Is Masturbation Really Wrong? Scriptures?...

[ldd]

I have been living for God for almost four years, and this has never been an issue or a desire for me...
Lately though, it has been... Im a female, and I think the subject is much more "taboo" for us as it is for men..
I dont really feel like I have anyone that Im comfortable with talking about this either, so thats why Im asking on here..
Anyways, I know the scripture in the OT of Onan, but I dont believe thats referring to masturbation at all.
I know the other scriptures used for this subject is the one about looking upon a woman with lust is committing adultry, but to be honest with you, I dont think or look at anything while doing this, I just do what I gotta do...
SO,
I do want to be obedient to God & His word, I just dont see how this is a bad thing- I mean, I really think its different with guys, I dont see how single men DONT do it- and of course I dont want my future husband thinking about some other woman while doing that, I just am asking from the perspective of a woman... because like I said, I dont really have to think about or look at anything...
I just want to know, so that if I am doing something that is displeasing to God, I can stop..
Thanks :)

[The Mighty Sword]

Genesis 38:1-10
1And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
2And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
3And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
4And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.
5And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
6And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
7And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. (Masterbating)

8And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.

9And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.
10And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.

This is all I could find for now, hope it helps.

[ldd]

Thank you for your response, but what Onan did was not masturbation, nor does it say it was... He did actually "go into" her, but he pulled out, spilling his seed- to prevent the genetic line to come, and that was the sin...

[The Mighty Sword]

Thank you for your response, but what Onan did was not masturbation, nor does it say it was... He did actually "go into" her, but he pulled out, spilling his seed- to prevent the genetic line to come, and that was the sin...

Let's say for the sake of argument you're right.

Why did god slay Er???
and then slew Onan. Same reason maybe???

[ldd]

To be honest I havent studied this scripture too much so I dont know why He killed Er ... but I do beleive the sin of Onan is of disobedience of not fertilizing the woman which he did have sex with- dont you think if it was of masturbation it would have given more of a clue that thats what He did? He had to have had sex with her, otherwise something else would have been said...
But again, its hard because thats for a man- I dont have any "seed" to spill.. & a woman masturbating is not wasting anything that could be used for fertilization, and if that was wrong, then having your period would be wrong, because technically Im "spilling my eggs" lol sounds totally gross, but its the same idea...
I know that doesnt really make much sense, but I do think his sin was pulling out, and not masturbation..

[The Mighty Sword]

To be honest I havent studied this scripture too much so I dont know why He killed Er ... but I do beleive the sin of Onan is of disobedience of not fertilizing the woman which he did have sex with- dont you think if it was of masturbation it would have given more of a clue that thats what He did? He had to have had sex with her, otherwise something else would have been said...
But again, its hard because thats for a man- I dont have any "seed" to spill.. & a woman masturbating is not wasting anything that could be used for fertilization, and if that was wrong, then having your period would be wrong, because technically Im "spilling my eggs" lol sounds totally gross, but its the same idea...
I know that doesnt really make much sense, but I do think his sin was pulling out, and not masturbation..

His sin was disobedience.

[The Mighty Sword]

Galatians 5:19 (King James Version) 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,


The Greek word behind the English term “lascivious” is aselgeia. It occurs nine times in the New Testament. Twice it is rendered as “wantonness” (Romans 13:13; 2 Peter 2:18), and once it appears as “filthy” (2 Peter 2:7). The other six times it is translated as “lascivious” (cf. Mark 7:22; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3; Jude 4).
Lasciviousness is a gross form of wickedness that has sexual overtones in many cases. It starts in a sinful heart (Mark 7:21-22), and manifests itself in fleshly (carnal) actions (Galatians 5:19), and can lead to a state of being “past feeling” (Ephesians 4:19).
The word can connote several attitudes or actions. With reference to sexual matters it embraces the concepts of excess, unbridled lust, debauchery, and sensuality. It suggests a disregard for public decency.

To engage in the act of "spilling seed" is an act strictly meant for procreation through marriage which is a convenant between a man his wife and GOD, and is blessed by GOD, to go outside of this would be to sin against GOD.

[lbeaty1981]

I don't see the sin of Onan as being masturbation, but I do believe that scripturally, masturbating is against the will of God. God created sex to occur between a man and woman within the sanctity of marriage. Any sexual activity which occurs outside of this, I believe, is sin. I used to not believe that, but the more I've grown in my relationship with God, the more I've believed it to be so. I can't pull up any scripture right now to defend that stance (about to head home from work), but if you look through some of the older posts on here, you should be able to find quite a few.

[blessedmommyuv3]

1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Galatians 5:
19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.


There are a few important things to consider I think.
1. If it is wrong for men, it would be wrong for women as well. I don't believe God would set in place two different standards for sexual behaivor.
2. You mentioned you don't really look at or think anything, but I wonder do you read romance novels, watch soap operas, romance flicks, things with overt sexuality? Because these do cause arousal.
3. You mentioned just doing what "you gotta do"--that sounds like a lack of self-control, and allowing fleshly desires (it feels good) to rule over spiritual ones.
4. Is masturbation glorifying to God? When you realize that God sees everything that you do (even in the privacy of your room)--does that this behavior cause you embarrassment or discomfort at all?

I want you to know that you are not the only woman who has had this struggle, and God can take away the desire. I am not in any way judging, just trying to lovingly cause you to consider that if you are wondering if it is a sin... that may just be the Holy Spirit's prompting and conviction.

In Christ,
Jen

[jayne]

First of all, about Onan....

9] And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.

This has nothing to do with masturbation. If his biological children from his own flesh would be considered his dead brother's legal heirs, then those children would receive the double portion that the dead brother would have received if he had lived.

Onan, because Er had no children, should have now been the heir to the double portion. Possibly the double portion plus his own portion.

But now, he would never receive it because any children born to him would not be considered his.

His own greedy heart took over.

He dishonored Tamar by not completing the sexual act with her. He dishonored his dead brother by not giving up his own children to become the legal heirs of Er, receiving the double portion.

And he dishonored his earthly father by not obeying him and he dishonored God by all of the above coupled with a greedy and selfish soul.

God killed him because he was greedy and disobedient. He killed Er because he was evil.

[jayne]

Secondly, about masturbation.....

Speaking from one woman to another and as someone who has struggled in this area, for me, yes, masturbation is a sin. Here’s why.

(1.) I know that you say that you don't fantasize, but it’s virtually impossible to masturbate without fantasizing to some degree. In general, sexual fantasies are not always about the people that we are married to. Concentrating on fornication or adultery - that is, fantasizing about sex with someone who is not our “one-flesh” is carnal. Jesus said that sexual immorality began in the heart. And Romans 12:1-2 tell us to be "transformed" by the renewing of our minds. Philippians 4:8 says that we are to think on things that are pure, honest, lovely, of good report, and true. You said that this hasn't always been an issue for you, but lately it has been. This addiction, like any other, creeps up on you and get worse and worse by degrees. Soon you won't be able to do this without fantasizing, and then the fantasies get more disturbing. This can lead to having to watch immoral programming and worse.

(2.) Masturbation violates a couple of principles in the bible. First, it violates 1 Corinthians, chapter 6. Paul talks about how sinful we were before our salvation experience and how we should flee it still. Then, lest we think that salvation is a license just to do whatever we want to do, he states in verse 12 and 13 that although there is nothing that can condemn him to hell anymore (lawfully) that not all activities are wise and godly choices. He says that he will not be brought under the power of anything. He said that the body is not made for sexual sin, but for the Lord. He reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and the members of Christ. He explains in verse 18 that sexual transgressions are like no other sin that we know of – because it causes us to sin against our own bodies. He reminds us that we are bought with a price and that our bodies are not our own. Masturbation, like fornication and adultery, are like no other sins. They take power over us like nothing else can. Unless we are becoming one-flesh with our spouses, masturbation, like other sexual sins leaves people unfulfilled spiritually. If you are a Christian, then your body is not your own to command anymore.

(3.) Masturbation also violates 1 Corinthians 9. Paul talks a lot about the liberty of the christian life – not license, but liberty. But then he says in verse 19 and following that he behaves with the heart of a servant. He says in verses 24 and following to consider the athlete who is running in competitive sports. He says to note how this person is temperate in all things while they are training to win the prize. He says if these people who are running just to win some temporary crown that will someday rot are so particular about their bodies and not giving in to excesses, then how much more so should the Christian, who is running for an incorruptible crown keep their bodies under control and under subjection. Our bodies cannot take over our minds, souls, hearts, and spirits. One day....one glorious day.....we will shed ourselves of our flesh. We cannot, in this day, allow our flesh to rule over us.

Galatians 5 outlines what is of the flesh and what is of the Spirit. The New Testament is filled with references to Christians walking in the Spirit and not the flesh.


Keep in mind that while most people, men and women alike, would never admit it publicly, most people have suffered with this and have ask the same question that you are asking over and over and over and over again.

Meditation is a healthy way of dealing with fleshly and spiritual temptations of all kinds, not just masturbation. Of course it’s not the only way, but it’s important. The bible speaks of meditation on the word of God.

Here’s how I meditate when things are bothering me.

I find a passage from God’s word that speaks to me in the situation that I am in. I memorize it and repeat it to myself over the course of the day whether I am in a state of temptation or not.

Here are some good passages to meditate on.

From Philippians 4: (my paraphrasing for meditation’s sake) “the peace of God will keep my mind and heart and I will think about things that are pure and virtuous.”

From the passages that I quoted above: “my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I will not abuse it.”

“My prize is an everlasting crown…..I will put my body into subjection for the sake of my life’s race toward Christ.”

We have been bought with a price. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

[ldd]

Amen, thank you all for those scriptures.. that really helped..

[workingox]

jane that was a excellent response.

[Gregg]

Masterbation can be addicting. Many addictive behaviors have triggers that set off the behavior. Stress can set off smoking, drinking, masterbation, etc. If we abstain from our addictions we can see what sets them off. We can talk to our God about it. I have seen many people try to fill the hole in themselves with something other God. Those things come close to satisfying but ultimately fall short. It is the great lie that turns these things into addictions/signature sins that ultimately block our concious contact with God.

[Welder4Christ]

I would have to agree with everything that Jayne said.

I know that, anatomically, it is possible for a woman to masturbate without having to fantasize, but the problem is, in reality, that's just not the case.

I don't want to get too extreme here, so let me just say that even if a woman doesn't do it with the intention of fulfilling some list, once she's in the middle of it, it is extremely easy for lust to take over. It is extremely easy for the mind to go there, and in most cases, it does.

The apostle Paul told us to make no provision for the flesh. Masturbation can definitely be a provision, and should be avoided.

[Partaker of Christ]

How do we get aroused before we go with our spouse?

Are we still not making (so called) provision for the flesh, but instead of masturbation or other outside of marriage, we satisfy our need with our spouse.

When Paul addresses those who are not married, he says that they are better off getting married then to burn. How do they get to 'burn'?

Please do not think that I am saying it is ok to masturbate. For me that is for the individual to work out according to their faith. I don't want anyone to have my faith, but their own faith.

What I do hope and pray, is that some would be set free from, or not get on a false religious guilt trip, for having their sexual desires.


Having sexual desire is not wrong. It is a GIFT from God. Paul tells us that it is a gift, and he goes on to tell us, that not having sexual desire is also a gift, and a greater gift at that.

Having a sexual desire is no different, then having a need for food and drink. The flesh needs those things, but we should not be a glutton nor a drunkard. We are not making (so called) provision for the flesh, by eating and drinking to satisfy our flesh need.
We are created with a need to eat, and drink and have sex (unless we have the greater gift).

[Twin2]

Do you feel guilt, or conviction over doing so? Sometimes we just have to rely on our convictions. Pray. Ask the Lord. Pray some more. The Lord will direct you in this. The fact that you are questioning this tells me the Lord is dealing with you. I really believe if you ask the Lord about this, he will show you somehow that it is wrong. It may just be a strong conviction on the matter. Listen for his voice on this.

I will say that I can't back this up scriptually, but I believe it to be sin. Masturbation is addicting. Addictions control people. Nothing should rule over your life. The Lord is who we should follow. Even the Lord won't control us. He draws us and we have been given our free will to choose his way or not.

Like other addictions, this one starts out as something small, but usually the person needs more to be satisfied. Where will that need for more lead? Pornography, perversion, abuse of others? Besides all that, I believe masturbation can interfere with a blessed relationship with a husband in the future. Real relationships don't resemble masturbation very much, so what happens when there is no satisfaction in that? Will you be able to satisfy yourself? Will you want to? That's a part of you that you give to your husband.

We just prayed for a demon possessed girl yesterday. I'm not sure how far you have to go before a demon can possess you, but it's not worth the chance of keeping hidden sin in your life. You can't serve two masters according to the Bible. You have to choose, life or death. Christ or Satan. No middle of the road. I don't want anything controlling me.

[Warrior4God]

Genesis 38:1-10
1And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
2And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
3And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
4And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.
5And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
6And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
7And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. (Masterbating)

8And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.

9And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.

10And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.

This is all I could find for now, hope it helps.


This has nothing to do with masturbation. Onan was executed by God for refusing to impregnate his sister-in-law, as he was instructed to do. He was having sexual intercourse with her, but he withdrew before the act of orgasm. He did that on purpose, not wanting to have a child with her. Good try, but it's not a scriptural basis for condemning masturbation. :dunno: I do believe, however, as other posts have pointed out, that masturbation is sin. I just don't think the story of Onan applies, though. ;)

[firstpeterone]

I don't know where this scripture is, but I was thinking it might have something to do with the verses "our bodies are not our own", "we were bought with a price", "take every thought captive", "teach us to count our days (hours, minutes)". I like Ibeaty's post, unless it is God's will for us to do that, I don't think we should be doing it.

[JohnnieGuy]

I find it difficult to give spiritual advice because I am the cheif of sinners, and sexual immorality was such a horrible thing in my life and I abused God's gift to the enth degree, but I'll pipe in on my own thoughts according to God's Word.

The real question is, can you glorify God with it?

I think God gave us sexual desire to glorify Him through marriage, not to just pleasure ourselves. Sex isn't about pleasure alone, it's about communion, emotional physical and spiritual union, selflessness, and love.

Masturbation is straight up selfish for the purpose of pleasure and twisting God's intended purpose for it for ourselves (which I am very very guilty of)-->sin.

[tt1106]

This has nothing to do with masturbation. Onan was executed by God for refusing to impregnate his sister-in-law, as he was instructed to do. He was having sexual intercourse with her, but he withdrew before the act of orgasm. He did that on purpose, not wanting to have a child with her. Good try, but it's not a scriptural basis for condemning masturbation. :dunno: I do believe, however, as other posts have pointed out, that masturbation is sin. I just don't think the story of Onan applies, though. ;)
Quoted for truth.:agree:

Onan was slain because he was disobedient. Er was slain because he was the son of Judah and was evil. It isn't hard to see that Judah reaped what he sowed, since he was commanded no to intermarry and did so anyway.
Judah was also the brother who suggested selling Joseph into slavery, so
he wasn't stellar in the first place.
The Bible makes no mention of masturbation in regards to Er. Considering the model he had to follow, it's easy to see the apple might not have fallen too far from the tree.

The sin of masturbation is sexual immorality. humans are visual creatures, so in order to engage in masturbation, generally, you will fantasize or look at erotic imagery. This is the sin of lust.
In addition God's purpose for sexual gratification was to glorify him. Just like his purpose for everything else he created. In order to glorify him we need to look at the purpose and structure he established for the confines of the physical relationship between men and women, husbands and wives to be precise.

[Gregg]

Quoted for truth.:agree:

Onan was slain because he was disobedient. Er was slain because he was the son of Judah and was evil. It isn't hard to see that Judah reaped what he sowed, since he was commanded no to intermarry and did so anyway.
Judah was also the brother who suggested selling Joseph into slavery, so
he wasn't stellar in the first place.
The Bible makes no mention of masturbation in regards to Er. Considering the model he had to follow, it's easy to see the apple might not have fallen too far from the tree.

The sin of masturbation is sexual immorality. humans are visual creatures, so in order to engage in masturbation, generally, you will fantasize or look at erotic imagery. This is the sin of lust.
In addition God's purpose for sexual gratification was to glorify him. Just like his purpose for everything else he created. In order to glorify him we need to look at the purpose and structure he established for the confines of the physical relationship between men and women, husbands and wives to be precise.

What if that imagery is the man or woman thinking of their own spouses when they are seperated?

[JohnnieGuy]

What if that imagery is the man or woman thinking of their own spouses when they are seperated?

Interesting question. Still think it's wrong.

[RoguePastor]

I have a view which most don't like. Still it is accurate.

Whether male or female, regardless of mental images formed during the act of masturbation (thinking of the opposite sex) the person is engaging in an act of homosexuality. Now before your all jump on me I ask that you track my reasoning first.

I will use a male model for this. If a man is engaged in masturbation, ie.e self-sex, his sexual partner is himself. Therefore he is having sex with himself. An argument could also be made for an incestual sexual act in this case as well. When a man indugles in self-sex he is having sex with a man. Though that man be himself there is no opposite sex involved. it is a man having sex with a man though they be the same man. Sex with a person of the same sex is homosexual sex and according to the bible is an abomination before God.

Remember I said most don't like this view though in truth it is irrefutable both biblically and logically. The only refutation is denial which isn't effective or accurate but it makes us feel better for awhile.

[Gregg]

I have a view which most don't like. Still it is accurate.

Whether male or female, regardless of mental images formed during the act of masturbation (thinking of the opposite sex) the person is engaging in an act of homosexuality. Now before your all jump on me I ask that you track my reasoning first.

I will use a male model for this. If a man is engaged in masturbation, ie.e self-sex, his sexual partner is himself. Therefore he is having sex with himself. An argument could also be made for an incestual sexual act in this case as well. When a man indugles in self-sex he is having sex with a man. Though that man be himself there is no opposite sex involved. it is a man having sex with a man though they be the same man. Sex with a person of the same sex is homosexual sex and according to the bible is an abomination before God.

Remember I said most don't like this view though in truth it is irrefutable both biblically and logically. The only refutation is denial which isn't effective or accurate but it makes us feel better for awhile.

This is an interesting perspective, and one I will have to think about. I guess the first thought would be if it is a homosexual act of lust, why wouldn't all of the practioners have at least some lust for members of the same sex. When I was caught up in lustful sinful practices, I never had any physical feelings for the same sex, as a matter of fact I was repulsed by it.

[Whispering Grace]

You know it's strange, for the first several years of my walk with the Lord, I was adamant that masturbation was a sin.

Now, I am not so sure. I am speaking of the act itself and not the thoughts or lust that may or may not accompany it.

If we are to say that all self-gratification is a sin, I'd have to say the coffee I enjoyed this morning or the ice cream I enjoyed last night is also a sin.

Granted, I am married, and this isn't even really an issue for me right now (my husband meets my needs quite well), but I just don't have the same feelings about it as I once did.

One thing is clear....it is NOT clearly spelled out in the Bible whether the act is sinful or not. And I think in that regard, each one of us needs to follow the leading of the Lord.

[Whispering Grace]

I don't want to get too extreme here, so let me just say that even if a woman doesn't do it with the intention of fulfilling some list, once she's in the middle of it, it is extremely easy for lust to take over. It is extremely easy for the mind to go there, and in most cases, it does.

One's mind is just as apt to wander during sex with a spouse. That doesn't make the sexual act itself wrong or sinful.

[HisLittleHazelnut]

To be honest I havent studied this scripture too much so I dont know why He killed Er ... but I do beleive the sin of Onan is of disobedience of not fertilizing the woman which he did have sex with- dont you think if it was of masturbation it would have given more of a clue that thats what He did? He had to have had sex with her, otherwise something else would have been said...
But again, its hard because thats for a man- I dont have any "seed" to spill.. & a woman masturbating is not wasting anything that could be used for fertilization, and if that was wrong, then having your period would be wrong, because technically Im "spilling my eggs" lol sounds totally gross, but its the same idea...
I know that doesnt really make much sense, but I do think his sin was pulling out, and not masturbation..


His sin was not about pulling out. His sin was that he was not willing to make his firstborn child count as his late brother's child (as he married his late brother's wife), which was the law at the time. So instead, he chose to pull out.

It wasn't about pulling out, it was about not following the law.

[faithmyeyes]

Whether male or female, regardless of mental images formed during the act of masturbation (thinking of the opposite sex) the person is engaging in an act of homosexuality. Now before your all jump on me I ask that you track my reasoning first.

I will use a male model for this. If a man is engaged in masturbation, ie.e self-sex, his sexual partner is himself. Therefore he is having sex with himself. An argument could also be made for an incestual sexual act in this case as well. When a man indugles in self-sex he is having sex with a man. Though that man be himself there is no opposite sex involved. it is a man having sex with a man though they be the same man. Sex with a person of the same sex is homosexual sex and according to the bible is an abomination before God.
Why on earth would you choose to look at it that way? Is that argument intended to have some kind of value as a scare tactic, identifying masturbators with incestuous homosexuals? Are the underage boys who masturbate pedophiles, too, then? What kind of "-sexuals" are they if they stimulate themselves with something other than a part of their own body?

most don't like this view
Not surprising. Because it's accusatory without conviction, founded on a false understanding of sex, and generally unhelpful.

The truth is that masturbation is not sex. It's a mis-use of the God-created physio/psychological mechanisms of desire, arousal, and release - which He intended to be part of sex - in order to serve one's own selfish pleasure. Sex occurs between two people, and involves much more than just some heavy breathing and an orgasm.

That fact isn't intended to make anyone "feel better," although I will note that accusations which create guilt without pointing toward repentance and restoration are not from the Holy Spirit. I don't think we have a direct Biblical answer as to whether the act of masturbating is in itself a sin. We are certainly warned against lust, covetousness, self-indulgence, impurity, etc... which often come right along with masturbation. Remember that the Biblical principle is to strive for greater and greater purity and Christ-likeness, not to just "keep from doing anything really bad." In that context, it seems reasonable to suggest that masturbation is generally not wise, and certainly not necessary for a believer in Christ.

in peace
faithmyeyes

[tt1106]

What if that imagery is the man or woman thinking of their own spouses when they are seperated?

I still think it is wrong Gregg. I have had this same conversation with many people and it always comes back to, God gave us this gift to share with one another. Regardless of how we justify and scrutinize the intent of sex is to glorify God with the gift he gave us. He gave us sexual pleasure to share with each other. One of the fruits of the spirit is self control. If we can't control ourselves and give in to our fleshy impulses and create scenarios wherein it is not unbiblical, then we are merely justifying our actions.
I know God is most Glorified by the union of my wife and I, when we come together as created in oneness. I think he is less glorified when I'm sitting alone by myself, gratifying myself whether I am thinking of my spouse or not.
Just my .02.

[RoguePastor]

From previous post:

Originally Posted by RoguePastor http://bibleforums.org/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://bibleforums.org/forum/showthread.php?p=2178328#post2178328)
Whether male or female, regardless of mental images formed during the act of masturbation (thinking of the opposite sex) the person is engaging in an act of homosexuality. Now before your all jump on me I ask that you track my reasoning first.

I will use a male model for this. If a man is engaged in masturbation, ie.e self-sex, his sexual partner is himself. Therefore he is having sex with himself. An argument could also be made for an incestual sexual act in this case as well. When a man indugles in self-sex he is having sex with a man. Though that man be himself there is no opposite sex involved. it is a man having sex with a man though they be the same man. Sex with a person of the same sex is homosexual sex and according to the bible is an abomination before God.
Why on earth would you choose to look at it that way? Is that argument intended to have some kind of value as a scare tactic, identifying masturbators with incestuous homosexuals? Are the underage boys who masturbate pedophiles, too, then? What kind of "-sexuals" are they if they stimulate themselves with something other than a part of their own body?


Quote:
most don't like this view
Not surprising. Because it's accusatory without conviction, founded on a false understanding of sex, and generally unhelpful.

The truth is that masturbation is not sex. It's a mis-use of the God-created physio/psychological mechanisms of desire, arousal, and release - which He intended to be part of sex - in order to serve one's own selfish pleasure. Sex occurs between two people, and involves much more than just some heavy breathing and an orgasm.

That fact isn't intended to make anyone "feel better," although I will note that accusations which create guilt without pointing toward repentance and restoration are not from the Holy Spirit. I don't think we have a direct Biblical answer as to whether the act of masturbating is in itself a sin. We are certainly warned against lust, covetousness, self-indulgence, impurity, etc... which often come right along with masturbation. Remember that the Biblical principle is to strive for greater and greater purity and Christ-likeness, not to just "keep from doing anything really bad." In that context, it seems reasonable to suggest that masturbation is generally not wise, and certainly not necessary for a believer in Christ.

in peace
faithmyeyes

To faithmyeyes:

This is my field of expertise. I did not just make this up but have studied long and hard reading both the Bible and secular and Christian experts in the field. Not only that but as a recovering sexual addict I have a perspective that someone that has not suffered from sexual addiction can not begin to fathom.

Masturbation is a form of sex and is a sexual immoral act. In Genesis God said it is not good for man to be alone. If it was good for man to be alone then self-gratifying sex would not be immoral. However, God created woman to be with man negating the need for humans to seek sexual release alone (without a counterpart).

Masturbation involves several sins:

1. Idolitry - the defacto worship of self
2. Lust - adultery
3. Covetousness - seeking after that which is not yours. I will explain further on this on. Sexual intimacy is designed to be shared with a counterpart. By discluding your counterpart you covet their role in sexual intimacy.
4. Theft - When you engage in self sex to forcably take from your counterpart.
5. Defiling of the Marriage Bed - The entire book of Song of Solomon is about honoring the marriage bed. When you disclude your counterpart you are engaging in a sexual act without the one you made an oath before God to honor.
6. Homosexuality - Whether you are male or female, when you engage in self sex, which is sex with the same sex, you commit an act of homosexuality.

This isn't some scare tactic, it is fact. Masturbation is not an acceptable option. It is a sexual immoral and addictive act. Study the cycle of addiction. Apply sexual addiction to that cycle and its the same. I good source of information is Faithful & True by Dr. Mark Laaser. The book itself is very helpful in understanding sexual addiction without being explicit and possibly triggering the reader to act out. For those already trapped in the cycle of Sexual Addiction I recommend Faithful & True the workbook, Every man's Battle, Sex and the Supremcy of Christ and At The Alter of Sexual Idolitry by Steve Gallagher. These resources will open your eyes to the truth and the facts involved in the field of Sexual Addiction. there are of course many more but I strongly recommend sticking with Christian sources as the world simply goes with the idea that everyone does it so its ok. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

[Partaker of Christ]

I still think it is wrong Gregg. I have had this same conversation with many people and it always comes back to, God gave us this gift to share with one another. Regardless of how we justify and scrutinize the intent of sex is to glorify God with the gift he gave us. He gave us sexual pleasure to share with each other. One of the fruits of the spirit is self control. If we can't control ourselves and give in to our fleshy impulses and create scenarios wherein it is not unbiblical, then we are merely justifying our actions.
I know God is most Glorified by the union of my wife and I, when we come together as created in oneness. I think he is less glorified when I'm sitting alone by myself, gratifying myself whether I am thinking of my spouse or not.
Just my .02.

Sorry for all the questions:

Is not having sex with your spouse, also an act of self gratification?

What if there is no 'other', or the 'other' is unable to participate, do you suggest that they burn?

To say one ought to have 'such' self control over a gift, does not seem right to me. How does one become aroused before sex, and do you suggest that a couple should excersise this self control, to abstain from having sex if they are not going to have children?

[cheech]

Some good answers thus far. Jayne and Gregg said what I was going to say. We can look at masturbation in regards to the act of it but you have to also look at what triggers many to go that route and not have self control. This also ties in with masturbation.

Jayne brought out some excellent points and verses...one about treating our bodies as temples. That is a must. How do we treat temples? We make sure they are clean inside and out. We treat them with respect and do not degrade them. We are to use our bodies in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, not to man. Man is of the flesh so yes, masturbation is feeding the flesh.

Addiction - there are many who are addicted to masturbation even while married to their spouses. They prefer masturbating as opposed to intimacy with their spouse and deny their spouse pleasure which the bible says we are not to do:

1 Corinthians 7:3-5
3The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. 5Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

You can see in the last sentence it does talk about self-control. So there are spouses who deny their husband or wife pleasure (for lack of a better word) due to the addictive part of masturbation.

Lust of the mind also fuels masturbation, which has already been mentioned and we know what the bible says about that:

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

The same goes for women...you look at a man lustfully and you have committed adultery. When you begin to have fantasies and masturbate, many replace the spouse and find it more pleasurable to fantasize than be with their spouse because soon the spouse does not measure up to what is in the mind. It also leads to pornography.

Masturbation is self gratifying...satisfying your needs. The problem is you are trying to meet your own needs...fleshly needs...which means you are taking control. What is really behind those certain needs...that's the question. The bible states that Christ will meet our every need and that God is in control. If you find that you are unable to give up the need to masturbate then it is controlling you. The enemy uses many things to control us and this is one. I know someone personally who was addicted to masturbation most of his life since around age 12. God removed that addiction and he has been free of it ever since.

To say it's just something of pleasure and there is really no harm in it is partially correct...it is a fleshly pleasure but there is harm in it. You have to go past the act to see it adn then it will be clear as to why we shouldn't masturbate. Anything of the flesh is of the world...anything you say you can't stop doing or that you need or that it's "normal" is of the world and who is of this world? Satan.