Ellen White does not specifically address the modern practice of tattooing in the provided documents; however, she writes extensively about spiritual "marks," including the and the "marks of His crucifixion" (
DD 60) borne by Jesus. Her focus is primarily on the symbolic and spiritual significance of marks as they relate to character and redemption.
In her explanations of biblical prophecy, she describes a . This mark is placed upon those who "sigh and cry for all the abominations" (
CET 185.2) seen in the church, representing a deep love for purity and the honor of God. She notes that in a scriptural sense, "the words token, sign, mark, and seal are applied to the same things" (
4SP 505.1), indicating a spiritual designation rather than a physical one.
Furthermore, she emphasizes the permanence of the marks on Christ's body, stating that "Our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion" (
DD 60). These "tokens of His humiliation are His highest honor" (
DD 60), and she explains that "every print of the nails will tell the story of man's wonderful redemption" (
EW 179.2). In contrast, she mentions that the wicked will eventually look upon their own "marks with terror and remorse" (
GC 643.2) when they face the consequences of their choices.
For practical application, these principles suggest that the most important "mark" a person can receive is the spiritual seal of God's approval on their character. While the documents do not provide a direct command regarding decorative body art, they direct the reader's attention to the marks of sacrifice made by Christ and the necessity of having the "mark of truth" wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, the provided writings focus on the spiritual marks of character and the sacrificial marks of Christ rather than the practice of tattooing.
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