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| Volume 22 Number 12 December 2020 | Page 16 |
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| Volume 22 Number 12 December 2020 | Page 16 |
Louis Rushmore, Editor
“Is people’s sin the business of the church?” someone asks. The short answer is, “Yes” and “Yes.”
First, Christians, and hence the church as it is comprised of Christians, must proclaim the Gospel to a sin-sick and spiritually dead world population. “And He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved…’” (Mark 16:15-16 NKJV). “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…’” (Acts 2:38). “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord’” (Acts 22:16). Each of these passages, and more to which one could appeal, emphasize the need of sinners to hear and obey the Gospel of Christ as well as the responsibility of Christians or the church to present the Gospel to sinners. Yes, people’s sin is the business of the church. Not only so, but such is also the chief or primary mission of the church – evangelism.
Secondly, Christians, and hence the church, must reprove or rebuke Christians who practice sins. The first century church at Corinth disregarded ongoing sin within its congregation, for which reason the apostle Paul sternly reprimanded it (1 Corinthians 5:1-13). Likewise, Paul taught the same to the church at Thessalonica. “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition [ordinance] which he received from us. …And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14).
Elders of a congregation have a special responsibility for the souls of Christians over whom they watch. “Therefore take heed to yourselves [elders] and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).
“Yes,” it is the business of the Lord’s church to acquaint non-Christians with the Gospel of Christ, whereby they may repent of their sins and be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). “Yes,” it is the business of the church to look after fellow Christians within its congregation to help keep the saved saved and to protect the church from being adversely affected by the sins of Christians.
What Does Scripture Say about
Tattoos, Body Art & Piercings?
Louis Rushmore, Editor
A brother asks, “What does Scripture say about tattoos, body art and piercings?” Had the question been phrased – “What does the New Testament say about tattoos, body art and piercings?” – the answer would simply be, “Nothing.” Preferences and opinions aside, the New Testament does not specifically address tattoos, body art and piercings. Indirectly, there may be some principles that one may wish to use against them, but still the New Testament does not expressly address tattoos, body art and piercings. Good judgment and responsible decorum that does not distract from one’s Christianity ought to be considered (1 Timothy 2:9).
The Old Testament, though, does address tattoos and cutting the flesh, but the Old Testament is neither now the law of God to which we turn to order our lives nor the law of God by which anyone presently living will be judged (Romans 7:6-7; 2 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:8-13). The Old Testament prohibitions regarding tattoos and cutting of the flesh pertained to the adoption of the practices by idolatrous peoples.
Old Testament restrictions concerning tattoos and cuttings of the flesh not only pertained to the popular idolatry of that day, but they also are confined to the Old Covenant, which is no longer in effect. Brother Wayne Jackson has written a fine, brief article about tattoos and cutting of the flesh, which I recommend readers of Gospel Gazette Online read for themselves in full.
Works Cited
Jackson, Wayne. “Does the Old Testament Condemn Tattoos?” Christian Courier. 28 Nov 2020. < https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/246-does-the-old-testament-condemn-tattoos>.