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

[Marcelo]

So are you now taking the position that masturbation is not a sin at all?

Masturbation in itself is not a sin. If it were a sin (in itself) it would have been mentioned in the Bible.

Adultery is a very serious sin because husband and wife are supposed to form one flesh, and we can't have a "third flesh" between the two.

Fornication is also very serious because it is prostitution. The difference from instituted prostitution is that you don't see clients waiting in line.

Masturbation is a sin if you have unclean thoughts during the act. I know it's hard not to, but it's not impossible.

If you teach that masturbation in itself is a sin your students will make no distinction between adultery and masturbation. If they find themselves in a situation where they desperately need a "relief valve" they will disastrously choose adultery.

 

[UnderGrace]

Thank you,

I was thinking the same thing

Why all this talk about masturbation on a Christian Chat site? Call me old fashioned or whatever, but it just don't seem decent to me for men and women to be having this conversation together. I mean really what is the purpose of it? I'm not saying that this can't and don't need to be discussed, but for men and women to be discussing it together on a Christian site just seems odd and weird to me.

Sorry but I just don't think it is a good idea for men and women to be discussing this together unless their just looking for trouble...just saying

 

[Enow]

Why all this talk about masturbation on a Christian Chat site? Call me old fashioned or whatever, but it just don't seem decent to me for men and women to be having this conversation together. I mean really what is the purpose of it? I'm not saying that this can't and don't need to be discussed, but for men and women to be discussing it together on a Christian site just seems odd and weird to me.

Sorry but I just don't think it is a good idea for men and women to be discussing this together unless their just looking for trouble...just saying

The same reason Paul was warning believers about it. Do note verse 21.

Galatians 5:[SUP]19 [/SUP]Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,[SUP]20 [/SUP]Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,[SUP] 21 [/SUP]Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.[SUP] 22 [/SUP]But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,[SUP]23 [/SUP]Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.[SUP]24 [/SUP]And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.[SUP]25 [/SUP]If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

So when I read "all" as referenced below...

Ephesians 5:[SUP]2 [/SUP]And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

I do not see any exceptions as a few married christians seem to be giving here. I read that believers who do not repent are at risk of being a castaway at the pre trib rapture event.

1 Corinthians 9:[SUP]24 [/SUP]Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.[SUP] 25 [/SUP]And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.[SUP]26 [/SUP]I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:[SUP]27 [/SUP]But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

This exhortation should remove all doubt on where masturbation has to include married people.

Romans 6:[SUP]12 [/SUP]Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.[SUP] 13 [/SUP]Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.[SUP]14 [/SUP]For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?..............[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[SUP]2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

So it is His will that all believers to depart from iniquity, by looking to the author & finisher of our faith to help them lay aside every weight & sin so they can be received by Him as a vessel unto honor in His House at the pre trib rapture event.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,[SUP]2 [/SUP]Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

[Enow]

Masturbation in itself is not a sin. If it were a sin (in itself) it would have been mentioned in the Bible.

Just because masturbation is a modern day word for uncleanness, is not an excuse not to see it as such in the Bible.

Adultery is a very serious sin because husband and wife are supposed to form one flesh, and we can't have a "third flesh" between the two.

Fornication is also very serious because it is prostitution. The difference from instituted prostitution is that you don't see clients waiting in line.

Masturbation is a sin if you have unclean thoughts during the act. I know it's hard not to, but it's not impossible.

If you teach that masturbation in itself is a sin your students will make no distinction between adultery and masturbation. If they find themselves in a situation where they desperately need a "relief valve" they will disastrously choose adultery.

Uncleanness as applied below is to the act of masturbation. It is not singled out by having impure thoughts, but by the action of dishonoring your own body.

Romans 6:[SUP]12 [/SUP]Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.[SUP] 13 [/SUP]Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.[SUP]14 [/SUP]For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?..............[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[SUP]2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

[shrume]

I do not see any exceptions as a few married christians seem to be giving here. I read that believers who do not repent are at risk of being a castaway at the pre trib rapture event.

Enow, what you continue to miss is that masturbation in and of itself is not a sin.

Also, NO Christian will be left behind at the rapture. ALL Christians are members of the body of Christ, and when Christ returns to gather his church, ALL the members will participate.

 

[shrume]

Just because masturbation is a modern day word for uncleanness, is not an excuse not to see it as such in the Bible.

Please show how you arrived at that conclusion, that masturbation is a modern day word for uncleanness.

Uncleanness as applied below is to the act of masturbation. It is not singled out by having impure thoughts, but by the action of dishonoring your own body.

Romans 6:[SUP]12 [/SUP]Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.[SUP] 13 [/SUP]Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.[SUP]14 [/SUP]For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?..............[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[SUP]2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Despite your claim that "Uncleanness as applied below is to the act of masturbation", those verses have nothing to do with it.

Are there times when masturbation is a sin? Absolutely! People who masturbate to porn, lust after other women, etc, etc. Then it's definitely a sin. But masturbation in and of itself is not sin.

 

[1ofthem]

The same reason Paul was warning believers about it. Do note verse 21.

Galatians 5:[SUP]19 [/SUP]Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,[SUP]20 [/SUP]Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,[SUP] 21 [/SUP]Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.[SUP] 22 [/SUP]But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,[SUP]23 [/SUP]Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.[SUP]24 [/SUP]And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.[SUP]25 [/SUP]If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

So when I read "all" as referenced below...

Ephesians 5:[SUP]2 [/SUP]And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

I do not see any exceptions as a few married christians seem to be giving here. I read that believers who do not repent are at risk of being a castaway at the pre trib rapture event.

1 Corinthians 9:[SUP]24 [/SUP]Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.[SUP] 25 [/SUP]And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.[SUP]26 [/SUP]I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:[SUP]27 [/SUP]But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

This exhortation should remove all doubt on where masturbation has to include married people.

Romans 6:[SUP]12 [/SUP]Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.[SUP] 13 [/SUP]Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.[SUP]14 [/SUP]For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?..............[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[SUP]2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

So it is His will that all believers to depart from iniquity, by looking to the author & finisher of our faith to help them lay aside every weight & sin so they can be received by Him as a vessel unto honor in His House at the pre trib rapture event.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,[SUP]2 [/SUP]Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Yeah, ok I get you, but I still don't think men and women engaging in this conversation together is decent...seems more like something the enemy would want...
Colossians 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Just my opinion, but I really don't think Jesus wants men and women coming together and talking about pleasing themselves sexually to each other. To me it just seems, dirty and inappropriate for brothers and sisters in Christ to be engaging in this conversation together. I wouldn't talk to my natural brother about something like this, and I sure hope he never talks to me about his thoughts on it either.

Really, I'm just saying it would be better to let the men teach the men about it and let the women teach the women in matters like this.

 

[Enow]

Enow, what you continue to miss is that masturbation in and of itself is not a sin.

So now the other shoe drops. First I am not qualified because I am not married. And now, you deny what masturbation is as listed as a work of the flesh called uncleanness.

Also, NO Christian will be left behind at the rapture. ALL Christians are members of the body of Christ, and when Christ returns to gather his church, ALL the members will participate.

If the church is to excommunicate an unrepentant brother so as to not have the feast of fellowship which is to be held in sincerity and in truth, then you better believe that is how Jesus Christ will maintain for the Marriage Supper by excommunication as well.

So not only saints in unrepentant iniquity which denies Him, they will be denied, but some christians will love their lives and their loved ones so much that they will not go when the Bridegroom comes; & Jesus gave plenty of warnings about this too.

http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/160139-why-some-saints-will-not-leave-rapture.html

 

[Enow]

Please show how you arrived at that conclusion, that masturbation is a modern day word for uncleanness.

Despite your claim that "Uncleanness as applied below is to the act of masturbation", those verses have nothing to do with it.

How can it not?

Romans 6:[SUP]12 [/SUP]Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.[SUP] 13 [/SUP]Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.[SUP]14 [/SUP]For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?..............[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

The call to holiness in this wise is to abstain from masturbation.

Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[SUP]2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Are there times when masturbation is a sin? Absolutely! People who masturbate to porn, lust after other women, etc, etc. Then it's definitely a sin. But masturbation in and of itself is not sin.

So if I kill someone with love in my heart, it is okay? I think not.

1 Thessalonians 5:[SUP]21 [/SUP]Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.[SUP] 22 [/SUP]Abstain from all appearance of evil.

If we are to abstain from all appearances of evil, there can be no partiality in this reproof regarding an act of sin. If masturbation is a sin at one time, then it is a sin all the time, regardless of thinking on good thoughts or done in love.

 

[BenFTW]

Please show how you arrived at that conclusion, that masturbation is a modern day word for uncleanness.


Despite your claim that "Uncleanness as applied below is to the act of masturbation", those verses have nothing to do with it.

Are there times when masturbation is a sin? Absolutely! People who masturbate to porn, lust after other women, etc, etc. Then it's definitely a sin. But masturbation in and of itself is not sin.

One might compare masturbation to an alcoholic going on a pub crawl or going to multiple bars in one night. Its playing with fire, its flirting with temptation. For one to entertain the flesh makes one subject to the wiles of the flesh. While masturbation in and of itself may not be sin, it is entertaining the same sensations that accompany lust and therefore as temptation presents itself it is far more easily succumbed to. You are already giving into the flesh, fulfilling its desires, and as the temptation offers its appeals, you are already in that state of pleasure, giving into such sensations.

This would then be a lack of self-control, that weakens one's resistance. Masturbation without lust is like eating a bite of your favorite dessert and stopping short. It isn't enough to quench the flesh, it only excites it. So while one may be able to entertain the flesh but not sin, certain actions have consequences that only weaken one's resistance to temptation that leads to sin. In this case, be wise, and practice self control.

Now, I wouldn't have you believe this victory is found in self, as I mention self-control. Rather this victory is found in approaching the throne of grace in time of need. Go to the Lord as temptation presents itself, go into prayer, and He will give you the escape. It shifts your focus off of sin and onto the Lord. That is already liberating, and then too, God will provide His mercy and grace to help (sustain) you. To resist, and escape temptation that leads to sin.

Be wise, seek the Lord, and do not succumb to the flesh as you seek His strength.

 

[shrume]

How can it not?

Romans 6:[SUP]12 [/SUP]Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.[SUP] 13 [/SUP]Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.[SUP]14 [/SUP]For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?..............[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

The call to holiness in this wise is to abstain from masturbation.

No it isn't. You're just saying it is, and that does not make it true.

Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[SUP]2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Great scripture! Where is masturbation in that verse?

So if I kill someone with love in my heart, it is okay? I think not.

Murder is always a sin. Sometimes killing is not. Self defense, protecting the defenseless, capital punishment.

1 Thessalonians 5:[SUP]21 [/SUP]Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.[SUP] 22 [/SUP]Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Masturbation in and of itself is never declared to be evil in the Bible.

If we are to abstain from all appearances of evil, there can be no partiality in this reproof regarding an act of sin. If masturbation is a sin at one time, then it is a sin all the time, regardless of thinking on good thoughts or done in love.

Absolutely not true.

 

[shrume]

One might compare masturbation to an alcoholic going on a pub crawl or going to multiple bars in one night. Its playing with fire, its flirting with temptation. For one to entertain the flesh makes one subject to the wiles of the flesh. While masturbation in and of itself may not be sin, it is entertaining the same sensations that accompany lust and therefore as temptation presents itself it is far more easily succumbed to. You are already giving into the flesh, fulfilling its desires, and as the temptation offers its appeals, you are already in that state of pleasure, giving into such sensations.

This would then be a lack of self-control, that weakens one's resistance. Masturbation without lust is like eating a bite of your favorite dessert and stopping short. It isn't enough to quench the flesh, it only excites it. So while one may be able to entertain the flesh but not sin, certain actions have consequences that only weaken one's resistance to temptation that leads to sin. In this case, be wise, and practice self control.

Now, I wouldn't have you believe this victory is found in self, as I mention self-control. Rather this victory is found in approaching the throne of grace in time of need. Go to the Lord as temptation presents itself, go into prayer, and He will give you the escape. It shifts your focus off of sin and onto the Lord. That is already liberating, and then too, God will provide His mercy and grace to help (sustain) you. To resist, and escape temptation that leads to sin.

Be wise, seek the Lord, and do not succumb to the flesh as you seek His strength.

Thanks for acknowledging that, Ben. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Enow]

Yeah, ok I get you, but I still don't think men and women engaging in this conversation together is decent...seems more like something the enemy would want...
Colossians 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

It is an uncomfortable subject, but let us read your reference in context, sister.

Ephesians 5:[SUP]3 [/SUP]But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;[SUP]4 [/SUP]Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.[SUP]5 [/SUP]For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[SUP] 6 [/SUP]Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.[SUP] 7 [/SUP]Be not ye therefore partakers with them.[SUP]8 [/SUP]For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:[SUP] 9 [/SUP](For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth[SUP] 10 [/SUP]Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.[SUP] 11 [/SUP]And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.[SUP]12 [/SUP]For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.[SUP]13 [/SUP]But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.[SUP] 14 [/SUP]Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,[SUP] 16 [/SUP]Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.[SUP]17 [/SUP]Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Just my opinion, but I really don't think Jesus wants men and women coming together and talking about pleasing themselves sexually to each other. To me it just seems, dirty and inappropriate for brothers and sisters in Christ to be engaging in this conversation together. I wouldn't talk to my natural brother about something like this, and I sure hope he never talks to me about his thoughts on it either.

Really, I'm just saying it would be better to let the men teach the men about it and let the women teach the women in matters like this.

The problem is, obviously nobody is really talking about it. Does your pastor ever talk about it from the pulpit? Then you can see why believers are asking this question as a Biblical discussion in this forum.

Even now, some believers do not see masturbation as a sin at all. I would rather let the scripture talk about it than allow it to go to popular opinion.

 

[BenFTW]

Thanks for acknowledging that, Ben. That's all I'm saying.

I cannot say whether it is, or isn't, but I can tell you the fruit of such actions logically. One thing leads to another. Even if masturbation in and of itself were not sin, it is unwise to entertain the flesh (especially in that area) as it just excites the flesh, making that step from temptation to sin all the easier.

 

[Enow]

One might compare masturbation to an alcoholic going on a pub crawl or going to multiple bars in one night. Its playing with fire, its flirting with temptation. For one to entertain the flesh makes one subject to the wiles of the flesh. While masturbation in and of itself may not be sin, it is entertaining the same sensations that accompany lust and therefore as temptation presents itself it is far more easily succumbed to. You are already giving into the flesh, fulfilling its desires, and as the temptation offers its appeals, you are already in that state of pleasure, giving into such sensations.

This would then be a lack of self-control, that weakens one's resistance. Masturbation without lust is like eating a bite of your favorite dessert and stopping short. It isn't enough to quench the flesh, it only excites it. So while one may be able to entertain the flesh but not sin, certain actions have consequences that only weaken one's resistance to temptation that leads to sin. In this case, be wise, and practice self control.

Now, I wouldn't have you believe this victory is found in self, as I mention self-control. Rather this victory is found in approaching the throne of grace in time of need. Go to the Lord as temptation presents itself, go into prayer, and He will give you the escape. It shifts your focus off of sin and onto the Lord. That is already liberating, and then too, God will provide His mercy and grace to help (sustain) you. To resist, and escape temptation that leads to sin.

Be wise, seek the Lord, and do not succumb to the flesh as you seek His strength.

NO thanks for saying that, Ben. All your sayings are voided by that statement. No need to go before that throne of grace now, is there? There is no way for any one to reprove a known masturbater. And yet Paul denounced all uncleanness including the act of masturbation, to not even be named among the saints.

I have heard people can be addicted to masturbation. One has to wonder when a married man does it when alone. Addicts very rarely admit to their addictions. People lie to themselves all the time too.

Romans 6:.[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

So scripture says you are wrong. Masturbation is a sin.

 

[Enow]

Masturbation in and of itself is never declared to be evil in the Bible.

What is uncleanness in this reference below that we are not to yield the members of our bodies to?

Romans 6:[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?..............[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

 

[joeyruready]

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.

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.

I really appreciate this post and I needed it. It was well written and concise and also very important. I read through every reply before I began this response and there is alot I would like to say but foremost I want to respond to the initial inquiry. Masterbation is sin. I did not always believe this. However, I have grown and rather than making things complicated, God has not given His word to us in such a way that the simple minded can not understand it. What makes anything sin? Sin is defined as anything which opposes God.
Well, in order to understand what opposes God we have to understand who God is. We know these things from scripture. God is Love. 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. God is truth: John 14:16,
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." God is humble; Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! These three characteristics of God are practically interchangeable. I have come to understand the relationship between truth and love and humility, they are all cut from the same cloth. IN order for anything to be sin, it has to oppose God, so if it isnt, Truth and loving and humble then it is sin.
Now lets look at masturbation directly and see where it stands. Is it loving? NO. Most of us know the word. Love is not self seeking. There are many other ways masturbation fails to meet the standards set for us by God however, if any act fails at any point to fulfill the entire law of God, then it is sin. Many other places where masturbation fails the law of God have been posted here allready. I can think of several. The first verse in my mind is; Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." If we apply these words we can easily see how masturbation adds up. Is it true? Well, for me it is. I have practiced masturbation. Is it noble? NO. Is it right? No. Is it pure? No is it lovely? NO. I am sure we can see the trend here. Lets not ignore the end of verse nine because something unique about the truth of the word of God is as simple as math. Put these things into practice and the God of peace will be with you also means, if you do not practice these things, or you practice things contrary to these, the God of peace will NOT BE WITH YOU. There are literally dozens of verse running through my head that show this to be exactly what it is: sin. There are allready many good examples that have been posted. Leviticus 11:44 "I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy." The most powerful verse to me is from Romans 12 vs:1. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." This is the first verse of scripture God led me to memorize and I needed it because I was suicidal from a very early age. For many years, It stopped me from suicide, although not every time. However i often thought, ok God my body belongs to you as a living sacrifice however, I am not holy. Eventually God taught me, 1john1 9. IF we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. This ties into a verse i believe was allready mentioned. "you are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
It has been my experience that everything God has ever given me or desired to give to me is perfect. There is nothing like it in this world. God is continually in the process of making each of us perfect. He who began a good work in us is faithful to carry it on to completion to the day of Christ Jesus. God made us perfect, we have made ourselves a mess. Yet God is faithful even when we are faithless. Masterbation is not perfect. It is written if we sin sexually we sin against our own bodies. I believe masturbation is sexual sin, and therefore a sin against my own body. (among us there should not be even a hint of sexual immorality) I believe it is also a sin against God. God desires worshippers who worship him in spirit and in truth, our spiritual act of worship is to offer God our bodies as living and Holy sacrifices...masturbation makes us unclean and therefore not holy. So it prevents us from worshipping God as he desires, which is also another sin against ourselves because it hinders our relationship with God. Lastly, although it does not directly affect others, it is a sin against everyone in our lives because, if a man knows the good he out to do and does not do it, it is sin. The time we spent masterbating we should have spent loving others. We are literally robbing others of the good God would work through us in their lives by spending that time in self pleasure.
To conclude this post I would like to add one more thing. We are what we practice. I do not want to say this but I will as the word says speak the truth in love. I am a masterbator. I will elaborate upon that in another post in this thread. This is not what i want to be and not what i have always been. God has used this post to point this out to me, calling me back into a closer relationship with him. This practice has to go and I know God will empower me to be free from it. I used to drive a truck. I was a truck driver. People pilot planes or practice medicine or law. We call them pilots and doctors and lawyers. AS God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we are called to practice loving one another and also called to stop practicing everything that isnt holy and pure and noble. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves, DO WHAT IT SAYS. I know i can practice prayer instead of sin. I know i can practice humility and compassion and patience and love. I know I can practice worshipping God in spirit and in truth as He desires, and in my heart I desire this also. I beseech you my brothers and sisters to practice love and truth and humility so you become loving and honest and humble and as it is written, above all things put on love because love covers a multitude of sin.

 

[BenFTW]

NO thanks for saying that, Ben. All your sayings are voided by that statement. No need to go before that throne of grace now, is there? There is no way for any one to reprove a known masturbater. And yet Paul denounced all uncleanness including the act of masturbation, to not even be named among the saints.

I have heard people can be addicted to masturbation. One has to wonder when a married man does it when alone. Addicts very rarely admit to their addictions. People lie to themselves all the time too.

Romans 6:.[SUP]19 [/SUP]I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

So scripture says you are wrong. Masturbation is a sin.

Hey Enow, please understand that I didn't say it wasn't a sin. I said it "may not be sin", and the point isn't whether it is a sin or not, rather it is addressing a loop hole. We are trying to find a way to entertain the flesh while not sinning. We are being creative with His grace. This isn't wise, and as I said, it is unwise to entertain masturbation (sin or not), because it leads to the sin of lust. It weakens one's resistance to temptations, as one has only excited the flesh and not quenched its desires. Once excited, it will seek to be satisfied (through the means of lust).

I am not stating that masturbation is or is not sin, I am stating the ramifications of entertaining it at all. It is unwise. It leads to sin. It weakens one's resistance to temptation. I will let you guys determine whether masturbation is a sin or not, but for me, I am simply pointing out the fruit and consequences of masturbation.

 

[notuptome]

The only real question is does the act glorify God? If not then refrain from the activity. Let each be persuaded in his own heart.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[Enow]

Hey Enow, please understand that I didn't say it wasn't a sin. I said it "may not be sin", and the point isn't whether it is a sin or not, rather it is addressing a loop hole. We are trying to find a way to entertain the flesh while not sinning. We are being creative with His grace. This isn't wise, and as I said, it is unwise to entertain masturbation (sin or not), because it leads to the sin of lust. It weakens one's resistance to temptations, as one has only excited the flesh and not quenched its desires. Once excited, it will seek to be satisfied (through the means of lust).

I am not stating that masturbation is or is not sin, I am stating the ramifications of entertaining it at all. It is unwise. It leads to sin. It weakens one's resistance to temptation. I will let you guys determine whether masturbation is a sin or not, but for me, I am simply pointing out the fruit and consequences of masturbation.

Thanks for the clarity, brother, but it still comes off as sowing doubts in His words that masturbation is a sin at all.

How do you define uncleanness? How can masturbation not be of the act of uncleanness as listed in between fornication and lasciviousness which means sexual excessiveness?

When the consequence is not inheriting the kingdom of God, this not really a time to cite an opinion.

Galatians 5:[SUP]19 [/SUP]Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,[SUP]20 [/SUP]Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,[SUP] 21 [/SUP]Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.