Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 7/10/2007

Question
You answered a question about masterbation, but the reasons that it is wrong are still confusing. You stated "It is the pursuit of sex with ourself (masturbation) that can be destructive spiritually." Can you please explain this in better depth?

Answer
Hi Peggy,

THanks for this question.  I am very sorry for my late response.  

The first thing we need to understand is that God made sex to be a beautiful illustration of the unity between a married couple.  When sex is enjoyed inside the bonds of marriage, it is pure.

Hebrews 13:4
4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Therefore, any sex outside that marriage bond is wrong.

THe other thing to understand is that the fantasy and lust that often goes with masturbation is also condemned by Jesus Christ.

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 know that there are many pastors and theologians who may disagree with my understanding of masturbation.  This is what I believe the Bible teaches.  I also have seen the tremendous bondage that afflicts people who become slaves to masturbation.  It has all the markings of a sin of the flesh to me.  I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don