people should not get tattoos.

• A weak point: in Revelation 19:16 Jesus is represented (in a vision) as having writing on his body.

• As in everything, the decision to get a tattoo should be rooted in a desire to testify to the glory of God. Are you getting the tattoo with the glory of Jesus in mind?

• Therefore a tattoo should not disfigure your body, which is in His image.

• Appropriate adornment of our bodies can be beautiful and artistic, reflecting the beauty and creativity of our God.

• We shouldn't be ashamed of Christ and his gospel. A tattoo testifying to the bearer's faith in Jesus can be a strong statement of their allegiance.

• Against the previous point, we should mainly be identifiable as Jesus' people by the way we love each other, rather than external appearance. (John 13:35)

• Also, a Christian's primary beautification should be with beautiful actions and attitudes. (1 Tim 2:10, 1 Peter 3:4)

• Our bodies are not our own, but belong to the Lord Jesus. (1 Cor 6:19-20) Making a permanent mark on God's property should not be taken lightly. 

• What's the tattoo of? Is the particular tattoo a God-honouring expression of creation/creative beauty?

Tattoos aren’t cheap! :P

Brothers and sisters, whatever you decide about tattoos: enjoy your freedom to glorify Christ! Please don't have a negative angst spiral, and don't spend too much time focusing on it! 

Instead, focus on Christ our King.