Masturbation and Salvation in Christian Theology
Christian theology does not directly address "masturbation" as a specific term in relation to salvation, but it does provide principles concerning sexual morality, self-control, and the nature of sin and salvation that are relevant to the discussion. The Bible frequently calls believers to abstain from sexual immorality (πορνεία), a broad term encompassing various illicit sexual acts [4, 5].
Salvation in Christian theology is understood as a gift from God, received through faith, not through human works or merit [6, 7]. Believers are "created anew in Christ Jesus" to do good works, which are seen as the result of salvation, not its cause [8]. This new life involves a transformation of one's nature, moving from an "old sinful nature" to a "new nature" in Christ [9, 10]. This transformation is a gift of God's Spirit [10].
The concept of self-denial is a significant theme in Christian teaching, exemplified by Christ himself [1]. Believers are called to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to control their appetites, and to abstain from fleshly lusts [1]. This includes "mortifying sinful lusts" [1]. Selfishness, which involves pleasing oneself and seeking one's own desires, is contrary to God's law and the example of Christ [2]. Temptation itself is understood to come from lusts [3].
While the act of masturbation is not explicitly named in biblical texts, it is often discussed within the broader context of sexual purity and the control of lust. The apostle Paul, for instance, advises that "if they cannot contain" their sexual desires and "burn" with lust, it is better to marry [13]. This suggests that uncontrolled lust, which can manifest in various ways, is a concern. The Eastern Orthodox theologian John Chrysostom notes that "there is some little sensuality in being tempted" [12].
The Christian understanding of salvation emphasizes God's grace and mercy, which washes away sins and grants new birth [7]. Those who belong to Christ are said to have "crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" [11]. This means that genuine Christians are to move away from being controlled by sensual appetites and instead live under the influence of God's Spirit [11]. The goal is a complete departure from a life of sin and death into a realm of life and purity [7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Selfishness — Contrary to the law of God -- Le 19:18; Mt 22:39; Jas 2:8. The example of Christ condemns -- Joh 4:34; Ro 15:3; 2Co 8:9. God hates -- Mal 1:10. Exhibited in Being lovers of ourselves. -- 2Ti 3:2. Pleasing ourselves. -- Ro 15:1. Seeking our own. -- 1Co 10:33; Php 2:21. Seeking after gain. -- Isa 56:11. Seeking undue precedence. -- Mt 20:21. Living to ourselves. -- 2Co 5:15. Neglect of the poor. -- 1Jo 3:17. Serving God for reward. -- Mal 1:10. Performing duty for reward. -- Mic 3:11. Inconsistent with Christian love -- 1Co 13:5. Inconsistent with communi”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Temptation — God cannot be the subject of -- Jas 1:13. Does not come from God -- Jas 1:13. Comes from Lusts. -- Jas 1:14. Covetousness. -- Pr 28:20; 1Ti 6:9,10. The devil is the author of -- 1Ch 21:1; Mt 4:1; Joh 13:2; 1Th 3:5. Evil associates, the instruments of -- Pr 1:10; 7:6; 16:29. Often arises through Poverty. -- Pr 30:9; Mt 4:2,3. Prosperity. -- Pr 30:9; Mt 4:8. Worldly glory. -- Nu 22:17; Da 4:30; 5:2; Mt 4:8. To distrust of God's providence -- Mt 4:3. To presumption -- Mt 4:6. To worshipping the god of this world -- Mt 4:9. Often strengthened by the perversi”
- 1 Thessalonians “1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NASB) — For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;”
- Acts “that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.” -- Acts 15:29”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:5: 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:5: 3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:10: 2:10 He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us: Good works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. God’s Spirit, working through a transformed heart, produces a good life (Gal 5:22-23).”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:9: 3:9-10 your old sinful nature . . . your new nature: Paul contrasts old and new identities (see also Rom 5:12-21; 6:6; Eph 4:22-24). Believers strip off their old life and put on Christ’s new life, allowing him to be Lord and to guide the way they live.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:24: 4:24 A believer has a new nature: God’s Spirit expresses his life within the believer (see Col 3:10; cp. Gen 1:26; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:22-23). The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Eph 2:8-10).”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 5:24: And they that are Christ's - All genuine Christians have crucified the flesh - are so far from obeying its dictates and acting under its influence, that they have crucified their sensual appetites; they have nailed them to the cross of Christ, where they have expired with him; hence, says St. Paul, Rom 6:6, our old man - the flesh, with its affections and lusts, is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. By which we see that God has fully designed to save all who believe in Christ from all sin, whether”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: God, we Christians hold for an oath.” 1387 “There is some little sensuality in being tempted.” Bp. Taylor on Repentance, c. 5. sect. 6. §4. t. 8, p. 494. 1388 An instance of the rhetorical arrangement he admires in the Apostle. His object is of course to make men patient under reproaches even when partly deserved, and he thus takes them by surprise. 1389 See on Rom. xii. 20 , Hom. 22, which illustrates the subsidiary use of inferior motives.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:9: if they cannot contain--that is, "have not continency." burn--with the secret flame of lust, which lays waste the whole inner man. (Compare AUGUSTINE [Holy Virginity]). The dew of God's grace is needed to stifle the flame, which otherwise would thrust men at last into hell-fire.”