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Is masturbation wrong?
The Bible does not discuss masturbation
at all. This seems a little odd since it is such a strong and
prevalent human event. And, given that Leviticus has so much to
say about sexuality, one would think it natural that the subject would
be covered. But it isn't. Masturbation is not specifically
declared to be sinful. Nevertheless, we must be cautious to
pronounce something to be sinful or not sinful when God has not
discussed it. Therefore, we have to
derive principles from scripture on related sexual issues and see if we
can wisely apply them to the subject of masturbation.
First of all, sex was created by God for procreative
purposes, physical enjoyment, and the demonstration of intimacy between
a husband and a wife. In this context, the sexual act is intended
to occur in a healthy marriage relationship between husband and wife in
purity and holiness. In contrast to this, masturbation is the self stimulation to the point of
sexual release without the gifting of a spouse. It would seem that
masturbation is a denial of the sexual design of God for couples.
But, is it sinful? Again, answering this question is difficult
because the Bible does not pronounce it as sin. Nevertheless,
there is the principle of purity that is obvious true. Does
masturbation fall under the category of purity?
We can say this for sure. If masturbation
involves sexual fantasies and/or pornography, then it is certainly not
pure and is very sinful. The Bible clearly
teaches that our minds are as important to God as our bodies are and
that we are to remain pure in both. Jesus said, "You have heard
that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; 28 but I say to you,
that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed
adultery with her already in his heart," (Matt. 5:27-28).
Jesus is saying that thinking lustful thoughts is sinful.
Therefore, masturbation involving sexual fantasies (at least not of
one's spouse) is undoubtedly sinful.
But this brings up the issue of a spouse masturbating
while thinking of his/her spouse. Is it sinful? Again, since
the Bible does not declare it sinful, can we? Let's say that a
wife is incapacitated by an accident and is in the hospital for an
extended period of time. Is it alright for the husband to
masturbate if he thinks only of his wife in order to relieve sexual
tension? Again, without a specific declaration of scripture it is
difficult pronounce it as sinful. On the one hand, his body is not
his own and it is for his wife and he is not to be mastered by anything
(1 Cor. 6:12). But on the other hand,
she is not available. Would his masturbation be sinful should he
commit it if he only thought of his wife? I cannot say for sure.
Then again, what if someone masturbates with absolutely
no sexual fantasy of any sort. Is it then sinful? Again,
this is difficult to answer. But, since the Bible doesn't condemn or
condone it, can we make dogmatic assertions? Furthermore, what if
a person masturbates in order to reduce the sexual urge in an attempt to
not commit fornication? Certainly, actual fornication would be a
sin, and masturbation would be preferable in this instance. But
does this mean that the person is being mastered by the flesh? If
so, then that would be wrong. But, does it mean then that a
self-release of sexual tension is then acceptable if it is to avoid
fornication? Again, since the Bible does not declare masturbation
a sin, I cannot say it is.
Let's look at some verses that speak of sexual
morality. I will comment after each one.
- 1 Cor. 6:18, "Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man
commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his
own body."
- The Greek word for "immorality" is
porneia which means illicit sexual intercourse, i.e., fornication,
homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, etc. The English word
"pornography" is derived from this Greek word.
- Eph. 5:3, "But do not let immorality
or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among
saints."
- Again, the word for "immorality"
is porneia.
- Col. 3:5, "Therefore consider the
members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity,
passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry."
- Again, the word for "immorality"
is porneia.
- 1 Thess. 4:2, "For you
know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord
Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your
sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in
sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like
the Gentiles who do not know God."
- Again, the word for "sexual
immorality" is porneia. The reference in verse four to "own vessel"
is to having a wife so that fornication would be avoided.
Conclusion
The goal of
the Christian life is to be pure in thought and deed. I believe
that the issue of masturbation comes down to this. Therefore, I
believe that though masturbation under certain circumstances may
not be sinful, the desire to be sexual pure and holy should move the
Christian to avoid it. Instead, he or she should seek to master
the body and not give into its desires. The fight against
masturbation can be a lesson in controlling the body which can have
great spiritual benefits. Giving in to masturbation can have
spiritual consequences and mastering the body can bring great spiritual
benefit. Perhaps God did not mention masturbation the Bible
because He is so aware of our sinful tendencies, our situations, our
difficulties, etc., and desires that we seek holiness and purity by
seeking to master our own flesh. If God had declared that it was
not a sin, then we can rest assured that we would misuse the act and
become enslaved by it.
If, however, you are bound by masturbation and war against it
because it masters you, then you continually need to go to the cross and
ask the Lord to forgive you. Also, pray and ask the Lord to
provide you a spouse so that you would not fall into bondage of the
flesh.
What about Onan in
Gen. 38:9?
Some erringly cite Onan in Gen. 38:9 who
spilled his seed on the ground, as a justification for masturbation.
But this is a mistake since this is not dealing with masturbation.
"And Onan knew that the
offspring would not be his; so it came about that when he went in to
his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground, in order not
to give offspring to his brother," (Gen. 38:9).
This is not about
masturbation. It is about the failure of Onan to give children to Tamar, the
widow of his brother, and fulfill his duty to raise offspring in his
brother's name. By refusing his obligation, he sinned.
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