Masturbation sinful?

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dodolah

Guest
#1
Please stay on topic. The question is very specific so don't enlarge the scope too much..

I got this interesting question brought up by one of my smart sunday school student.
I admit I am quite baffled... Before I answer to him, I thought I should consult first to others who might know the answer to his Qs..

I think most denomination Christian agrees that masturbation is somewhat sinful.
One of the supporting verse to condemn masturbation is:

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

----------
So, here are the Q:
1. What if the person is imagining his lawfully wedded wife while masturbating? Would that be considered a sin?

2. What if the person is not imagining anything but simply having the gratification from stimulation of touching? Would that be considered sinful?

Thanks for your answer.
 
C

Consumed

Guest
#2
hmmm, interesting topic of choice. Bible does say that any lusts of the flesh we gratify is ungodly, in reply to thinking bout ones own spouse thats a bit weird to think that cause its your spouse it makes it Godly to do. God is holy and we are to be holy in His image and likeness. Masturbation is still a sinful act as it falls in the catergory of sexual immorality, gratifying ones flesh. Sin is conceived by a thought first which if one does not take captive (anything that exalts itself above the knowledge of God)can lead to a manifestation of that thought. We can deceive ourselves very easily in saying, "o i think about my spouse" yet you have your spouse to enjoy the pleasures of an intimate relationship with. Masturbation is a conterfeit of the real deal, Satan is the master at conterfeitin.Not i but Christ who lives in me?? If one is truely led by the Holy Spirit one would know that if they did masterbate that its not the Holy Spirit leading one, its themselves.

All that being said, most important thing is we dont condemn anyone who is caught in bondage of any kind, pray for them, encourage them that cause they have opened up and actually told someone they have a problem is the first steps to being delivered.

Jesus is our example to live by. Praise be for Calvary
 
S

Shwagga

Guest
#3
I guess the Scripture that I found most convicting was..

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me....(Matthew 16:24)
 
O

oopsies

Guest
#4
Basically, you are looking at three sides of the argument: yes, no, and dunno. The only way to figure this out is to really dig deep. I did that a few months ago and came to the conclusion that the Bible is silent on this issue. That doesn’t mean it isn’t sinful nor does it say that it is sinful – it’s just that the Bible doesn’t explicitly or implicitly say it is sinful. Doesn’t help much, does it?
This website summarizes all the arguments against but refutes them to bring us back to a conclusion that the Bible is silent on the issue: http://www.layhands.com/IsMasturbationASin.htm .
If the Bible is seemingly silent on the issue, then what should you do? Well, take a pragmatic approach. I can almost guarantee that no matter how someone looks at it, masturbation will involve some kind of fantasy (perhaps with the help of pornography – in the mind or the heart) and addiction to the act of masturbating because of the derived pleasure. So while the act of masturbating may or may not be sinful, the other things that it is associated with are almost always sinful and are almost impossible to eliminate. Should someone manage to truly eliminate those associations while they masturbate, they will probably find masturbation to be pretty pointless and bland.
 
C

Co_IsaaC

Guest
#5
totally sinful! one and two!
whne was the last time a christian masturbated and felt no guilty conciense from doing so?
obviously, the holy spirit gives us conviction about this kind f stuff.

theres no husband that masturbates in front of his wife! why not?
because they know its wrong. it is wrong to do it in front of her, it is also WRONG doing it alone in the restroom or anywhere.

"but among you brothers there must not be a HINT of sexual inmorality..!
"but fornication and all uncleanness, let it not be even named among you! ephessians5:3
(sperm was considered uncleannes)

"thereforeput to death your members wich areon the earth:fornication, uncleannes, passion, EVIL DESIRES..." colossans 3:5

'FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD, YOUR SANCTIFICATION:THAT YOU SHOULD ABSTAIN FROMSEXUAL INMORALITY, THAT EACH OF YOU SHOULD KNOWHOW TO POSSESS HIS OWN VESSELIN SANCTIFICATION AND HONOR" 1 thessalonians 4:3-5

The bible is Clear LETS GET TO READ IT

talking from expericence
 
C

Co_IsaaC

Guest
#6
Basically, you are looking at three sides of the argument: yes, no, and dunno. The only way to figure this out is to really dig deep. I did that a few months ago and came to the conclusion that the Bible is silent on this issue. That doesn’t mean it isn’t sinful nor does it say that it is sinful – it’s just that the Bible doesn’t explicitly or implicitly say it is sinful. Doesn’t help much, does it?
This website summarizes all the arguments against but refutes them to bring us back to a conclusion that the Bible is silent on the issue: http://www.layhands.com/IsMasturbationASin.htm .
If the Bible is seemingly silent on the issue, then what should you do? Well, take a pragmatic approach. I can almost guarantee that no matter how someone looks at it, masturbation will involve some kind of fantasy (perhaps with the help of pornography – in the mind or the heart) and addiction to the act of masturbating because of the derived pleasure. So while the act of masturbating may or may not be sinful, the other things that it is associated with are almost always sinful and are almost impossible to eliminate. Should someone manage to truly eliminate those associations while they masturbate, they will probably find masturbation to be pretty pointless and bland.
The bible is Clear LETS GET TO READ IT
the bible is clear, its us that need the wisdom from God to understand it and apply it to our lives!
everything else is good in your post. i liked the pragmatic explanation!
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
2,987
1,014
113
New Zealand
#8
A physical release of semen from your body.. that isn't sin.. it is just releasing semen from your body. If someone could possibly do this without any lustful thoughts.. then it is no sin.. just a physical sensation.

The bit where it gets fuzzy is what is going thru someone's mind when they are masturbating.

Now this is a bit graphic.. but I know of one sure way.. and that is not to masturbate at all. Seems impossible? Not really. Did you know that semen naturally releases in cycles from your reproductive organs? Wet dreams are like this.. also in going to the loo.. semen can come out with urine naturally.

This is the only way I have found.. because I have never masturbated and not thought any hint of lustful thoughts.

But yah.. masturbation isn't a have to.. there is a natural cycle of reproduction with semen/sperm.

Joshua Harris book 'Not Even a Hint' is really good on this topic. Very biblical, very uncompromising.
 
Last edited:
Dec 19, 2009
2,723
7
0
#9
Please stay on topic. The question is very specific so don't enlarge the scope too much..

I got this interesting question brought up by one of my smart sunday school student.
I admit I am quite baffled... Before I answer to him, I thought I should consult first to others who might know the answer to his Qs..

I think most denomination Christian agrees that masturbation is somewhat sinful.
One of the supporting verse to condemn masturbation is:

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

----------
So, here are the Q:
1. What if the person is imagining his lawfully wedded wife while masturbating? Would that be considered a sin?

2. What if the person is not imagining anything but simply having the gratification from stimulation of touching? Would that be considered sinful?

Thanks for your answer.

OK, now lets be honest. I get concerned when Christians come to a debate like this and tell everyone mastubation is a terrible sin, they are not helping anyone by doing this. It gives the impression that they live almost perfectly Holy lives, and people who have a weakness for masturbating are left feeling dirty and worthless. I am absolutely positive that many Christians masturbate, far more than would ever admit. So if you are struggling with this issue, don't let certain comments on here or anywhere else make you feel worse than you probably already do.


I was speaking to an American woman on a Christian chat website. She told me half the sex addicts in America had been to 'holiness' Churches. And I can well believe it.

Instead of us telling everyone how sinful masturbation is would it not be better to tell people how the Apostle Paul had the victory over such as this in his life.

He said that the sinful passions in us are aroused by the law, and the commadnment. 'Thou shalt not Covet" was used by sin to arouse all kinds of sexual desire in him. This was because he knew it was wrong.

He became free of sin controlling him by dying to the law and living by faith in Christ.

Would it not build up fellow Christians better to tell them that, rather than just say how sinful the act is.

But this is not often told to people. Instead they are just told the act is sinful. If a Christian knows what is written in Rom ch7&8 and does not explain it to someone in the grip of masturbation(or othewr sin) will God be p[leased that they didn't tell the person, but rather just lkeft them feeling condemned and worthless
 
O

oopsies

Guest
#10
A physical release of semen from your body.. that isn't sin.. it is just releasing semen from your body. If someone could possibly do this without any lustful thoughts.. then it is no sin.. just a physical sensation.

The bit where it gets fuzzy is what is going thru someone's mind when they are masturbating.

Now this is a bit graphic.. but I know of one sure way.. and that is not to masturbate at all. Seems impossible? Not really. Did you know that semen naturally releases in cycles from your reproductive organs? Wet dreams are like this.. also in going to the loo.. semen can come out with urine naturally.

This is the only way I have found.. because I have never masturbated and not thought any hint of lustful thoughts.

But yah.. masturbation isn't a have to.. there is a natural cycle of reproduction with semen/sperm.

Joshua Harris book 'Not Even a Hint' is really good on this topic. Very biblical, very uncompromising.
Oh and also, there is no medical need to masturbate. I know someone is going to make a mention of that. You body will naturally break down the sperm back into protein for absorption into the blood stream. And why is it that Jews permit women to masturbate but not for men??
 

QuestionTime

Senior Member
Feb 16, 2010
1,435
20
38
#11
I think most denomination Christian agrees that masturbation is somewhat sinful.
----------
So, here are the Q:
1. What if the person is imagining his lawfully wedded wife while masturbating? Would that be considered a sin?

2. What if the person is not imagining anything but simply having the gratification from stimulation of touching? Would that be considered sinful?

Thanks for your answer.
http://www.atruechurch.info/masturbation.html

That link above proves from scripture that Masturbation is not a sin.

Answers:

1) How can you imagine a wife you have never been with?
2) If the person is not imagining anything than there is no sin, both in my opinion and in the opinion of the author of the article linked to above.

Masturbation can sometimes be valuable for a man, because sometimes he can have physical discomfort due to the body needing to expel dead semen. Beyond that, if you tell me that Adam didn't explore his body in the Garden of Eden I won't believe you. Also, every youth will inevitably explore their bodies as well. Are they to be labeled evil sinners for this? I wouldn't dare to accuse them.

They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:4; see also Luke 11:46)

Quest
 
O

oopsies

Guest
#12
http://www.atruechurch.info/masturbation.html

That link above proves from scripture that Masturbation is not a sin.

Answers:

1) How can you imagine a wife you have never been with?
2) If the person is not imagining anything than there is no sin, both in my opinion and in the opinion of the author of the article linked to above.

Masturbation can sometimes be valuable for a man, because sometimes he can have physical discomfort due to the body needing to expel dead semen. Beyond that, if you tell me that Adam didn't explore his body in the Garden of Eden I won't believe you. Also, every youth will inevitably explore their bodies as well. Are they to be labeled evil sinners for this? I wouldn't dare to accuse them.

They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:4; see also Luke 11:46)

Quest
That is the view Dr. Dobson holds. What a confusing and uncertain topic!
 
Dec 19, 2009
2,723
7
0
#13
[ Also, every youth will inevitably explore their bodies as well. Are they to be labeled evil sinners for this? I wouldn't dare to accuse them.

Very good point. And due to what I have already said about half the sex addicts in America having been to holiness churches, I think some should stop and consider that instead of helping someone, if a teenager is led to believe they are committing terrible sin, in effect Biblically this will just increase the problem of masturbation in their life
 

QuestionTime

Senior Member
Feb 16, 2010
1,435
20
38
#14
totally sinful! one and two!
whne was the last time a christian masturbated and felt no guilty conciense from doing so?
obviously, the holy spirit gives us conviction about this kind f stuff.
Why do people feel guilty? Because their minds are defiled and because our society makes masturbation a taboo.

Titus 1:
15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Matt 23:
4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Quest
 

QuestionTime

Senior Member
Feb 16, 2010
1,435
20
38
#15
OK, now lets be honest. I get concerned when Christians come to a debate like this and tell everyone mastubation is a terrible sin, they are not helping anyone by doing this. It gives the impression that they live almost perfectly Holy lives, and people who have a weakness for masturbating are left feeling dirty and worthless. I am absolutely positive that many Christians masturbate, far more than would ever admit. So if you are struggling with this issue, don't let certain comments on here or anywhere else make you feel worse than you probably already do.
Amen!!! Thank-you LivingByGrace for this excellent and much needed comment!

Instead of us telling everyone how sinful masturbation is would it not be better to tell people how the Apostle Paul had the victory over such as this in his life.

He said that the sinful passions in us are aroused by the law, and the commandment. 'Thou shalt not Covet" was used by sin to arouse all kinds of sexual desire in him. This was because he knew it was wrong.

He became free of sin controlling him by dying to the law and living by faith in Christ.

Would it not build up fellow Christians better to tell them that, rather than just say how sinful the act is.

But this is not often told to people. Instead they are just told the act is sinful. If a Christian knows what is written in Rom ch7&8 and does not explain it to someone in the grip of masturbation(or othewr sin) will God be p[leased that they didn't tell the person, but rather just lkeft them feeling condemned and worthless
Praise God for you LivingByGrace! Praise God for you! Thank-you for sharing these wonderful truths. God must ball His' precious eyes out over the way Christians lay burdens upon each other, and then walk around as though they are some special one who is perfectly victorious. This is being a Pharisee, and the Christian world - including me - need desperately to realize it and repent in dust and ashes.

Quest
 

QuestionTime

Senior Member
Feb 16, 2010
1,435
20
38
#16
Also, every youth will inevitably explore their bodies as well. Are they to be labeled evil sinners for this? I wouldn't dare to accuse them.
Very good point. And due to what I have already said about half the sex addicts in America having been to holiness churches, I think some should stop and consider that instead of helping someone, if a teenager is led to believe they are committing terrible sin, in effect Biblically this will just increase the problem of masturbation in their life
Yep, they are made to feel like bad people, so their conscience rips them to shreds and condemnation is heaped upon their heads. God forbid!

Quest
 
Dec 19, 2009
2,723
7
0
#17
Yep, they are made to feel like bad people, so their conscience rips them to shreds and condemnation is heaped upon their heads. God forbid!

Quest
Yes and on top of this we now have Christians telling us that we can live perfect lives on earth, never sin or do anything wrong.

I wonder how the poor sinner who has just been saved feels hearing that. If that was me and I believed it I would become totally crushed and give up with God there and then if I was sincire. It would be far more helpful to other Christians if instead of self exortatrion we had more honesty. Christians do struggle, they do slip, they are not perfect, and they never will be according to not doing anything wrong on earth.

If anyone says that they always follow the beatitudes wthout ever deviating or making one slip I believe they sin by saying it.
 

QuestionTime

Senior Member
Feb 16, 2010
1,435
20
38
#18
Yes and on top of this we now have Christians telling us that we can live perfect lives on earth, never sin or do anything wrong.

I wonder how the poor sinner who has just been saved feels hearing that. If that was me and I believed it I would become totally crushed and give up with God there and then if I was sincire. It would be far more helpful to other Christians if instead of self exortatrion we had more honesty. Christians do struggle, they do slip, they are not perfect, and they never will be according to not doing anything wrong on earth.

If anyone says that they always follow the beatitudes wthout ever deviating or making one slip I believe they sin by saying it.
Who says this? Are you referring to me and my comments from my other thread? I am not saying that you are referring to me, but if so:

Matthew 9:29 (King James Version)
29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

According to our faith be it unto us. All things are possible with God!!!

Telling people that they can have an experience that "allows" them to always walk in purity should give hope to souls who are trapped in sin. It certainly gave me hope that someday I might be free of my enslavement.

I would suggest you Google John Wesley's "Plain Account of Christian Perfection" in order to understand what this "perfection" is and is not. Certainly it does not make one free from error, or sins by error. This perfection does however give the ability to never commit willful sin. It doesn't make it impossible to sin, only it gives the ability to always avoid willful sin.

The greatest revivals in history have come from this doctrine of "Perfection," Wesley, Booth, Finney. You shall know them by their fruits.

Quest
 

phil36

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2009
8,260
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#19
MMm this is a good topic..

But being a man I know that is almost impossible to masturbate without lustful thoughts. so it boils down to your motive behind the actual act. Is it a Godly wholesome motive, are your thoughts pure?

What are your motives, that is more the question?



Phil
 

phil36

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2009
8,260
2,111
113
51
#20
Who says this? Are you referring to me and my comments from my other thread? I am not saying that you are referring to me, but if so:

Matthew 9:29 (King James Version)
29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

According to our faith be it unto us. All things are possible with God!!!

Telling people that they can have an experience that "allows" them to always walk in purity should give hope to souls who are trapped in sin. It certainly gave me hope that someday I might be free of my enslavement.

I would suggest you Google John Wesley's "Plain Account of Christian Perfection" in order to understand what this "perfection" is and is not. Certainly it does not make one free from error, or sins by error. This perfection does however give the ability to never commit willful sin.

The greatest revivals in history have come from this doctrine of "Perfection," Wesley, Booth, Finney. You shall know them by their fruits.

Quest
I love how the methodist/other, don't like to mention George whitefield in the same breath..Mmmmmm why would that be?
 
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