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Biblical Views on Masturbation

The document discusses whether masturbation is considered a sin according to the Bible. It notes that the Bible does not explicitly mention masturbation. Passages sometimes used to say it is a sin, such as Onan spilling his seed, are not actually about masturbation. While lustful thoughts connected to masturbation are sinful, the Bible does not directly state if the act itself is a sin. Several biblical principles are presented, such as glorifying God with our bodies and acting in self-control, that could indicate masturbation does not honor God. The conclusion is that masturbation is questionable and doubtful it could ever be done without associated sinful behaviors.

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339 views2 pages

Biblical Views on Masturbation

The document discusses whether masturbation is considered a sin according to the Bible. It notes that the Bible does not explicitly mention masturbation. Passages sometimes used to say it is a sin, such as Onan spilling his seed, are not actually about masturbation. While lustful thoughts connected to masturbation are sinful, the Bible does not directly state if the act itself is a sin. Several biblical principles are presented, such as glorifying God with our bodies and acting in self-control, that could indicate masturbation does not honor God. The conclusion is that masturbation is questionable and doubtful it could ever be done without associated sinful behaviors.

Uploaded by

Manuel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Masturbation - is it a sin according to

the Bible?

Question: "Masturbation - is it a sin according to the Bible?"

Answer: The Bible does not mention masturbation or state whether or not
masturbation is a sin. The passage most frequently associated with masturbation
is the story of Onan in Genesis 38:9–10. Some interpret this passage to say that
“spilling your seed” is a sin. However, that is not what the passage is saying. God
condemned Onan not for “spilling his seed” but because Onan was rebellious.
Onan refused to fulfill his duty to provide an heir for his deceased brother. The
passage is not about masturbation but about fulfilling a family obligation.

A second passage sometimes used as evidence that masturbation is a sin


is Matthew 5:27–30. Jesus speaks against having lustful thoughts and then says,
“If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” While there is
clearly a connection between lustful thoughts and masturbation, it is unlikely
that Jesus was alluding to the specific sin of masturbation in this passage.

The Bible nowhere explicitly states that masturbation is a sin, but there is no
question that the actions that usually lead to masturbation are sinful.
Masturbation is nearly always the result of lustful thoughts, inappropriate sexual
stimulation, and/or pornography. It is these problems that need to be dealt with.
If the sins of lust, immoral thoughts, and pornography are forsaken and
overcome, masturbation will become much less of an issue and temptation. Many
people struggle with guilt concerning masturbation, when, in reality, they would
be far better off repenting of the sins that lead them to masturbate.

With that said, is masturbation itself a sin? While the Bible does not directly
answer this question, there definitely are some biblical principles that can be
applied to the issue:

(1) “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of
God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If we cannot give God glory for something, we should
not do it.

(2) “Everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). If we are
not fully convinced that an activity is honoring to God, it is a sin.
(3) “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you,
whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a
price. Therefore, honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Our bodies
have been redeemed and belong to God.

(4) “The fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Masturbation


is almost always a sign of a lack of self-control.

These great truths should have a powerful impact on what we do with our
bodies. In light of these principles, many conclude that masturbation is always
sinful. Masturbation is a questionable activity, at best—whether it can glorify
God; whether it can be done in absolute confidence that it is right; and whether
it can honor God as the owner of our bodies.

If done with absolutely no lust, immoral thoughts, or pornography, with full


assurance that it is good and right, with thanks given to God for the pleasure it
brings (see 1 Corinthians 10:30), is it still a sin to masturbate? The most we can
say is maybe not. However, we have serious doubts whether this scenario ever
truly exists.

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