25/09/2014
Question: "Ma********on - is it a sin according to
the Bible?" Answer: The Bible never explicitly mentions ma********on or states whether or not
ma********on is a sin. The Scripture most frequently
pointed to in regards to ma********on is the story of
Onan in Genesis 38:9-10. Some interpret this passage as saying that “spilling your seed” on the
ground is a sin. However, that is not precisely what
the passage is saying. God condemned Onan not
for “spilling his seed” but because Onan refused to
fulfill his duty to provide an heir for his brother. The
passage is not about ma********on, but rather about fulfilling a family duty. A second passage
sometimes used as evidence for ma********on’s
being a sin is Matthew 5:27-30. Jesus speaks against having lustful thoughts and then says, “If
your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and
throw it away.” While there are parallels between
this passage and ma********on, it is unlikely that
ma********on was what Jesus was alluding to. While the Bible nowhere explicitly states that
ma********on is a sin, there is no question as to
whether the actions that lead to ma********on are
sinful. Ma********on is nearly always the result of
lustful thoughts, sexual stimulation, and/or
pornographic images. It is these problems that need to be dealt with. If the sins of lust, immoral
thoughts, and po*******hy are forsaken and
overcome, ma********on will become a non-issue.
Many people struggle with guilty feelings
concerning ma********on, when in reality, the
things that led to the act are far more worthy of repentance. There are some biblical principles that can be
applied to the issue of ma********on. Ephesians 5:3 declares, “Among you there must not be even a
hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of
impurity.” It is hard to see how ma********ng can
pass that particular test. The Bible teaches us, “So
whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it
all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If you cannot give God glory for something, you
should not do it. If a person is not fully convinced
that an activity is pleasing to God, then it is a sin:
“Everything that does not come from faith is
sin” (Romans 14:23). Further, we need to remember that our bodies have been redeemed
and belong to God. “Do you not know that your
body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you,
whom you have received from God? You are not
your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore
honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do with our bodies. In light of
these principles, the conclusion that ma********on is
a sin is biblical. Clearly, ma********on is not
glorifying to God; it does not avoid the appearance
of immorality, nor does it pass the test of God’s
having ownership over our bodies.
