The Bible does not mention pornography or state whether or not masturbation is a sin. The passage most frequently associated with pornography is the story of Onan in Genesis 38:9-10. Some interpret this passage to say that spilling your seed is a sin; however, that is not what the passage is saying.
God condemned Onan not for spilling his seed, but because Onan was rebellious. Onan refused to
fulfill his duty to provide an heir for his deceased brother. The passage is not about pornography , but about fulfilling family obligation.
A second passage sometimes used as evidence that masturbation is 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 is clearly a connection between lustful thoughts and pornography, it is unlikely that Jesus was alluding to the specific sin of pornography in this passage. The Bible nowhere explicitly states that pornography is a sin, but there is no question that the actions that usually lead to pornography are sinful.
Pornography is nearly always the result of lustful thoughts,inappropriate sexual stimulation, and/or pornography. It is these problems that need to be dealt with. If the sins of lust, immoral thoughts, and pornography are forsaken and overcome, pornography will become much less of an issue and temptation.
Many people struggle with guilt concerning pornography when, in reality, they would be far better off repenting of the sins that lead them to masturbate.
With that said, is masturbation itself a sin? While the Bible does not directly answer this question, there definitely are some biblical principles that can be applied to the issue:
1. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) If we cannot give God glory for something, we should not do it.
2. “Everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) If we are not fully convinced that an activity is honoring to God, it is a sin.
3. “Do you not know that your body is the 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) Our bodies have been redeemed and belong to God. These great truths should have a powerful impact on what we do with our bodies.
In light of these principles, many conclude that pornography pornography is always sinful. Pornography is a question of activity at best. Whether it can glorify God, whether it can be done in absolute confidence that it is right, and whether it can honor God as the owner of our bodies.
If done with absolutely no lust, immoral thoughts, or pornography, with full assurance that it is good and right, with thanksgiving to God for the pleasure it brings, is it still a sin to masturbate? The most we can say is maybe not. However, we have serious doubts whether this scenario truly ever exists.
pornography prayer points with scriptures
Prayer for Purity of Heart
- Scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
- Prayer: Father, I pray for a pure heart. I desire to see You clearly and walk in the freedom of purity. Remove every impure thought, desire, and image from my heart, and fill me with a hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Prayer for Deliverance from the Spirit of Lust
- Scripture: “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28 (ESV)
- Prayer: In the name of Jesus, I command every spirit of lust and immorality to leave me now. I choose to focus on what is pure, honorable, and lovely. Help me to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.
Prayer for Strength to Resist Temptation
- Scripture: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
- Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask for Your strength to resist every temptation that comes my way. I know that You are faithful and will provide a way out for me. Help me to recognize Your way out and to choose it in times of temptation. Strengthen my resolve to live pure in Your sight.
Bible verses about pornography
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 John 2:16
For everything in the world, the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father, but from the world.
Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against their own body.
Psalms 119:37
Turn my eyes away from voiceless things. Preserve my life according to your
word.
Luke 11:34
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also isfull of darkness.
The Consequences of Pornography
Spiritual Separation from God
Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Pornography creates a barrier between a person and God, hindering spiritual growth and prayers.
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Implication: Habitual sexual sin, including pornography, leads to spiritual death unless one repents and seeks God’s grace.
Destruction of Relationships
Pornography distorts God’s design for love, intimacy, and marriage.
Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Implication: Pornography damages marriages by introducing unfaithfulness, unrealistic expectations, and emotional distance between spouses.
Proverbs 5:18-19 – “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth… may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
Implication: God intends for intimacy to be between husband and wife. Pornography cheapens and corrupts this sacred bond.
Enslavement and Addiction
Pornography is addictive and enslaving, leading to shame, guilt, and lack of self-control.
John 8:34 – “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.’”
Implication: Watching pornography repeatedly makes a person a slave to lust and impurity, creating a destructive cycle.
