Can I be forgiven for watching porn?

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Can I be forgiven for watching porn

Question About the Bible:

I believe I intentionally did wrong a few years back by viewing pornography. I have made efforts to quit this habit. Recently, I ceased and have been consistently praying for divine assistance to avoid it in the future.

As of now, I am fearful that I may have done something terribly wrong that cannot be forgiven. I have followed the Christian faith since childhood, yet now I am worried about the possibility of eternal punishment.

Bible Answer:

If you feel guilty or ashamed for watching pornography, this article can help. It explains why pornography might make you feel this way. It also assures you that if you wonder whether you can be forgiven for watching pornography, the answer is yes. Forgiveness is possible.

Nakedness As A Shameful Act

Viewing pornography is wrong for many reasons1. When individuals undress for others to view and become aroused, they are doing something disgraceful. The Bible teaches that it is wrong to show your private parts to anyone but your marriage partner.

Your nakedness will be uncovered, your shame also will be exposed . . . Isaiah 47:3 (NASB)

Woe to you who make your neighbors drink,
Who mix in your venom even to make them drunk
So as to look on their nakedness!
You will be filled with disgrace rather than honor.
Now you yourself drink and expose your own nakedness.
Habakkuk 2:15-16 (NASB)

Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame. Revelation 16:15 (NASB)

Yet, when a married couple is together, whether they are intimate or just resting, this is not seen as disgraceful in the eyes of God.

And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:25 (NASB)

The Bible also says in Hebrews 13:4 that the marriage bed remains pure when a married couple is together, no matter what they do2.

So, when people undress for others to see, they are acting shamefully and showing they do not care about sin; their moral sense is tainted.

To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. Titus 1:15 (NASB)

But, if someone shows their private parts to doctors or helpers for health or assistance, this is not wrong because it is not for sexual reasons. Showing your private areas to someone other than your spouse without a medical reason is wrong.

Nakedness As A Stumbling Block

Jesus taught us in his Sermon on the Mount that it’s not right for people to have strong sexual desires for each other.

You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery”; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB)

The Bible, in 1 John 2:16, says that desiring what we see is a sin. This can happen when a man looks at a naked woman or sometimes when a woman looks at a naked man.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 (NASB)

We often hear about men having strong desires for women, but we do not hear as much about women having these desires for men. But it does happen. Women can have strong desires for a good man who is loving and kind.

Some people may start to feel desire when they see someone attractive. For instance, in the Song of Solomon, King Solomon’s bride was excited about their wedding night because she was physically attracted to him. However, men often experience these desires more intensely because they are visually drawn to a woman’s naked body. Some women also find naked bodies appealing!

Looking at naked bodies can lead both men and women to have strong desires for another person, which can be sinful. It might even cause married individuals to feel adulterous thoughts in their hearts. But it’s essential to recognize that there’s nothing wrong with a husband and wife being physically attracted to each other. That’s natural and approved by God.

Jesus warns us in Matthew 18:7-10 not to lead others into sin.

Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! Matthew 18:7 (NASB)

The New Testament teaches that we can lead others into sin through our actions (1 Corinthians 8:13; Romans 14:13; Revelation 2:14). So, men and women can lead others into sin when they take off their clothes and others, who are not their spouse, look at them and become sexually excited. They might even want to do sexual things.

People in the pornography industry know what they’re doing. They want to get people hooked on looking at their bodies over and over again. As a result, they lead others into sin. The porn business wants people to become addicted. Recent studies have shown that about 60-70% of men and 25-30% of women watch porn. Porn is not just for men.

So, it’s clear that those in the porn industry are doing shameful things and leading others into sin by causing them to sin in their hearts. This is a bad industry. Even ancient sculptures and paintings were pornographic! It seems that electronic porn is the modern version of these ancient artworks.

God Forgives the Sin of Watching Porn

If you’ve been watching inappropriate adult content, you’re doing something wrong. This is also true for those who work in the adult content industry. If you’re a Christian and involved in this, you’ll feel guilty because the Holy Spirit will make you aware of your actions.

But can God forgive those who have watched adult content? The answer is yes. There’s only one sin that can’t be forgiven, and that’s the unpardonable sin. This happens when someone rejects the truth about Jesus Christ and thinks His miracles are the result of evil forces or magic. But if you’re a Christian who has watched adult content and still believes in Jesus Christ, you haven’t committed the unpardonable sin. This means your addiction to adult content can be forgiven if you’re serious about quitting.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we’re promised that God will help us overcome any sin. So, if you’re serious, you should tell God that you want to quit this sin. Then avoid anything that tempts you to watch adult content (2 Timothy 2:22).

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB)

If you are not married, think about getting married. The apostle Paul suggested this to stay away from sexual wrongdoings (1 Corinthians 7:2). Try to be guided by the Spirit, as it empowers you to stay away from sins (Ephesians 5:17-18; Galatians 5:16-23).

Wear the Armor of God too, because it helps you fight against the Devil and his evil forces (Ephesians 6:10-17). If you need to, share your struggles with a Christian you look up to and ask for their support in keeping you on the right path.

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People Also Ask

What is the one sin that God will not forgive? 

The only sin that God will not forgive is the sin of rejecting Him and refusing His offer of forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ. This is also known as the unpardonable sin, because it means we are saying that the Holy Spirit’s witness about Jesus is a lie.

Is any sin too great for God to forgive? 

No, there is no sin too great for God to forgive. God’s forgiveness is available to all who receive Jesus. His grace is infinite, and there is no limit to the sin God is willing to forgive in Christ.

Is it a sin to explore your body? 

The views on this topic can vary. Some sources suggest that exploring one’s own body is not a sin and can be a natural and healthy part of human development. However, others suggest that exploring one’s body sexually can be seen as a sin, especially when it involves indulging in impure thoughts, fantasies, or actions.

It’s important to note that these views can depend on one’s personal beliefs and interpretations of religious texts.

Conclusion

Stay away from wrong adult materials! If you do not, you may face God’s judgment later (Romans 2:4-7). But if you keep clear of this wrongdoing, you will experience more happiness and contentment than such materials could ever offer. Look into the study titled “Blessed Are Those Who Hunger For Righteousness.” It teaches you how to find real joy and fulfillment.

Confess your wrongdoings to God and believe that He will forgive you. According to 1 John 1:9, God will pardon us because He is just and trustworthy. He would not be just and trustworthy if He did not forgive. Remember the verse:

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 (NASB)

Come now, and let us reason together,
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 (NASB)

Lo, for my own welfare I had great bitterness;
It is You who has kept my soul from the pit of nothingness,
For You have cast all my sins behind Your back. Isaiah 38:17 (NASB)

. . . for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more. Jeremiah 31:34

He will again have compassion on us;
He will tread our iniquities under foot.
Yes, You will cast all their sins
Into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19 (NASB)

Recognize your mistake of engaging with inappropriate adult content, avoid it, trust in God, and make a commitment not to repeat the sin. Rest assured that God will forgive your sins. According to 1 John 1:9, God would be unjust and unfaithful if He didn’t forgive your sins when you genuinely repent and strive not to repeat them.

When a true believer becomes a Christian, their sins are forgiven. If a Christian who has sinned admits and regrets their wrongdoing, their fellowship with God is restored.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NASB)