Why is it important to follow God's commands in Leviticus 19:28 today? The Command Stated “You shall not slash your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves; I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:28) Context and Continuity • Leviticus 19 is a chapter where God repeatedly says, “Be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (vv. 2, 37). • The commands are woven into the timeless moral fabric calling God’s people to reflect His character. • Malachi 3:6—“For I, the LORD, do not change.” What pleased Him then pleases Him now. Why Obedience Matters Today • God’s Ownership: “You are not your own… therefore glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Love Expressed Through Obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Christ Upheld the Law’s Moral Authority: “Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter… will pass from the Law” (Matthew 5:18-19). • Call to Distinction: “Do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). Obeying this verse marks believers as separate from pagan practices then and comparable worldly trends now. • Witness to the World: Visible obedience invites questions (1 Peter 3:15) and points observers to the Gospel. • Pursuit of Holiness: “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Underlying Principles Within the Verse • Respect for the Body: God forbids self-harm and practices rooted in pagan mourning. Modern parallels include any body modification that dishonors His design. • Submission to God’s Authority: The command closes with “I am the LORD,” highlighting who has the final say over our choices. • Separation from Idolatry: The ancient tattoos and cuts were linked to cults of the dead. God’s people must avoid all acts that mingle worship with superstition. Practical Applications • Evaluate motives before any permanent mark or alteration—does it honor Christ or echo the world’s values? • Celebrate identity in Christ rather than in external symbols. • Teach younger believers that God’s commands protect, not restrict, leading to freedom from cultural pressure. Living It Out Choosing obedience to Leviticus 19:28—along with the whole counsel of God’s Word—demonstrates love for the Lord, reverence for the body He designed, and commitment to a holy, counter-cultural lifestyle that honors His unchanging character. |
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