Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 1/13/2009

Question
is it a sin?

Answer
Hi Pancho


Thanks for this very honest and open question.  Although the Bible does not mention masturbation specifically, Jesus tells us that it is sinful to lust after women in your mind.  Most masturbation involves some kind of lustful fantasy that Jesus strictly forbade, therefore it is wrong.

Matthew 5:27-28
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.