This topic is definitely meant for every individual to read (Christian or not). The reader is just asked to understand the importance of a much debated issue. Maturity is a necessity in attempting to grasp the concept and material being presented about masturbation. With that being said, ask yourself if you feel masturbation is a sin or not. Merriam-Webster describes masturbation as the stimulation of the genital organs apart from sexual intercourse, usually to orgasm, and especially by use of one’s own hand. Basically, it is when people touch their own bodies for sexual pleasure or “play with your self.” Some people believe masturbation is just wrong, while others believe it to be a normal, healthy thing.
In deciding if masturbation is a sin or not, one has to search the Bible. Actually, the Bible does not directly or indirectly discuss masturbation at all. Therefore, we must examine other scriptures that discuss lust, self-control, and purity to see how God feels about the issue.
Masturbation involving sexual fantasies, lusting after someone who you are not married to, and pornography is a sin. This is so because Jesus tells us, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is so more profitable for you to lose one part of your body, than your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:28-29) And yes, this scripture definitely pertains to women and men as well and applies to those who are not married.
On the other hand, what if one masturbates without sexual fantasies, lust, or pornography? Is it a sin or not? The Bible does not condone it or condemn it. What if one masturbates to not perform a greater evil; i.e. fornication? Once again, the Bible doesn’t mention anything about the issue. However, it does tell us to “Flee immortality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
Some people use Genesis 38:9 as reason to support their belief that masturbation is wrong. But this scripture doesn’t deal with masturbation. Yes, Onan did spill his sperm upon the floor, but that is because he refused to fulfill his obligation to marry Tamar and raise an offspring in his brother’s name. Still having mixed feelings about masturbation? Then one must think deeply into it.
In thinking deeply, one must first ask if anyone can honestly masturbate without lust, sexual fantasies, or pornography since masturbation is most often associated with these reasons. All the excitement and pleasure would be filtered out if there was no lust or sexual fantasies to accompany it. That is why one has to work on the mind. Sexual thinking starts in the mind before it does in the sex organs. Therefore, one’s most important sex organ is the mind. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Romans 8:6-7)
Since our mind and body is important to God, we are to remain pure in both. At least for Christians, the desire to remain sexually pure and holy should encourage them to avoid masturbation. This is so even if the circumstance may not be sinful. Everyone should master the body and its desires rather than letting the flesh master them. Giving in to masturbation can create spiritual consequences while mastering your flesh can bring spiritual benefits.
God has blessed us with the gift of sex for procreation and pleasure. But this gift of sexual pleasure is to happen within the confines of a man and woman who have committed their lives together through marriage. When we allow ourselves to become more in love with the precious gifts God has given us than in Him, the gifts created to bless us start to corrupt and destroy us instead.
What’s your final verdict about “Masturbation: Sin or Not?