The subject of pornography, masturbation and other sexual abominable practices (1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 5:28) is generally a controversial issue for both Christians and none-Christians. Some pastors and well know advocates for Christianity have confessed to have failed in the area of sexuality.
It is not surprising that many Christian cannot talk about it because its has been a struggle for them as well. I also live in the flesh and know its struggles, have struggled with these as well but that does not change the truth about God’s position on these.
The keywords in this post are pornography and masturbation. Allow me to quote some dictionary definitions:
Pornography
Taken from Google dictionary, pornography is any creative activity of no literal or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire. Another definition goes ‘pornography or porn is the portrayal of explicit sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexual excitements and erotic satisfaction’.
One may want to know if it is okay for Christians to participate in pornography when they are married and only with their partners. Others may want to understand the sin in getting sexually aroused by watching and participating in pornography. Answers will come later in the post.
Masturbation
Again, taken from Google, masturbation is the manual stimulation of the genitals (of yourself or another) for sexual pleasure. Another definition emphasizes on the sexual stimulation to the point of orgasm.
It is interesting to know that the human intuition will always tell the person what is right from wrong (1 Peter 4:2) yet they still want to justify their sinful life. Its amazing the justifications that some people will give for being sexually immoral. Some examples are the following:
- I got divorced for valid reasons and therefore am free to remarry (Matthew 19:9) or relieve myself.
- I’m a widow that is not ready to remarry. I don’t want to commit but I do want to enjoy my adult life sexually.
- God knows and understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15), who else can condemn our doing if God understands.
- It is humane to be sexual. Its only humans that are restricted and controlled but all other sexual species are free to engage as they please. Scholars advocate a lot for this reason.
- I’m no believer, so why does it matter (Psalm 14:1).
The Christian Position
I can safely say that the position I will outline in this post is of God and not necessarily of Christians. Christians can debate this and settle for something that God does not support. Sadly, God does not go with the majority but His Word does not change (Psalms 119:89).
It is sin to participate in pornography and it is sin to masturbate. None of the two is better than the other because sins are the same before God. It’s wages are clearly named (Romans 6:23).
God has made sexual pleasure for the married only. Whenever you watch porn and get exited, you are defiling your soul. You get impure before God and in His eyes it surmounts to your death (Ephesians 2:1). It is not a holy practice to participate in porn neither can it be justified for the married couples that enjoy it together.
Masturbation is normally rated outside of sins in worldly terms. Many say its a natural way of relieving one’self from sexual pressure. Doctors support it and some Christian leaders too. Similar to pornography, masturbation kills the mind and if not controlled it can become a daunting habit. Also remember that our physical bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). How dare you defile God’s temple with immoral practice on it.
I have no doubt that masturbating defiles one’s soul and takes away their holiness. It never seems holy when you do it. All that happens is self condemnation after the act even though it might have been pleasurable while doing it.
I have the following to advise my readers:
- Do not rely on your own strength to overcome the desire for sexual immorality. Whenever you feel the urge, pull the plug and pray for strength to overcome it.
- Make it your practice to read Biblical suggestions on such matters. Research online and take what goes along with your Christian conviction. Sometimes you may have to take count and see which thought outweighs the other. Pray about it too and make an effort to overcome it. Who said Christianity or living a holy life too no effort? The Bible tells us that for Job to be counted as blameless he shunned evil, which was his part of the puzzle (Job 1:1).
There is no other way that man can be saved but through Jesus Christ even while living in the world.
You are welcome to drop me a comment as a prayer request and I will join hands with you to overcome the sins of sexual immorality.
Updated: 6 May 2015
I’d also like to ask the different measures parents can take in preventing a child from confronting things that can cultivate the wrong habit of masturbation.
This is because, I grew up in a Godly home but despite, the Godly upbringing experience didn’t protect me from the sinful exposure of pornography.
Friends and cousins around me somehow managed to introduce me to porn. What can be done to avert this?
This is a tough question because the risk of exposure is huge. I wish other readers would contribute as well. My thought is for parents to know whereabouts of their children at all times. Never allow children to visit friends of their choice who the parents are not clear about their conduct. It is also important to pray for your child’s protection from such exposure.
Thanks for this message. However, I’ve got some questions.
I found myself commiting the act some years back, although I didn’t realize it was a sin, but as soon as I did,I desired to stop, especially because I’ve been taught that all sins will take a person to hell fire eventually.
I’ve observed all the conventional steps of salvation, deliverance, studying the Bible, associating with fervent christians. Along with these, I’ve even experienced the Holy ghost baptism. Unfortunately, I still find myself falling back to the sin of masturbation occasionally. Sometimes it happens once per month, and other times twice per month.
Recently, I read that the activity may be linked to natural testosterone levels which can be suppressed with mint tea. I plan to commence the treatment. I also discovered that I usually feel the urge at specific times of the month.
Personally, I believe it is possible to live a perfect life of holiness without lustful thoughts, masturbation, and sin, but I find myself unable to live up to this standard.
What would you suggest I do? Was my deliverance session not conducted properly? Is my spiritual life unstable?
Make a personal resolution not to do it again. Ask God to help you keep to your resolution.
I agree this was informative or I should say encouraging the only part left out is the why. most young people will today would follow up with a why question like why does masturbation kill the mind defile the soul and take away holiness?
Thanks for your comment.
Masturbation takes the form of a habit which is why the mind gets twisted. It takes holiness away because it is not God’s design for relieving sexual pressure. The youth may also like the article to learn how to deal with sexual pressure.