Subject: Masturbation used to expel sexual urge? |
Bible Note: Hi, Ray! If we use the word masturbation to search an electronic Bible the response will come back as: zero reference found for "masturbation." Clearly, this form of searching Scripture is a blessing for all who equate masturbation as a simple personal act that does not transgress against God or Christians... yet, if we are generous with our interpretation of Scripture when it comes to masturbation, shouldn't we be as generous when it comes to the use of drugs (controlled as well as not controlled substance)... and could we not also subscribe to the notion that "if it is only a thought," it is OK... just as long a we do not actually carryout the thought? Jesus was very specific: if we lust in our hearts we have committed adultery! (Matthew 5:28) The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, (Romans 8:6-8, 13) The above passages are speaking to our conversion... we cannot claim to be of the light and live in darkness; we cannot claim to abide in Christ and surrender ourselves to the appetites of the flesh! Masturbation uses both the mind (said to be the greater sexual organ) and the male/female reproductive organs to create a virtual sexual relationship which by its very nature is devoid of anything other than self-gratification--it is devoid of humility, obedience and loyalty to God and, according to Romans 8:6-8, 13, those who live in the flesh cannot abide in God's Spirit because they abide in sin... those who abide in sin cannot please God! Many times it seems that Christians are seeking to emulate Paul's words when he claims to be all for all... we want the world and God to exist side by side as "good ole" friends... yet Scriture tells us that to be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God--many choose not to listen! While Jesus does not speak directly on masturbation... He admonishes that it is better to gain Heaven with one hand (if the hand causes us to sin); with one eye (ditto) than to keep our physical perfection as we are surrendered to hell--where the worm never dies! (Mark 9:43-48)... it is the use of our members for wicked acts that causes damnation to meet us more than half way! Of course anyone can come up with some form of technicallity about what Scripture is actually saying and we can follow blindly because the purported arguments seem to bring allignment between God and the world... Jesus did not say: "if you allow the thought to materialize, then you've committed adultery!" Jesus succinctly said: "if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart." To Jesus, it does not even require acknowledgement from the person who is being lusted after; and the actual sexaul encounter does not need to be consummated in order for the sin to be present! Any act that transgresses against God is a sin! God Bless! Angel |