Masturbation, is often referred to as a normal, and natural action, males and females, especially in their teenage years perform. In 2009 the UK government joined the Netherlands and other European nations in encouraging teens to masturbate at least daily. A Large percentage young males and also men are engaged in this action habitually where it now becomes part of their lifestyle; a Weekly or daily routine. Alfred Kinsey’s 1950s Studies on US population have shown that 92% of men and 62% of women have masturbated during their lifespan. Thomas Szasz states the shift in scientific consensus as “Masturbation: the primary sexual activity of mankind. In the nineteenth century it was a disease; in the twentieth, it’s a cure.” As bible believing Christians, we are to base our lives on “thus saith the Lord” and not “thus saith Science”, What does the bible teach us about masturbation; is it a sin?
What is Masturbation?
Miriam Webster: Erotic stimulation of one’s own genital organs, commonly resulting in orgasm.
It is basically having intercourse with one’s self.
For whom was intercourse made?
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…” Genesis 1:27-28
Answer: We see here, God created “male and females” and said unto “them” be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. It is heavens natural design for intercourse to be between two individuals (married male and female). Intercourse with one’s self is an unnatural act.
Note: We can agree that in order for one to masturbate, there must be something sexually stimulating to look at or think about.
Is it then a sin to look at something for sexual stimulation such as a porno-graphical image or video?
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. ” Matthew 5:28
Answer: The act of looking unto a woman to lust is sin! It is as committing adultery which is forbidden in the commandments of God in Exodus 20.
What about thinking impure thought to achieve an orgasm; it that ok?
“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man…” Matthew 15:19-20
What should our thoughts be like?
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ” Philippians 4:8
Answer: We are told what so every things are pure, think on these things. We have to cast out any vile thoughts the enemy may throw at us daily.
Does our thoughts have anything to do with our Character?
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 23:7
Note: Our thoughts lead to actions, Our action form habits, our habits make up our Character and Our Character determines our final destination.
Does God know when we are lusting in our minds?
“For I know their works and their thoughts” Isaiah 66:18
What effect does masturbation have on one’s health?
Doctors, counselors, psychiatrists, and other health professionals often receive complaints from people who masturbate of the following list of negative side effects:
Difficulty in performing real sexual intercourse
Fatigue, Tiredness
Stress
Weak erection
Headache
Premature ejaculation
Semen leakage
Reduced orgasm
Loss of sex drive towards the opposite sex
Interest in Homosexuality, Transgender
Loss of memory
Lower back pain
Impotence
Anxiety
Mood swings
Insomnia
Mood swings
Lack of concentration, Brain Fog
Increased feelings of Loneliness, Shyness, and Desire for isolation
Increased feelings of Guilt
Depression, Less Happiness
Loss of motivation
Suicidal thoughts and tendencies
Note: It is a fixed law of nature, that as a result of masturbating, someone develops one or several of the side effects listed, whether it may be a couple of years later or later on in our life. This habit affects us mentally, physically and spiritually.
Studies in 1976, 2002 and 2004 also show greater masturbation frequency was associated with more depressive symptoms; a 2007 study showed that it results in less happiness; and 2010 and 2011 studies correlate it with “anxious attachment, immature psychological defence mechanisms, greater blood pressure reactivity to stress, and dissatisfaction with one’s life in general“.
“It is interesting to note that masturbation is also associated with other problems of the prostate (higher prostate specific antigen levels and swollen or tender prostate) and, compared with the ejaculate obtained from PVI, the ejaculate obtained from masturbation has markers of poorer prostatic function and lesser elimination of waste products,” writes one of Brody’s colleagues, Rui Miguel Costa, in a letter published in the peer-reviewed journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.
What is said about health destroying habits such as masturbation in the bible?
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
To whom does our body belong?
“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.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Many professed Christians are so benumbed by the same practice that their moral sensibilities cannot be aroused to understand that it is sin, and that if continued its sure results will be utter shipwreck of body and mind. Man, the noblest being upon the earth, formed in the image of God, transforms himself into a beast! He makes himself gross and corrupt. Every Christian will have to learn to restrain his passions and be controlled by principle. Unless he does this, he is unworthy of the Christian name. Some who make high profession do not understand the sin of self-abuse and its sure results. Long-established habit has blinded their understanding. They do not realize the exceeding sinfulness of this degrading sin, which is enervating the system and destroying their brain nerve power. We can’t overcome this by ourselves, but the Lord will assist us in overcoming. The Lord is more than willing to forgive us if we confess (1 john 1:9).Today, if we sincerely ask the Lord to give us strength, which he promised in Isaiah 40:10, he will grant it to us that we can do away with sin in our lives. The Lord is able to give you the victory, as long as you are willing! Will you give up your sinful passions and desires, and allow the Lord to take control of your life?