Quick Thoughts on Applying the Old Testament

Thought I would offer a couple of musings on the subject above. Whether measured by chapters or verses, the Old Testament comprises over three-quarters of the entire Bible, and as 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God ( or God breathed as some English versions have it)and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." On the other hand those who have put their trust in Christ for salvation are in a New Covenant as attested by 2 Corinthians 3: 4-18 especially verse 6, Galatians 4:21-31 especially v. 24, and Hebrews 8:8-13 esp. v. 13. The old covenant has become "obsolete." (NKJV) On the one hand "every word of God is pure..." ( Prov. 30:5a); on the other we are no longer under the law. The concept of progressive revelation helps in some cases as in changing instruction about food that can be eaten. In other instances the only revelation that we have about a topic is in the O. T.
One example is that of tattoos. While there may be general themes that might potentially apply, the only specific instruction that I am aware of is found in Leviticus 19:28, which states "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." (NKJV) This is part of the Law of Moses written as a command. So does it apply to us today or not? In previous generations typically tattooing was confined to groups like sailors or outlaw bikers. Now it has become mainstream. One recourse is to apply to the scholars. For example the ESV Study Bible notes that "These are all practices of the Canaanites. Holiness requires Israel not to act like pagans in any area of life." This does not resolve the question for moderns who would not regard themselves as Canaanites.
One solution is to regard this as a Romans 14 question in which "each one should be fully persuaded in his own mind," (v. 5) under the Lordship of Christ." (V.9)Obviously having a lurid or blasphemous tattoo would disregard His Lordship; having a cross might not. Each one needs to seek the Lord and submit to Him. For the record I would not tattoo myself based on Lev. 19:28 and the sense that if it were a pagan practice at the time, it remains a pagan practice today.
Leaving the specific question of tattoos and returning to how to apply the OT, we must be careful not to think we are sanctified by keeping the Law but rather by the Holy Spirit and by belief in the truth. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:13)