Sender's name: James

Sender's name: Daniel Sharp

Hello John,

I was wondering if masturbation was considered a sin. plain and simple.

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As far as I know, the Bible only deals indirectly with this. Although the Bible does not explicating discuss masturbation, it does explicitly discuss lust.

"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 (1 John 2:16)."

Lust is not something that God approves of as it is from the world and not God.

"For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of {the} divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Pet 1:4)."

Notice, this passage says that the corruption of the world comes by lust.

"But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren (James 1:14-16)."

Lust is what gives birth to sin, and ultimately death. Do not be deceived, lust is not a harmless thing.

"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY';

Matt 5:28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell (Matt 5:27-30)."

Notice what Jesus says here. Even if a man did not commit the physical act of adultery, lusting after a woman is no different. Sin begins in the heart, and the heart that lusts still is an adulterous heart. Therefore, if a person spends time lusting, but never physically touches a person, that person is still sinning in his heart.

I supposed one could masturbate and not lust, but it is unlikely. You would need to take a good honest look at your heart and ask why you would want to. Like any other pleasure in this world, it can become an addiction that comes between you and God.

John Telgren

P.O. Box 452

Leavenworth, KS 66048

Web: epreacher.org/ask

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