Biblical Answer

The relevance of Leviticus 19:28 to Christians today is a topic of ongoing debate among biblical scholars. The commandment, which prohibits tattooing and mutilating one's body, is part of the broader "Holiness Code" in Leviticus, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a holy and separate lifestyle for the Israelites. While some argue that this commandment is still binding for Christians today, others contend that it is a cultural and ceremonial law that has been superseded by the New Testament.

From a biblical perspective, it is essential to understand the context and purpose of Leviticus 19:18. The commandment was given to the Israelites as a way of promoting holiness and maintaining a healthy and moral society. The emphasis on loving one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) is a fundamental principle of the Christian faith, as demonstrated by Jesus' teaching in the New Testament (Matthew 5:43; 19:19; Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). However, the specific commandment in Leviticus 19:28, prohibiting tattooing and mutilating one's body, is not repeated in the New Testament, and its relevance to Christians today is therefore uncertain.

In conclusion, while the importance of loving one's neighbor is a fundamental principle of the Christian faith, the specific commandment in Leviticus 19:28 is not repeated in the New Testament, and its relevance to Christians today is uncertain. As Christians, we are called to live a life of holiness and morality, but we must also understand the cultural and historical context of the Old Testament laws and distinguish between those that are still applicable today and those that are not. Ultimately, the decision to follow or not follow Leviticus 19:28 should be made with careful consideration of the biblical context and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are called to live a life of love, compassion, and obedience to God's Word, and we should strive to live in a way that reflects the values and principles of the Bible, even if we do not follow every specific commandment in Leviticus.