Last updated on August 28, 2020
Question:
I am really confused. I am 14 and I am trying to figure out if masturbating is a sin or not. I just want a clear yes or no answer. I know it won’t be as easy as that, but I would like an answer as close to that as possible. Is it a sin to masturbate at this age?
Another question: I am scared of when I die I will go to hell. I’m scared of eternity. Right now I feel as if my life is going down the drain. Am I being punished by God for my sins?
Answer:
Whether something is a sin or not does not depend on a person’s age. Here is the concise answer: masturbation by itself is neither right nor wrong — just as using the toilet is neither a right or wrong matter. When a boy uses pornography or lustful thoughts to get himself in a state so he can ejaculate, that is a different matter. Pornography and lust are sins, but they are sins whether you masturbate or not.
As an odd twist, since you don’t have to masturbate (wet dreams will take care of your excess semen), if a person is firmly convinced that masturbating is a sin, then it becomes a sin to do something that he thinks is wrong (whether it really is wrong or not).
You can find all the details behind this summary in “I’m still confused about masturbation. Is it right or wrong? What are your thoughts about it?” I really want you to read it, even though it is long because I want you to see the reasons and passages for yourself and not just take my word for it.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
Congratulations! You are growing up and with that comes the realization that you are responsible for what you do. It is good to have a healthy fear of any punishment, including Hell. But that fear won’t do you any good if all you do is cower in a corner somewhere. When you see a problem, you need to do something about it. Satan wants you to give in to despair so you will give up. God wants you to face challenges and grow stronger by overcoming them. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
I don’t know what is happening in your life right now, but I am willing to listen and talk to you about it. But I want you to realize that God doesn’t want to lose you, He wants you saved. ““But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?”” (Ezekiel 18:21-23). I don’t know your background, so I have something else that I would like you to read: “How to Become a Christian.”