Divine Consequences: The Spiritual Implications of Onanism

In contemporary religious discourse, the discussion of sexual morality takes on not only a theological dimension but also a profound spiritual significance. Teachings based on biblical texts and apostolic instructions affirm that deviations from the norms related to the proper use of one’s physical nature can disrupt a person's inner harmony and their ability to inherit the Kingdom of God. Moreover, any form of improper treatment of the body—including onanism—is seen not merely as a physical act but as a serious violation of sanctity that deprives a person of the possibility of spiritual union.

This understanding emphasizes that the soul and body must remain in a holistic, inseparable union; otherwise, a person risks losing the purity necessary to encounter the Divine presence. Such views are reflected in both the New and the Old Testaments, where historical examples serve as warnings about the irreversible consequences of moral transgressions. Ultimately, modern religious thought calls for an awareness of proper behavior, reminding us that spiritual renewal begins with a respectful treatment of one’s body and the preservation of inner purity.

Thus, the discussion of this topic is not merely a moral category but a call for deep personal introspection and the search for a balance between the physical and the spiritual—an endeavor that enables each individual to aspire to the highest holiness and to prepare for eternal life in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

How do modern religious teachings interpret the relationship between onanism and the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven? Modern religious teachings, drawing on biblical texts and apostolic instructions, interpret onanism as a form of sexual sin for which, according to these doctrines, a person loses the possibility of inheriting the Kingdom of God. In particular, one source cites a quotation clearly stating that “neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters shall inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9). Here, onanism—along with other forms of masturbation—is mentioned as one of the practices that deprives a person of spiritual participation in the Kingdom, underscoring the seriousness and consequences of this act. Additionally, a biblical example is given of Old Testament Onan, who was put to death by God for committing this sin, further emphasizing that such behavior is regarded as an obstacle on the path to eternal life.

Furthermore, another source considers the issue of sexual impurity in a broader context, pointing out that any form of fornication (with the implication that this includes onanism as an example of the improper use of the body) leads to a disunion of the soul and the body, and consequently to the loss of the sanctity required to enter the dwelling where the Holy Spirit resides.

Thus, according to modern religious teachings cited in these sources, onanism is classified as a serious violation of moral norms that, in their view, negatively affects a person’s spiritual purity and hinders the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Supporting citation(s):
"Malakia, masturbation (onanism, masturbation *, chironomia, ipsation **, etc.). Do not delude yourselves... – says the apostle – neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters shall inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). ... Here is the verdict for masturbators. Their father – the Old Testament Onan – was punished by God with death for committing this sin (Genesis 38:9-10). ... (Prisman M. Ipsation (onanism) in the Light of Modern Science. Berlin: Doctor, 1922. p. VIII.)" (source: link , page: 177)

"Let us run from fornication. Every sin that a person commits... But he who commits fornication not only attaches his mind (soul) to the woman he has encountered, but his body is also united with her—a fact illustrated by the saying, 'the two shall become one flesh.' Therefore, he who is sexually immoral sins against his own body, since one who was once a member of Christ soon becomes, through fornication, a member of fornication. ... When you keep your bodies from every impurity, you glorify God, who dwells in your bodies." (source: link )