Is masturbation a sin? It is very clear that masturbation is very healthy and a gift of God. Just like sexuality is a gift of God. The same sexual: lust, fantasies, thoughts, are use in both. NOT any 40+ Bible writers or Jesus called masturbation a sin.
Is Masturbation Really Prohibited?
I know this one will really cause a stir but it deserves and needs to be addressed in all candor. It has very important ramifications. If you give it a chance, you will see what I am talking about.
What Is This Mosaic Cleanliness?
In the Mosaic law (Leviticus 15), a man becomes unclean if he has a discharge of semen in the night. By this some assume that masturbation must certainly be wrong. Well, even if this were true it would still leave the female free to do as she likes as she does not have emissions like the males; or at least, none are mentioned. But she was unclean if she had a menstrual flow. If a man had sex with his wife and discharged semen in her, then both would be unclean. Men were not allowed to have sex when carrying out any holy mission of God, including but not limited to war campaigns ordered by God.
It should be understood that this being unclean was referring to ceremonial uncleanness. What that meant was in order to go into the tent of God's tabernacle and later the temple of God in Jerusalem, one had to be ceremonially clean. The purpose of this ceremonial cleanliness was threefold.
One, it emphasized the high degree of majesty and holiness (cleanliness or purity) of God as compared to that of man. Man (or woman) had to be at their very purest and most holy to approach God. Their respect in approaching God (at the temple) was intended to be of a healthy amount; profound, really. Even earthly kings required a lot of honors and proper protocol when being approached. God demanded that his subjects also have a great respect by insisting on a stringent protocol in their approach at the temple.
Second, physical cleanliness was very important in their hot climate. Germs and decay could progress rapidly in such a climate so physical considerations of cleanliness had to be vigilantly observed for preserving their health. These also symbolized what was intended to be a spiritual/psychological cleanliness as well.
Third, the law of Moses with all its regulations in regards to cleanliness was intended to amplify our inherited lack of control over our own behavior, a condition known and named as sin. The law was to show our sinfulness, our lack of ability to fulfill the law in all its requirements due to our fallen nature. It also amplified our fallen defective genetic/physical condition which issues forth from us and is passed on through sex. It is this same fallen state which causes us to eventually die.
When a man had semen go forth, then all garments and cloth stained would have to be completely washed, then the man would bathe and become clean by evening sunset. If a couple had sex, then they would both wash and become clean by evening. Obviously, if a couple was to appear in the temple to give sacrifice then they would have to refrain from sex the night before in order to appear clean before God. A woman would be unclean for seven days from the start of her menstrual flow; then she would wash on the seventh day and become clean by evening.
The sacrifice of God's son Jesus would (did) eliminate the condition of uncleanness and sin in the eyes of God. God's people would no longer have to go to the temple with sacrifice and practice the ceremonial cleanness that was part of that worship. Jesus' sacrifice would open up the opportunity for all to have eternal life either on earth or heaven, depending on how you read (interpret) the Bible's promises on that subject.
Now that we understand what this being unclean was all about, let us think about what was said regarding the male. If he had a discharge of semen then he would be unclean. What is not said at all is what kind of discharge or more specifically; how that discharge was achieved. Most assume it to be a wet dream but it does not state that as being the cause. Any cause that discharged made him unclean.
Remember that having sex with his wife (and discharging semen) would make him unclean, too. Yet sex was sanctioned and commissioned by God between a married couple; yet, uncleanness resulted. So a discharge of semen as a result of self stimulation could also be the cause, this much is for sure. The unclean state achieved by this action may be no more wrong than having legitimate sex with one's wife. The Mosaic law never mentioned self stimulation at all, right or wrong, unless we assume that it was implied in the uncleanness we have been discussing.
There exists one account in the book of 1 Samuel 21:5 where David is asking a priest for show bread that had been offered at the temple. After being offered at the temple, the bread was only to be eaten by someone of a holy purpose such as a priest, prophet, or king in a clean state. David told the priest he was on a mission from the king. So the priest said it could be had, provided that David and the young men he was to meet, had been kept from women. David said that they had for three days and that the young men's "vessels" were holy (or clean depending on which translation you read).
That word "vessels" comes from the Hebrew word "Keliy" (pronounced kel-ee'). It is rendered by nearly every translation of scripture as "vessels" but there are four translations I know of that use another word. The original Hebrew suggests a sort of prepared apparatus such as a vessel, thing, tool, implement, utensil, even weapon. Three of the four translations (New International Version, Jerusalem Bible, and Byington's Translation) translate "the men's Keliys" as "the men's things". The fourth translation (New World Translation) puts it as "the organisms of the young men."
That last translation may actually be right. Married men (David was married - to King Saul's daughter, no less) would have to have avoided intercourse with their wives as reqired by the Mosaic law by men on a holy mission or a war. And since David had assured him that none had been near women for 3 days, that should have ended that subject. But David went on to assure the priest about the young men. Likely, some were not married and so David assured the priest that these, too, were clean as regards their "vessels." Very possibly, he was referring to their genitals, that they were clean. David may very well have been saying that they had not been masturbating just the same as if they had been with a woman. Remember, a man becomes unclean by having a discharge (ejaculation) whether it is with his wife or by some other circumstance.
David may have been candidly acknowledging the possibilities of the "habits of young men." I am, of course, referring to masturbation. It is possible, maybe even likely, but not absolutely certain, I grant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Was Paul Saying About Cleanliness?
The only place where the topic of self stimulation may possibly be inferred is in the New Testament writings of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:5. Jay Green's Literal Translation words it: "Then put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil lust, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Evil lust is a mistranslation of the original Greek text of this passage. It should read more like "desire evil" or "evil desire." The two words that could have implication on our subject are the words, "uncleanness" and "passion."
Now it should be understood at this point that all people have some degree of passion or lust in their hearts. This can not be avoided, given our inherited makeup or nature. What Paul is referring to in verses 6 and 7 is the wrath of God coming on those disobedient as some among those now being written to once were. It has more to do with actions than thoughts. God will not judge us simply for thoughts. But we are to deaden our members, our desires, which we all have to some degree, for the things condemned such as pre-marital sex or lust (excessive desire which is not to be confused with reasonable desire).
The uncleanness mentioned here is not to be confused with ceremonial uncleanness in the Mosaic law. Ceremonial uncleanness existed before Jesus and even made normal habits such as marital sex unclean and Paul is not forbidding marital sex in this passage.
The uncleanness in Colossians is sandwiched between two other words, both dealing with sex. So it is likely referring to unclean sexual practices of an immoral nature that might not be strictly classified as total or complete intercourse such as oral sex, the use of hands, or some similar practice between two people. While it may not be full sex with the dangers of sexual diseases and pregnancy, it is still considered forbidden in scripture. And it could certainly build and excite more desire for the other person that could lead to total sex. That is why we are to deaden our members to these practices.
The words to stress here are 'deaden' and 'practices.' We are to avoid things that lead to such activity. Now this does not rule out the possibility that self stimulation is implied here. I can not say that for certain to you. I do not think anyone can. But it seems likely to me that the practices condemned are practices between two people. If it never goes any further than one's self then sin never actually happens. One can not be called a fornicator by himself. It takes two. In order to lust or have passion, one needs an object of lust or passion. I believe this is the area where this mentioned uncleanness falls into. Self pleasure doesn't qualify in those areas. No pregnancy can happen, no disease can occur (provided you wash), no one is used nor are their feelings hurt or betrayed.
Only one possible danger exists from masturbation. What does one imagine (assuming he or she likely does imagine something) while stimulating themselves. The only even possible danger is that one might be cultivating unhealthy desires and growing strong desires that may lead to actual sins forbidden, so the argument goes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does It Build Desire or Release It?
I have to say this as regards to cultivating or growing harmful desires. While it may be possible that what one does in one's head to excite one's self to climax may possibly build harmful desire, I don't believe that this is likely the case. I think sexual orgasm is a release of tension, desire, and pleasure, and not a means to store desires. Instead, you are letting them out, exorcising the demons you might say. Your letting them out in a safe protected way that leads to no one's harm, assuming it hasn't been condemned by Colossians.
On the other hand, as desires build and the tension and desire is not released and given vent, then danger certainly does exist at that point. I believe that self stimulation may actually be a protection and prevention; a release valve of sorts. And one may try to suppress or deny desire but we all have them and they tend to build up; we can't stop that. So it is good to have a safe outlet through which to release the build up.
But I have to say at this point that what is contained, and more importantly, what is not contained or mentioned in the Mosaic law has a lot of bearing on this passage in Colossians. One can't ignore how men's discharge of semen is relegated to a spiritual misdemeanor rather than an outright sin such as is the case with other sex crimes clearly outlined and punished in the law of Moses. There is no punishment of ejaculation. There is not even a whisper of masturbation's existence.
Naturally, we don't want to go looking for things that build, intensify, and aggravate carnal desire but as I said, it can not be avoided that, eventually, desire is going to build anyway. Some people's desires may be more extreme or bizarre than others but we all have them and it is not our fault. It is our inherited nature. And self play is a way to offset that toxic buildup. If it is not forbidden then it probably should be pursued as it is likely to be a protection rather than a temptation to worse things.
And may I again mention that while a man is unclean for what might be masturbation in Leviticus, the woman is not mentioned at all, anywhere, ever, in the law of Moses. So help yourselves, ladies; enjoy! Surely, if such a thing were a sin, wouldn't the Bible mention it and address it just as it has for pre-marital sex, incest, rape, homosexuality, bestiality, and every other sex crime imaginable. It is ludicrous to think that it would not. Not mentioning it only seems to lend permission to it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excessive Guilt Very Toxic
This is not a small or insignificant issue by any means. This could hold such importance in our lives. Kids (teenagers for the most part) could grow up without feeling unreasonable guilt about their sexual identity and cravings. They would also have a release from those desires. And instead of experimenting with others, they could safely explore themselves without fear or danger since now they are not committing sin this way and no longer fear God's disapproval. Fearing God's disapproval can make it very difficult to worship God in a positive way.
Many young people conclude that whereas if masturbation is wrong then they sin either by intercourse or by masturbation and figure they might as well explore the real thing with a partner since they are doomed either way. Eliminating the status of sin from masturbation gives them an option that, while not quite as exciting as the "real thing," its a satisfactory (barely so) substitute until such time as they can pursue the real thing within the laws and regulations of God. It would make adolescence and religion both seem almost bearable. Currently, many youths find religion unrealistic, unbearable; impossible to fulfill or live up to. That's not good.
Of course, adults are also threatened by masturbation being vilified. Temptation is no less strong in them. They might be able to live up to the Bible's demands of no sex before marriage since they can pursue release without unfair guilt or compromise of God's laws. And for those whose desires are unusual (homosexuality or whatever) or out of the ordinary (toward deviance), self play could give them a vent so that they could resist pursuing the real thing, whatever it may be. It must be very trying to find yourself attracted to the same sex and have no legitimate outlet for that desire. Self stimulation could be such an outlet and relief.
I would go so far as to say that getting real familiar and comfortable with your own body and how to stimulate it would actually make the transition to marriage a lot smoother since both partners are much more prepared for the new encounter as at least they know themselves even if they don't know their partner. Too many virgin marriages are frustrating or disappointing because they don't even know what it is that stimulates themselves, never mind the partner! This, in addition to the guilt they may have. They might feel uncomfortable with their bodies or desires as well.
I can't say enough good things about self stimulation. It really looks like God's way to me. I think people need to take a real close careful look at this subject as taboo and scary as it is. It could make such a difference in all our attitudes and behaviors. We might actually be better people for it. It will take courage, I'm sure, but it merits courageous exploration. Think about it, please! It does matter; if not to you, perhaps others; others that you might care about.
Why is this subject important or necessary? For one, it is not easy for any of us to adhere to the high standards of God as espoused in the Bible. Making those standards much higher than they really are can make living up to those standards impossible. Many will not even try. So we need to be very careful that what we interpret is not beyond what the scriptures actually insist upon.
Being overly righteous will destroy us according to scripture (Ecclesiastes 7:16). God wants people to understand that his ways are not too high, especially since we have been bought by the blood of His Son. One would be wise not to underestimate the power and value of that sacrifice.
Back to top
Back to Table of Contents
9 "Defining Lust"
home.maine.rr.com/bittertruth/lust.htm
Created May 8, 2001
Defining Lust
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Does It Mean to be Human?
What is Lust?
Making Some Distinctions
It Starts in Your Heart
How the Natural Mind Works!
What About Your Dreams?
The Wisdom of Release
Related Articles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Does It Mean to be Human?
Top
We can not control what comes up into the heart. That is what being born in sin is all about. Those things are part of our inherited fallen nature. They happen and we can't control them or the things in them. But when we are awake, can we really control them any better than when we are asleep? I don't believe so. They are in our hearts. To deny them and try to suppress them is dishonest and doesn't work. It actually causes us to obsess about them and create excessive guilt and drives us to sin. This has been aptly demonstrated and understood in psychology. They call them obsessive/compulsive disorders. We have to come to grips with the monsters inside us. We are sinners and God is not unaware of our inherited condition. So He does not judge us as severely as some of us judge our selves and/or each other. God is more realistic and reasonable about what to expect of us. It is time for us to do the same.
I bring this up because honesty is very important to God. It is wrong to pretend we are holier than thou and that we do not commit sin. If we claim not to commit sin, John (the 1st letter of) says we are liars. To pretend to be what we are not is to act and that is where we get the word hypocrite, which is a Greek word for actors. He, who confesses his sins is forgiven by God. He who does not confess will not be forgiven. We don't need to get too specific but we do need to acknowledge to God and to each other in what sort of ways there are that we all sin in. It will relieve a lot of people who might be under the impression that they are somehow more wicked or guilty than the rest of the crowd. It may not be so.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is Lust?
Top
I know of many who will bring this up when I say it does not matter what you feel inside. I know it is coming so I will address that now. Jesus said in Matthew 5:28:
"28 But I say to you, Everyone looking at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
What does it mean to "look at a woman to lust after her?" Is lusting after her a thought or does it indicate some sort of pursuit? I recommend caution for if we claim it only requires a thought to come up into our hearts, then all are doomed, immediately, regardless of the blood of Jesus. We certainly have no control over our dreams and we do terrible things in those dreams. Some might say that though it comes into our hearts we should dismiss it and not dwell on it. How many of you tried that? Did it work? I doubt it. As I mentioned earlier, that tends to only make us obsess about it. We can't control that much, either. Could it be that what Jesus was/is saying is more like what Job described in Job 31?
Job 31:9 "If my heart has been enticed to a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor's door; 10 then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down upon her. 11 For that would be a heinous crime; that would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges;
Job was describing things he could have done that would have merited attention and punishment by God. One was laying in wait at his neighbor's door, hoping for an opportunity with his neighbor's wife. He didn't actually have her, but merely attempting or waiting for the opportunity would have made him guilty. For had the opportunity arrived, he would have indulged. So intent is all that is necessary. Actually doing it is not necessary if the intent was there. Even in our courts, attempted murder is nearly as bad as murder. Proven intent is considered nearly as bad. This is what I believe Jesus was referring to when he spoke of lusting after a woman. Not lusting about but lusting after. It sort of suggests action in my mind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
