Biblical Answer

Leviticus 19:28 states, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." This verse is part of the Holiness Code, a collection of laws and regulations that emphasize the importance of separating oneself from the world and living a holy life. The command is clear and straightforward, but its application to Christians today is not as simple.

To determine whether Leviticus 19:28 applies to Christians today, we must consider the context in which it was written and the cultural background of the Israelites. The verse was given to a people who were being called to live as a distinct nation, separate from the surrounding cultures. The command to not cut their bodies or put tattoo marks on themselves was a way of distinguishing themselves from the pagan practices of their neighbors. However, for Christians today, the principle behind the law is still applicable, even if the specific command itself is not. Christians are called to live a life that reflects their commitment to Jesus Christ and to separate themselves from the world. This means being mindful of how we present ourselves to the world and avoiding practices that might be seen as compromising or worldly.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). This is in line with the principle behind Leviticus 19:18, which is repeated in the New Testament as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). While the specific command of Leviticus 19:28 may not be directly applicable to Christians today, the value behind the law is still relevant. Christians are called to live a life that is holy and set apart, and to be mindful of how they present themselves to the world. Ultimately, the question of whether Leviticus 19:28 applies to Christians today is not about following a specific command, but about living a life that reflects our commitment to Jesus Christ and our desire to be holy.