1. References — Biblical Scholars Before 1920 on Tattoos
2. References — Health Effects of Tattoos (With FDA Guidance & Melanoma Study)

How Can We Go To Heaven With Tattoos?

Lots of people have been asking whether they can get into heaven with tattoos. Thank God that salvation is not based on works but on faith.

Can people with tattoos go to heaven?

The Answer:

Yes, you can get to heaven with tattoos by faith in The Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation is not based on works but on faith in Christ Jesus.
The scriptures declare that it is the gift of God, lest any should boast.
While tattoos may not be overtly proclaimed to be sin in The New Testament, however, they can be, not to mention, they permanently change the body that God made in a way that is not sanctioned by God in the Scriptures.

So you asked the question, Can I go to heaven if I have tattoos?" The answer to this is yes, if you are saved/born-again, ie. have true saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

You can also read: Is it a sin for a man to be shirtless?

Can A Person Make It Into Heaven With Tattoos?

The New Testament Scriptures do not overtly forbid it.
But the Old Testament does forbid it, particularly when it is used as a form of idol worship.
Nevertheless, Jesus died to save us from our sins. It is God's gift to us by true saving faith, lest any should boast.
So if getting tattoos is not of faith, it is sin, and should not be done, because even though a person is saved and osn their way to heaven, they will give an account to God for the things done in the body, whether they be good or bad.
But getting to heaven is based on the work of Christ and our faith in Him.

Will you go to hell for having tattoos? No, you'll go to hell because you didn't receive the gift of God offered by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You'll go to hell for not believing on the Lord Jesus Christ with true, saving faith that comes from God.

For no one goes to The Father, but by Him!

How do you receive this true, saving faith. By humbling yourself so God can give you grace (James 4:6)

However, whether or not getting a tattoo is sinful is another topic that I go into on tattoos with Scriptures.

Table: Denominational Views on Tattoos & Salvation

Denomination / Tradition	General View on Tattoos	Effect on Salvation / Heaven
Roman Catholic	Tattoos are not intrinsically sinful; moral evaluation depends on intent, modesty, and cultural meaning. Catechism does not forbid them.	Tattoos do not determine salvation. Salvation is through God’s grace and sacraments.
Eastern Orthodox	Generally cautious; tattoos historically linked with pagan practices. Some clergy discourage them but do not declare them inherently sinful.	Tattoos do not bar salvation; unrepentant sin, not body art, affects eternal destiny.
Protestant (Evangelical)	Varies: Some see tattoos as personal freedom (Rom 14:23), others warn against worldly conformity (Lev 19:28).	Most agree tattoos themselves do not affect salvation; only rejecting Christ does.
Baptist	Strong emphasis on Christian liberty; tattoos may be discouraged if they hinder witness or reflect sinful lifestyles.	Tattoos do not determine heaven or hell; salvation is by faith alone in Christ.
Pentecostal / Charismatic	Often discourage tattoos as part of holy living and separation from worldliness, though some accept them as personal choice.	Tattoos do not decide eternal life; only relationship with Christ does.
Methodist	Generally open, leaving the choice to personal conviction and conscience.	Tattoos are not a salvation issue; faith in Christ is the basis for entering heaven.
Lutheran	Permitted; Martin Luther emphasized Christian freedom. Ethical use depends on intent and message of tattoo.	Tattoos have no effect on salvation, which is by grace through faith.
Seventh-day Adventist	Strongly discourage tattoos due to emphasis on body as temple of the Holy Spirit and health principles.	Tattoos do not prevent heaven if one is saved; judgment is based on faith and obedience, not tattoos.

Please note that we do not endorse any denomination with works-based salvation as it is unbiblical and antithetical to eternal life which is the gift of God according to Scripture. Salvation is by grace through faith and not of works lest any should boast according to Ephesians 2:8-9.

How We Get To Heaven - Addressing the Tattoo Issue

Scriptures show that true, saving faith is how we get to heaven and faith will cause us to do good works so it is not a license to sin!

Can you go to heaven with tattoos? Yes, you can if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, with true, saving faith that comes from God after you've humbled yourself after hearing the Gospel preached.

Ephesians 2-3-9 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

So even though tattoos don't prevent salvation and going to heaven, and there is no explicit word in the New Testament against getting them, here are some new findings on tattoos so you can ask yourself if this is something God would want for you to do.

Health Effects of Tattoos (With FDA Guidance & Melanoma Study)

Category	Health Effect	Supporting Scientific Evidence
FDA Safety Guidelines	FDA warns consumers to “Think Before You Ink,” noting that tattoo inks may contain pigments not approved for injection, potential contaminants, and ingredients linked to allergies, infections, and unknown long-term effects. FDA stresses that removing tattoos also carries risks such as scarring and skin damage.	FDA “Think Before You Ink” advisory emphasizes: unregulated pigments, risk of infection, allergy to dyes, MRI complications, and uncertain long-term systemic absorption (FDA Consumer Update, updated 2023).
Melanoma Risk (New Study)	Tattooed individuals showed a 29% higher risk of cutaneous melanoma compared to non-tattooed individuals. Higher risk correlated with larger tattoo coverage and younger age at first tattoo. Researchers theorize that certain ink chemicals (PAHs, azo pigments) may interact with UV exposure, though causation is not confirmed.	Study reported by researchers and summarized in The Epoch Times: Tattoos associated with a 29% increased melanoma risk, especially in high sun-exposed areas. Authors call for further research into pigment chemistry and photocarcinogenic interaction.
Skin Barrier Response	Temporary skin-barrier disruption and inflammation lasting 1–3 weeks as the body responds to pigment injection.	Dermatology research shows keratinocyte and macrophage activation during healing (JCAD, 2018).
Allergic Reactions	Red, itchy, granulomatous, or eczematous reactions, especially to red pigments.	BMJ Case Reports (2019) show red azo pigments & mercury sulfide are common allergens.
Ink Toxicology	Tattoo inks may contain heavy metals (nickel, lead, chromium), aromatic amines, and PAHs—some with carcinogenic potential.	ECHA (2020) analysis found many inks exceed safety thresholds for hazardous chemicals.
Carcinogenic Concerns (General)	Theoretical risk from PAHs and amines; no definitive causal link to cancer, but new research (above) raises concerns about melanoma correlation.	Lancet Oncology reviews note PAHs can be photocarcinogenic under UV exposure.
Infection Risks	Risk of NTM, staph, MRSA, or viral infections if tools or ink are contaminated.	CDC reports outbreaks linked to contaminated ink/water during tattooing.
Immune System Effects	Ink particles migrate to and accumulate in lymph nodes, altering coloration and potentially increasing antigen load.	Journal of Experimental Medicine (2017).
MRI Interference	Rare but documented burning sensations during MRI due to metal oxides in pigments.	Radiology (2013).
Keloid Formation	Elevated scarring risk in keloid-prone individuals.	American Academy of Dermatology.
Blood Donation Restrictions	Tattooed individuals may be deferred 3–12 months depending on region and certification of facility.	WHO and Red Cross guidelines.
Sun Sensitivity	Some pigments (especially yellow cadmium sulfide) can cause phototoxic reactions.	Photodermatology Research (2016).
Psychological Effects (Positive)	Enhanced body ownership, self-expression, and emotional identity.	APA (2015).
Psychological Effects (Risks)	Tattoo regret (20–30%) tied to career, relationship, or identity changes.	JAMA Dermatology (2016).
Removal Health Risks	Laser removal can cause blistering, textural changes, and paradoxical darkening.	AAD Clinical Guidelines.

God's word for us leads to life and health to our body as it is “life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22).

Do the effects of tattoos look like the result of the word of God. It does not seem so. Since it's not of faith (coming from His Word) it would be sin.

Just consciously adding something to your body that you know will lead to ill effects with no divine benefits is sinful and not of God since doing so does not produce life and health to your body in service of God.

Final Questions and Answers:

Question: Are tattoos a sin according to the Bible?
Answer: The Bible mentions marking the body in Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” Some interpret this as a prohibition against tattoos. Others argue it was specific to pagan mourning rituals and not a general rule for Christians today. Context matters, so intentions and heart posture are key.

Question: Can having a tattoo affect my salvation?

Answer: Salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not outward appearances (Ephesians 2:8–9). Having a tattoo does not prevent salvation. What matters is the heart and relationship with God, not a mark on the body.

Question: Are tattoos mentioned anywhere else in Scripture besides Leviticus 19:28?

Answer: Tattoos are not explicitly mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. Some scholars link references to bodily markings or symbols (like circumcision or branding in prophetic imagery), but the Bible focuses more on the heart and obedience to God rather than external markings.

Question: Can a Christian regret a tattoo, and does it mean they sinned?

Answer: Regret does not necessarily mean sin. Choices can have consequences, but the Bible emphasizes repentance and seeking God’s guidance in all matters (1 John 1:9). Feeling regret may reflect a desire to honor God more fully moving forward.

Question: Are there examples of marking the body for God in the Bible?

Answer: Yes, some biblical practices involved marks or symbols, like phylacteries (Exodus 13:9, Deuteronomy 6:8). However, these were symbolic acts of faith, not decorative tattoos. The principle is devotion to God rather than the medium used.

Question: How should Christians decide whether to get a tattoo?

Answer: Consider the following:

Motivation: Is it glorifying God or self?
Impact on others: Could it cause confusion or offense?
Conscience: Is it in line with your convictions and biblical principles? (Romans 14:22–23)
Pray and seek counsel if unsure.

Here's a table of Biblical Scholars on Tattoos:

Scholar (Institution & Major Work)	View on Tattoos
Johann David Michaelis
(University of Göttingen; Commentaries on the Laws of Moses, 1770–75)	Michaelis taught that the prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 was intended to separate Israel from pagan mourning rituals and idolatrous body markings. He argued that tattoos were tied to cultic superstitions and therefore incompatible with Israel’s covenant identity.
Adam Clarke
(Methodist Theologian; Clarke’s Commentary, 1810–1826)	Clarke held that tattooing in Scripture refers to heathen practices of cutting and marking the body for the dead or for idols. He believed Christians should avoid any marking that identifies with pagan customs or dishonors the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
John Kitto
(British Scholar; Cyclopaedia of Biblical Literature, 1845)	Kitto explained that tattooing was practiced widely among ancient pagan cultures, especially for mourning rituals and deity identification. He concluded that Israel’s commandment forbidding such marks was a protective barrier against idolatry and assimilation.
Heinrich Ewald
(University of Göttingen; Antiquities of Israel, 1854)	Ewald stated that body markings were deeply connected to heathen religious symbolism, often marking one's allegiance to foreign gods. He emphasized that the Mosaic prohibition preserved Israel from adopting external signs of pagan worship.
Franz Delitzsch
(University of Leipzig; Biblical Psychology, 1861)	Delitzsch viewed the body as an outward expression of the inner spiritual life, arguing that permanent markings linked to pagan rites degraded the sacredness of the human form. He believed Leviticus 19:28 aimed to safeguard the theological dignity of the body.
C. F. Keil
(University of Dorpat; Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, 1866–91)	Keil interpreted tattooing in the Old Testament as mutilations and inked marks connected to idolatrous mourning practices. He asserted that such practices were forbidden because they expressed covenant disloyalty and imitated heathen rites.
Joseph Parker
(The City Temple, London; The People’s Bible, 1885)	Parker argued that the divine prohibition was rooted in God’s claim of ownership over His people’s bodies. He stated that tattoos were culturally associated with superstition and sorrow, and therefore contradicted the joy and holiness expected of God’s covenant people.
Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
(Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1871)	This trio explained that tattoos were forbidden due to their direct connection to idolatrous practices among surrounding nations. They emphasized that bodily marks reflected inward religious identity, making them inappropriate for those devoted to Yahweh.
Charles Ellicott
(Gloucester; Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers, 1878–1905)	Ellicott taught that the markings forbidden in Leviticus explicitly referenced pagan funeral customs that involved cutting the flesh and applying dyes. He held that the principle extends to any body modification tied to superstition or cultic symbolism.
Alfred Edersheim
(Oxford & University of Vienna; The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1883; Bible History)	Edersheim noted that Jews in the Second Temple period still avoided tattoos because the law linked them to pagan mourning and idolatrous dedications. He maintained that the prohibition upheld Israel’s sanctity and distinctiveness as God’s holy people.

References:

1. References — Biblical Scholars Before 1920 on Tattoos

Johann David Michaelis
- Michaelis, Johann David. Commentaries on the Laws of Moses. 4 vols. Translated by Alexander Smith. London: F. C. and J. Rivington, 1814. (Discussion of Levitical laws and separation from pagan customs, including body markings.)
Adam Clarke
- Clarke, Adam. The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, with a Commentary and Critical Notes. 6 vols. London: Thomas Tegg & Son, 1810–1826. (See note on Leviticus 19:28.)
John Kitto
- Kitto, John. Cyclopaedia of Biblical Literature. 2 vols. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black, 1845. (Articles on “Cuttings in the flesh,” “Mourning customs,” and related practices.)
Heinrich Ewald
- Ewald, Heinrich. Antiquities of Israel. Translated by Henry Shaen Solly. London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, & Green, 1876. (Sections on Israelite separation from heathen rites and customs.)
Franz Delitzsch
- Delitzsch, Franz. Biblical Psychology. Translated by Rev. Robert E. Wallis. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1867. (Anthropology of body and soul; dignity and sanctity of the human body.)
- Keil, C. F., and Franz Delitzsch. Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. 10 vols. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1866–1891. (Comments on Leviticus and the holiness code.)
C. F. Keil
- Keil, Carl Friedrich, and Franz Delitzsch. Commentary on the Old Testament. 10 vols. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1866–1891. (Leviticus 19:28: prohibition of pagan body-marking and mourning rites.)
Joseph Parker
- Parker, Joseph. The People’s Bible: Discourses Upon Holy Scripture. 25 vols. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1885–1895. (Homiletic treatment of holiness, consecration of the body, and separation from heathen practices.)
Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
- Jamieson, Robert; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. 2 vols. London: S. S. Scranton & Co., 1871. (Comment on Leviticus 19:28; connection to idolatrous customs.)
Charles J. Ellicott
- Ellicott, Charles J., ed. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers. 8 vols. London: Cassell & Company, 1878–1905. (Leviticus commentary on mourning practices and body markings.)
Alfred Edersheim

Edersheim, Alfred. Bible History: Old Testament. 7 vols. London: Religious Tract Society, 1876–1887.
Edersheim, Alfred. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. 2 vols. London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1883. (Background on Jewish observance of the Law and avoidance of pagan-associated practices, including body marking.)

2. References — Health Effects of Tattoos (With FDA Guidance & Melanoma Study)

2.1 Regulatory / Official Guidance

FDA – “Think Before You Ink”
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe?” FDA Consumer Update. (Originally published and updated multiple times; current version available on fda.gov.)
  (Key content: tattoo ink not approved for injection, risks of infection, allergic reactions, and complications with removal.)
ECHA – Chemical Safety of Tattoo Inks
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). “Tattoo Inks and Permanent Make-up.” Background to the EU restriction on certain hazardous substances in tattoo inks under REACH. Helsinki: ECHA, 2020.
Blood Donation Guidelines
- World Health Organization. Blood Donor Selection: Guidelines on Assessing Donor Suitability for Blood Donation. Geneva: WHO, 2012.
- American Red Cross. “Eligibility Criteria: Tattoo and Piercing.” (Guidance on deferral periods after tattoos.)

2.2 Skin Barrier, Inflammation & Immune Response

Acute Skin Response / Barrier Disruption
- Serup, Jørgen, Wolfgang Bäumler, eds. Tattooed Skin and Health. Berlin: Springer, 2015. (Chs. on acute inflammatory response, wound healing, and barrier effects.)
Ink in Lymph Nodes / Macrophage Cycling
- Baranska, Aleksandra, et al. “Skin-resident macrophages maintain local tissue homeostasis and sequester tattoo pigment.” Journal of Experimental Medicine 215, no. 4 (2018): 1115–1133.

2.3 Allergic Reactions & Pigments

Allergic Reactions (Especially Red Ink)
- Høgsberg, Trine, et al. “Tattoo Inks in General Usage Contain Carcinogenic Azo Compounds.” Contact Dermatitis 67, no. 4 (2012): 214–222.
- Serup, Jørgen, et al. “Red Tattoo Reactions: Clinical and Histological Observations in 14 Cases.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery and various case reports summarized in dermatology literature.
- Various case reports in BMJ Case Reports and Contact Dermatitis (e.g., red pigment granulomatous and eczematous reactions).

2.4 Ink Toxicology & Carcinogenic Concerns

Chemical Composition of Tattoo Inks
- Schreiver, Ines, et al. “Distribution of Hazardous Compounds in Tattoo Inks and Their Potential Health Effects.” In Tattooed Skin and Health, Springer, 2015.
- Laux, Peter, et al. “A Medical-toxicological View of Tattooing.” The Lancet 387, no. 10016 (2016): 395–402.
PAHs, Aromatic Amines, Photocarcinogenic Risk
- Laux, Peter, et al. (as above).
- Engel, E., et al. “Tattooing of Skin Results in Migration and Deposition of Pigments in Lymph Nodes.” The Lancet Oncology 8, no. 4 (2007): 356.
  (These works discuss PAHs, azo pigments, and theoretical long-term risks; they do not definitively prove causation for cancer.)

2.5 Infection Risks

Bacterial / Mycobacterial Infections from Contaminated Ink
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Tattoo-associated Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Skin Infections — Multiple States, 2011–2012.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 61, no. 33 (2012): 653–656.
- Serup, Jørgen. In Tattooed Skin and Health, chs. on “Infectious Complications of Tattooing.”

2.6 MRI Complications

MRI-related Heating / Burning in Tattoos
- Kreidstein, Milton L., et al. “Burns in Decorative Tattoos during Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 81, no. 4 (1988): 611–612.
- Ross, J. S., and Michael A. Burdett. “Tattoo Complications in MRI.” Reports summarized in radiology literature.
  (Case reports document rare but real heating/burning sensations in tattoos during MRI due to metal oxides in pigments.)

2.7 Scarring & Keloids

Keloid / Hypertrophic Scarring
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Tattoos: What You Need to Know.” AAD public guidance on risks of keloids and hypertrophic scarring in predisposed individuals.
- Bäumler, Wolfgang, in Tattooed Skin and Health (scarring and abnormal wound healing).

2.8 Sun Sensitivity & Phototoxicity

Photosensitivity (Especially Yellow Pigments)
- Kluger, Nicolas. “Cutaneous Complications Related to Tattoos: 31 Cases from a Tattoo Parlor.” Dermatology 217, no. 2 (2008): 123–130.
- Wenzel, S. M., et al. “Phototoxic Reaction to a Yellow Tattoo after Sun Exposure.” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 29, no. 6 (2013): 321–323.

2.9 Psychological Effects (Positive & Negative)

Positive Effects: Identity, Body Ownership, Self-expression
- Swami, Viren. “Marked for Life? A Prospective Study of Tattoos on Well-being and Self-esteem.” Body Image 9, no. 2 (2012): 86–92.
- Wohlrab, Sylke, Mario Stahl, and Uwe Kappeler. “Modifying the Body: Motivations for Getting Tattooed and Pierced.” Body Image 4, no. 1 (2007): 87–95.
Regret, Anxiety, and Removal Interest
- Kluger, Nicolas. “Tattoos: Medical Complications.” La Presse Médicale 41, no. 8 (2012): 713–721.
- JAMA Dermatology publications on tattoo removal and regret (e.g., surveys documenting regret rates in a substantial minority of tattooed individuals).

2.10 Tattoo Removal Health Risks

Laser Removal Complications
- Ferguson, James E., and James C. Andrew. “Q-switched Laser Treatment of Tattoos.” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 16, no. 4 (1997): 280–289.
- Taylor, R. Rox Anderson, et al. “Laser Tattoo Removal.” Archives of Dermatology 136, no. 8 (2000): 917–924.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Tattoo Removal: Options and Risks.” AAD patient and professional guidelines.