Many men, singles even marrieds, struggle with masturbation. Is masturbation a sin? Masturbation is defined here as the sexual stimulation of one's own genitals for sexual arousal, usually to the point of orgasm. It does not refer to foreplay in the marriage bed between spouses.
Nowhere in the Bible does it explicitly state that masturbation is a sin. Some would argue that masturbation is a sin as it is usually associated with impure thoughts. Jesus said, “… everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matt. 5:28).
What if, one masturbates without impure thoughts? Is it a sin then? One may argue that that scenario is impossible or unlikely as lustful thoughts are triggers or required for masturbation. What if (for the sake of discussion), it is possible to disengage lustful thoughts from masturbation, is masturbation still a sin?
Is masturbation a sin when you think of your wife while masturbating? One may argue that masturbation hurts a marital relationship in that reality often does not match up with fantasy and will cause you to be disappointed with your wife. Another argument is that masturbation reduces your sexual desire for your wife and thus deprives her of sexual relations (1 Cor. 7:5). Are these arguments valid?
According to 1 Cor. 7:3-5, a husband is to meet the sexual needs of his wife and the wife those of her husband. If sexual needs are met in marriage then there would be no need for masturbation.
Masturbation often is addictive. In the context of sexual immorality, the Apostle Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12). If you are controlled by masturbation in that it has become habitual then it is a sin to you.
What if, one is not addicted to masturbation and he masturbates now and then to release fiery, hot sexual passions? Is masturbation still a sin?
We may find ourselves in one or more of the following situations:
• You are on frequent or extended business trips and your wife is not with you.
• Your wife had hit menopause and has a decreased sexual drive or does not enjoy sex.
• You are a widower.
What do you do then? Is masturbation a legitimate release of sexual tensions and thus helps in avoidance of sins?
The biblical ways to deal with sexual passions is first, self-control and second, marriage. The Apostle Paul said, “To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” (1 Cor. 7:8-9).
Masturbation is not explicitly stated in the Bible as a way to release sexual tensions. Then, there are erotic dreams that cause involuntary ejaculation of semen (aka “wet dreams’). Are these wet dreams a natural release of sexual tensions?
After all that had been said above, if you still have doubt(s) about masturbation and your conscience convicts you that masturbation is a sin then do not masturbate. For Rom. 14:23 states, “… for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin”. The context of this verse is eating food that had been offered to idols and the principle is that if you have doubt about an action then do not do it as it is sin for you.