Is Masturbating A Sin?

If you’re asking this question, know you’re not alone - there are hundreds of thousands of Christians who are wondering if their masturbation habits are in line with God’s will.

Perhaps you’ve had a cloud of regret come over you when you think about masturbation, or you feel guilty after masturbating. In some ways, this may be God speaking His answer to you.

But is masturbating a sin? Based on Biblical teachings, the answer is yes.

But like any sin, the more grievous sin is to continue sinning, as we’re taught in Hebrews 10:26. Our message to you is that there is hope in Jesus to overcome masturbation, and He can enable you to “Go and sin no more.”

Let’s look to the Bible to understand why the answer to “Is masturbating a sin?” is yes, and what you can do to find freedom in Christ. If you feel like you’ve developed a masturbation habit that you just can’t kick, we’ll introduce you to Relay—a recovery program where you can work alongside your fellow Christians to overcome struggles with sexual sin like masturbation.

Why Is Masturbating A Sin?

Masturbating Is Rooted In Lust

One of the primary reasons God condemns masturbation is its connection to lust. The Bible teaches that lustful thoughts and actions are sinful; lust is a perverted version of love, which is pure and divine.

Jesus addresses the issue of lust in Matthew 5:28, saying, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This verse highlights the importance of controlling our thoughts and desires, directing them toward selflessly learning to honor and respect others - nearly the direct opposite of masturbation.

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Because masturbation often accompanies the use of pornography, it is inherently lustful. Pornography not only fuels lustful thoughts and fantasies but also demeans God’s children, reducing them to objects of sexual gratification.

The Bible strongly condemns pornography, warning against its detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being. Proverbs 6:25-27 advises, "Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes…Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?"

Why is lust so important to avoid? Because it can cause spiritual death. In James 1:15 we learn, “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Masturbating Is Selfish

Another aspect of the biblical argument against masturbation lies in its inherent selfishness. Self-gratification through masturbation focuses solely on personal pleasure, disregarding the relational and emotional aspects of sexual intimacy.

Also, masturbation is a false imitation of what is divinely meant to be the purest expression of love and selflessness: sexual relations in marriage. Masturbation’s focus on selfish gratification disregards the emotional, relational, and spiritual aspects of healthy sexual intimacy.

Philippians 2:3-4 counsels us to "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Galatians 5:16 urges us as believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." But masturbation prioritizes personal desires over intimacy and mutual satisfaction within a committed relationship, contradicting God calling us to selflessness.

Masturbating Turns Us Away From God

We were all created in the image of God and are called to reflect His character in all areas of life, including sexuality. Masturbation leads to a distorted view of sexuality, separating it from God's intended purpose and design.

The Bible teaches that our bodies are meant to be used for righteousness and holiness. Romans 6:19 teaches, "Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness."

Masturbation, as a self-centered act outside the bounds of marriage, contradicts the call to live a holy and righteous life. By engaging in self-gratification instead of pursuing God's intended design for sexual expression within a committed relationship, we can distance ourselves from His presence and compromise our spiritual well-being.

In addition, Jesus calls us to set their minds on things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy. "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." (Philippians 4:8)

Masturbation, especially when accompanied by pornography use, involves fixating on impure and lustful images, thoughts, and fantasies. Engaging in such behaviors can distract us from pursuing a pure and God-honoring mindset, hindering our spiritual growth and damaging our relationship with Him.

Masturbating Does Not Honor Our Temples

Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 is very clear: "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies."

Masturbation is a sin not only because of its spiritual effect on our temples but its physical effect as well - compulsive masturbation coupled with excessive pornography use can lead to porn-induced dysfunctions, which damage our bodies. For many, masturbation can make arousal during real sex more difficult, and facilitate negative changes in mental health.

Our bodies belong to God and should be used to honor Him. Engaging in acts like masturbation undermines the purpose of our bodies and disrespects the sacredness that God has bestowed upon us.

Masturbating Is Highly Habit-Forming

One other major consideration regarding masturbation is its ability to turn into a hard habit to break.  Like any behavior that provides immediate pleasure, masturbation can lead to a cycle of dependency in our brains, that hinders personal growth and healthy relationships.

God has repeatedly urged us as Christians to avoid becoming enslaved by any unholy thing that controls our lives. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, the apostle Paul writes, "I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but I will not be mastered by anything."

By acknowledging the potential for addiction, we recognize the importance of seeking healthier ways to cope with our desires and emotions, aligning our lives with the biblical principle of self-control. Galatians 5:24-25 explains, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

Repent Today from Masturbating

The Biblical perspective on masturbation is not meant to condemn or shame you, but to encourage reflection and spiritual growth. If you find yourself engaged in masturbation and are convicted by Biblical teachings, it is important to remember that Jesus offers forgiveness and a path to redemption.

God has promised us that there is a way out: in Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures us, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." This verse emphasizes God's faithfulness in providing a way to resist temptation to masturbate.

Resources to Help You Stop Masturbating

Repentance is the key, which involves acknowledging before God our actions as sinful, seeking forgiveness from God, and striving to change our behavior. 1 John 1:9 explains, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Through the grace and mercy of Jesus, we can find forgiveness, healing, and the strength to redirect our desires toward God's intended purpose for sexuality.

Seeking support from a community of believers, whether through counseling, accountability groups, or mentors, can be instrumental in the journey toward sexual purity. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." Together, we can provide support, encouragement, and accountability as we strive to live in accordance with God's principles.

If you’ve been doing your best to quit but still feel like you can’t quite kick the habit, Relay is the program for you. Relay is the #1 group-based recovery program, where you can be empowered to change sexual habits and addiction alongside other Christians. Engineered by a team with more than thirty years of combined addiction recovery experience, Relay has been designed to help you finally learn how to beat even the most engrained of habits. Unlike other apps, this program is more than just a habit tracker. Relay combines curriculum from highly-specialized behavioral psychologists with the benefits of a group, and turns the data you report into powerful insights to help you change.

Conclusion

While social attitudes toward masturbation have shifted over time, our calling as Christians is to understand and live by God’s perspective on this topic as shown in the Bible.

The Bible confirms that masturbation is a sin due to its association with lust, selfishness, turning away from God, the potential for addiction, and its connection to pornography. Understanding these Biblical teachings provides an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and aligning our lives with God's principles.

By seeking forgiveness in Jesus, embracing self-control, and striving for purity, we can honor God with our bodies and experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living in accordance with His design for sexuality.

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