Is Masturbation a Sin? What the Bible Really Says

How Should Christian Young Adults Handle Sexual Desire?

Many Christian young adults wrestle with questions such as “Is masturbation a sin?”, “How should we view nocturnal emissions?”, and “Is it more holy to suppress sexual desire?”

In the effort to suppress sexual desire, some may end up viewing sisters in Christ as sexual objects rather than reflections of God’s image. This can lead to feelings of self-reproach, wondering if it might be better to just give in to masturbation once and be done with it.

This article aims to provide practical answers on how Christian young adults can handle sexual desire in a healthy way, based on the Bible, Reformed theology, and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechism.

1️⃣ Is Sexual Desire a Sin? A Biblical Perspective

✅ (1) Sexual Desire is a Natural Emotion Created by God

Sexual desire itself is a good creation from God.

• Genesis 1:27-28 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…'”
• Song of Solomon 8:4 – “I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”

However, God intended for sexual desire to be expressed healthily within the boundaries of marriage.

✅ (2) The Bible Warns Against Lust and Immorality

While sexual desire itself is not sinful, the temptation to fulfill it in inappropriate ways becomes problematic.

• Matthew 5:28 – “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”

What matters more than the act of masturbation itself is whether it is accompanied by lustful thoughts.

2️⃣ Is it Necessary to Completely Avoid Masturbation?

✅ Does the Bible Prohibit Masturbation?

The Bible does not contain any verses that explicitly forbid masturbation. However, masturbation accompanied by lustful thoughts can be sinful.

• Westminster Larger Catechism Question 139 – “The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment include adultery, fornication, rape, incest, homosexuality, and all unclean thoughts, imaginations, and desires.”

Interestingly, some find that masturbation can actually reduce lustful thoughts. This raises the question: Is it a holier choice to masturbate once and be done with it?

3️⃣ Would It Be Holier to Just Masturbate Once?

✅ Can Masturbation Really Be a Solution?

While masturbation may temporarily relieve sexual tension, it does not eliminate sexual desire; it will return.

Becoming accustomed to resolving sexual desire through masturbation greatly increases the risk of losing the ability to control it.

This behavior can easily turn into a repetitive pattern rather than a one-time event.

Instead of merely suppressing sexual desire, we should learn how to handle it in a healthy way.

Temporary relief through masturbation can weaken our ability to manage sexual desire.

4️⃣ Understanding Nocturnal Emissions: A Christian Perspective

✅ (1) Are Nocturnal Emissions a Sin?

Nocturnal emissions, or wet dreams, are physiological responses that occur without conscious control.

• Leviticus 15:16-17 – “If a man has an emission of semen, he shall wash his whole body with water and be unclean until the evening.”

The Bible views nocturnal emissions as not sinful but rather a natural bodily function. However, if one repeatedly dreams of explicit content, it may be worth examining spiritually.

✅ (2) What If Nocturnal Emissions Are Accompanied by Explicit Dreams?

While nocturnal emissions themselves are not sinful, if you find yourself having explicit dreams frequently, it’s important to investigate the underlying causes.

• What you watch, read, or think about during the day can influence your dreams.
• Repressed sexual desire may lead to unintended consequences.
• If your dreams are excessively explicit, seek God in prayer for guidance and solutions.

“Rather than feeling guilty about having a nocturnal emission, it’s more important to reflect on what I’ve been thinking about throughout the day.”

5️⃣ Healthy Ways for Christian Youth to Manage Sexual Desire

✅ (1) Avoid Temptation and Train in Self-Control

• 1 Corinthians 9:27 – “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
• Limit exposure to provocative content (social media, YouTube, webtoons, etc.).
• Avoid environments that present unnecessary sexual temptations.

✅ (2) Channel Sexual Energy in Healthy Ways

• Exercise & Sports – Physical activity can help regulate sexual desire.

• Bible meditation & prayer – These practices help maintain a pure mind.
  • Meditate on Scripture and pray before sleeping (Psalm 119:9).
• Engage in creative activities – Consider music, art, or writing as outlets for your energy.

✅ (3) Seek Support from the Community

Instead of fighting alone, it can be effective to pray with your faith community and have an accountability partner.

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”

Sharing your struggles with a mentor or trustworthy friend and praying together can be very helpful.

✅ (4) Rely on the Holy Spirit

Sexual desire cannot be controlled by our strength alone; we must live according to the Spirit.

• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
• Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Attempting to control sexual desire without the help of the Holy Spirit will inevitably lead to failure.

Conclusion: How Should We Approach Sexual Desire and Masturbation?

The question is not merely “Should I masturbate or not?” but rather, “Is my life holy before God?” This deeper question should guide our reflections.

Our goal should be to learn how to govern our lives according to God’s will.

✔ While masturbation is not explicitly prohibited in the Bible, it can become sinful if associated with lustful thoughts.

✔ Nocturnal emissions are a natural physiological occurrence; however, recurring explicit dreams should be examined.

✔ Learning to manage sexual desire is the path to a more holy life in the long run.

✔ Training is necessary to manage sexual desire through exercise, hobbies, environmental adjustments, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

May young people grappling with issues of masturbation find guidance within biblical principles and strive for a more holy life. I hope this article serves as a helpful resource in finding the right direction.

Sexual desire and spiritual warfare cannot be won by our strength alone; we must achieve victory through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us seek and practice healthy ways to manage sexual desire to live the holy life God desires.