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Question/Comment: Is masturbation a sin?
Response:This is an important topic, since a majority of both men and
women practice masturbation. The Bible never says that it is
a sin, nor does the Bible voice approval of it. Scripture never
mentions it by name. This has led some to the conclusion that
masturbation may or may not be a sin - it falls into the gray
zone. Some have labeled it as sin by saying it is an act of
fornication. Others have said that masturbation is an act that
prevents fornication by releasing tension. If we are truly honest,
the only real voice that speaks to what is sin is God Who speaks
to us in the Bible. So let us examine the scriptures in search
of principles to guide us on this subject. Here are some questions to consider.
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Question |
Consideration |
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Is masturbation fornication? |
Ancient sources indicate that the word Jesus used for
fornication (pornea) referred to male/female prostitution,
homosexuality, lesbianism, bigamy, polygamy and any unnatural
form of intercourse. Is it possible that masturbation
was included? We do not know, and so we dare not conclude
that it is, since no evidence as yet exists. |
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Does the practice of masturbation lead to sensuality? |
Can a person practice masturbation without engaging in
sensuality which is clearly sin (Gal. 5:19)? The Greek word for sensuality refers to excessive behavior in any area of life. Ephesians
2:3 tells us that selfishness and sensuality are acts
and attitudes of the natural man a - not the man or woman of God. The passage reads, “we
too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh.” |
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Can one have pure thoughts while masturbating? |
Can the thought patterns that accompany masturbation be
considered pure? Do they reflect those things in Philippians
4:8?
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is
honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute,
if there is any excellence and if anything worthy
of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
(NASB) Phil. 4:8
Matthew 5:28 says that thoughts about a sinful
act are the same as committing the act itself in God’s
eyes. |
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Does your conscience condemn you? |
James 4:17 and 1 John 3:21 tell us that if our conscience
warns us that we are sinning then we are in sin. Surveys
indicate that almost every Christian who practices masturbation
and a majority of those who are not Christians feel guilty
over their actions. |
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