Are nocturnal emissions or wet dreams normal or sinful?

by Interested Reader (USA) Rick Brentlinger Answers -

"If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, then he shall go outside the camp. He shall not come inside the camp," -Deuteronomy 23:10, ESV

"None of the offspring of Aaron who has a leprous disease or a discharge may eat of the holy things until he is clean. Whoever touches anything that is unclean through contact with the dead or a man who has had an emission of semen," -Leviticus 22:4, ESV

Masturbation is a common human experience yet the Bible does not specifically mention or forbid it.

Scripture does mention nocturnal emissions (also called wet dreams) in Leviticus 15:16, 32, 22:4 and Deuteronomy 23:10-11, about which, some thoughts.

Define Nocturnal Emission

"A nocturnal emission is a common biological function of the male body, a spontaneous ejaculation of semen while a man is sleeping.

This spontaneous ejaculation is necessary because a healthy male body constantly produces semen.

If a man does not have the outlet of intercourse or masturbation, the male body naturally expels the excess semen via nocturnal emissions."

1.Nocturnal emissions by themselves are not sinful because they are natural, involuntary and spontaneous.

2.Nocturnal emissions are designed by God to allow the male body to relieve itself naturally.

3.Some believe that nocturnal emissions are the result of indulging lustful fantasies or watching porn, although that is more conjecture than demonstrable fact.

4.Nocturnal emissions are sometimes but not always, accompanied by vivid sexual dreams. While the physical process of the nocturnal emission is not sinful of itself, as Christian men, we need to be careful not to feed sexual fantasies which lead us into sin.

5.We are encouraged to regulate our thoughts instead of indulging in sinful sexual fantasy.

"Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8

We've already discussed how fantasy, lust and wicked imaginations which often accompany masturbation, ARE sinful.

Is masturbation always sinful?

But what happens if someone masturbates without thinking lustful thoughts or has a nocturnal emission with or without lustful dreams?

The common sense answer seems to be, masturbating without sinful sexual thoughts would be like a nocturnal emission - a natural, God-given outlet which is not sinful.

A nocturnal emission, with or without sexual dreams, is an involuntary thing and therefore, is not sinful. While some might define nocturnal emissions or the vivid sexual dreams which sometimes accompany them, as sin, that is only someone's personal opinion. The Bible doesn't specifically address those issues.

Masturbation is also something which the Bible says nothing about and therefore, it is a matter of personal, individual conscience.

However, let's be completely honest. How many times does anyone masturbate without thinking lustful thoughts? While the 'relieve sexual tension' argument has some merit, nocturnal emissions appear to be God's built-in way to relieve sexual tension rather than habitual masturbation.

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;" -Ephesians 5:3

Christian author Steve Geralli, in his book, The Struggle, addresses the topic of masturbation this way.

“If we’re honest we’d have to agree that sexual thoughts, desires, arousal and even lust precede the need to masturbate. Once orgasm occurs, all of that is gone.

Masturbation is the end of lust, not the beginning of lust. Masturbation isn’t lust nor does it feed lust. It ends lustful episodes.

…there are many godly men and women who believe that because masturbation follows the lust and shuts down the process, it becomes the way out (1 Corinthians 10:13), that many people pray for.

For these people, this deliverance from lust makes masturbation a gift from God.”

This is an age-old question

Struggling with lust is not necessarily a new situation. Ancient cultures placed pornographic images on their pottery, their dishes, in their floor, wall and ceiling murals. Carved stone and cast metal statues glorifying the human body decorated ancient streets. Ancient literature and plays are replete with illicit sexuality and images designed to provoke lust.

Part of our difficulty in modern times is that we are constantly bombarded with sexual images in advertising, on TV, in movies, on the Internet, in magazines, newspapers, books, billboards, in novels, on transit bus advertising. Everywhere we look, everything we hear, from music to opera to podcasts injects sexual innuendo into our minds.

How do we deal with this sexually suggestive onslaught in a way that pleases our Savior? God leaves many things in the realm of personal choice. God gives us latitude to make decisions based on conscience and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

As human beings, God gave us a conscience to regulate our behavior in areas where He has not given specific commands. Hollywood movies, consuming beverage alcohol, going to casinos, reading novels, mowing the yard on Sunday afternoon and masturbating are all areas on which Christians hold differing views.

In no way is this an argument for sexual sin

It is important to note that frequency of masturbation factors into our discussion. Compulsive masturbation is more a clinical problem, different from occasional masturbation to relieve the build-up of semen.

Compulsive masturbators who regularly indulge sexual fantasy, using masturbation as a primary sexual outlet, rob themselves of the ability to enjoy true intimacy with others. Their sexual indulgence enslaves them to a habit that satisfies for a few seconds but ultimately leaves them feeling more lonely than before.

I believe that masturbation without lustful imagination can be a natural, God-given way to relieve sexual pressure without committing the sin of fornication (similar to nocturnal emissions).

However, given the way illicit sexuality permeates our culture, it seems difficult if not almost impossible for anyone to masturbate without drifting into sinful thoughts. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Go to God with an obedient heart and a tender conscience and seek His guidance.

Jesus said: "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

Each of us is responsible before God to live a clean life and to rule our thoughts. God expects our lives and thoughts to reflect His grace and holiness. Our thought-life should not be characterized by sin.

"Cating down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" -2 Corinthians 10:5

Quoted: http://www.gaychristian101.com/are-nocturnal-emissions-or-wet-dreams-normal-or-sinful.html