A) WHAT SIN IS.

B) TO THE ARGUMENTS.

C) SOME TUFF PRINCIPLES TO UNDERSTAND.

D) IN CONCLUSION.

 

 

A) WHAT SIN IS

 

 

First, we must determine what a “sin” is in the eyes of God.  First John 3:4 states that “sin is the transgression of the [God’s] Law.”  Therefore, is it stated in God’s Law that He regards masturbation as a transgression of His Law?

 

For one to even ask the question of whether or not it is a “sin” to do whatever, indicates that they know they are doing something wrong.  An old adage I learned is, “If you have to ask if it is a sin, it IS a sin to/for you.”

 

 

B) TO THE ARGUMENTS

 

 

There is an argument that masturbation is a sin in Matthew 5:27–30.  Jesus speaks against having lustful thoughts by even locking “(28) on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery.”  He then says, “(30) If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.”  While there is clearly a connection between lustful thoughts aligned to masturbation, it is argued that it was unlikely that Jesus was alluding to the specific sin of masturbation in this passage; but to a married person, which “adultery” implies; while “fornication,” not in this section of texts, covers all.

 

That may help to satisfy those who would like to quite their conscience over this behavior.  However, I dare those said same persons to clearly claim they are not thinking sexual thoughts in order to masturbate.  Masturbation is nearly always the result of lustful thoughts, inappropriate sexual stimulation, and/or pornography.

 

Jesus was and clearly is alluding to the Seventh Commandment (from The Law Of God), “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” Exodus 20:14.  We know this from His statement about His Law in Matthew 5:27-28:  “[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

 

 

C) SOME TUFF PRINCIPLES TO UNDERSTAND

 

 

In First Corinthians 6:18, we are told to “Flee fornication,” and “he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”  And previously in First Corinthians 6:13, Paul is leading up to 6:18 by stating, “Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord.”

 

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

“[19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [20] For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”  First Corinthians 6:19–20.  Our bodies have been redeemed by God and we should glorify Him with our actions.  This includes what we eat, drink, play, work, and demonstrate to others how we handle our bodies which God has loaned to us.

 

In Galatians 5:16-25, I will make a few pointers:  “(16) Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: (19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, (21) that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”  That ending is frightening.

 

 

D) IN CONCLUSION

 

 

Basically then, Sex is only made for a man and a woman in marital covenant with each other.  Masturbation then, is almost always a sign of a lack of self-control.  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 not focusing upon fantasy or another person’s body; and whether it can honor God as the owner of our bodies.