Oh boy starbyfar... seems I've stirred a beez hive with you.
Ok, short and sweet...
starbyfar said:
Do you follow all of the OT commandments? And if not, why do you choose to follow some, and not all?? And how does this make you more saved then someone that sayyyy, choses to say they're saved by grace and not works?
First, I make no claim that I am any more saved than anyone else. However, I would say that we are called to be holy, and that is what we should strive to obtain. For those who believe that they are saved by grace and wha la, it is finished... then I can only say that it doesn't end there because heaven is a journey and the Kindom is at hand now.
Body, Soul and Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12 as examples of the three parts) We are truine... three parts, made in the Image (tselem: shadow) of God (Genesis 1:26, notice the our). God is three parts, we are three parts and the copy of heavenly things consist of three parts (Exodus 25, Hebrews 8:5 ). It seems to me, that our spirit is the holy of holies and we spend a lifetime trying to enter it (Narrow Gate, Luke 13:24), so that we can comune with Christ . ((NKJV)Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of a man [is] the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.)
But we can't enter it through works, it has to be entered by faith and faith, is God's rest (Hebrews 4:9-11) which produces good works. (Galatians 2:16, notice His [Jesus] faith then Hebrews 4 and James 2) Christ is a primary example of this faith and his works (cross) is the reason we have salvation today.
As far as the OT commandments,
Romans 7:12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
They, like even this earth, are a mere copy of heavenly things and as such,
Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the ones approaching perfect.
There is nothing wrong with the law, even Paul agreed. It's how we apply the law. You see, we can't keep the law as it's above us. But one man did, and he became our high priest.
You see starbyfar, scripture is much better when you try and reconcile it, as opposed to trying to fight scripture with scripture because simply put, scripture defines scripture and through that definition, comes doctrine.
Romans 7:14-25 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I know not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that which I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
So what does this all have to do with Tattoos your asking about now huh? Well, your the one who said, "simply a shell"... That shell, is our body, a holy body... the only body we have... Period.
Tell me starbyfar, how serious do you take this verse?
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Do you know what the temple was for pre Christ?
WMD said:
I believe that the origination of tattoos ( and I am talking thousands of years ago) was for protection. Pagans tattooed themselves to ward off evil spirits and protect them in their daily lives. Some cultures still tattoo for this reason.
Exactly, and do we know how the Isrealites were marked? By the way they ACTED. The Law was to set them apart from other nations, to make them holy. Exodus 19:6 And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Israel.
Agreed - They were not to be marked by outward appearance.
But Alas, we are under a new covenant where Grace reigns.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Think about it for a second. Why would you want a tattoo? Simply to satisfy a selfish need. How then is that in compliance with Romans 12:1?
Like SkipDawg, I have some tattoo's as well. I may or may not get one more to cover up the cultic symbol on my chest and the rest, I will use to glorify God with as the oportunity presents itself.
I hope this clarifies some stuff..
In Christ,
Jeff
