Question: One of my closest friends is considering conversion to the LDS faith as I am. As she and I were discussing your faith recently, she became concerned. She recently went out and got a tattoo. I know that there is no specific doctrine or principle about tattoos only that the body is the temple to the Lord, but a tattoo is not actually considered a sin. But how would this affect her ability to receive baptism and other gifts of the faith? Furthermore, what is the LDS belief about those who have used drugs or other harmful products or had premarital sex prior to deciding to convert? If they are heartfully sorry for their actions and know that they will abstain forevermore, how will their prior action affect the conversion process and the ability to be baptized into the LDS faith?"
Response: You are correct about the fact that there is no specific doctrine or principle about tattoos other than that which we read in the Bible which you've already quoted. Our Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, has recently asked us to abstain from such practices so that we might give the proper respect to our bodies that the Lord has given to us. However, the tattoo will definitely not preclude her from being baptized.
Concerning your question about whether those who have used drugs or other harmful products or had premarital sex prior to deciding to convert, We must all remember that the great atoning sacrifice that our Savior went through was for this very purpose. Our Savior knew that we would make mistakes during our time here on earth. Because he loves us so much, he took upon himself all of those sins so we may enter the waters of baptism, literally washing away our sins of the past and become clean and pure once again. The Lord forgives and forgets all sins so prior actions do not affect the conversion process. Then, at this point, the individual receives the gift of the Holy Ghost, free from any guilt of the past. The key factor here is, as you have accurately stated, they must be heartfully sorry for their actions and have a determination to abstain hereafter.
I am thrilled that you and your friend are considering membership in the Church. I am confident that you will not be sorry about that decision.
