What Does It Mean To Be The Light of the World and the Salt of the Earth (Part Three)

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:13-20

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6

I. Introduction to Part Three

Part Two, covered the following:

1. Light shines forth as we proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
2. Light shines forth as we rightly, and prudently, declare the Law of God.
3. Light shines forth as we reprove the unfruitful works of darkness.
4. Light shines forth in our Christian walk (our God-ordained, God-wrought good works, commandment keeping, fruit-bearing, which is our reasonable service; this light is nothing short of the Light of God in Christ shining forth in us and through us).
5. Light shines forth (manifests itself) via the spoken word and light makes manifest/declares/reveals via the spoken word. The primary means of shining as the Light of the World is through our declarations concerning the whole counsel of God. There is a direct rhetorical link between light and voice; there is a direct etymological link between light and shine and voice; and there is clear scriptural and etymological connection between light, declaring/manifesting/revealing things, and our verbal (and by extension, written) proclamations concerning those things.
6. Line shines forth within us, through the spiritual law that God has put in our hearts (via the Holy Spirit and in conjunction with his Holy word, as a light to lighten our way), so that we may keep His commandments to the degree that He has purposed and ordained.

This part of the series aims to show how light and salt are interrelated; in fact, they are indeed synonymous in a scriptural sense. Remember the importance of synonymous parallelism in Scripture. In Matthew 5:13-14 “Ye are the salt of the earth” parallels “Ye are the light of the world.” Likewise, “if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted” parallels the underlying teaching associated with “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick.” One cannot be the salt of the earth and not be the light of the world; moreover, one cannot be the light of the world and not be the salt of the earth; the two things, light and salt, are typifying the very same things: grace and judgment; the Gospel of God and the Law of God. However, in usage, light is more heavily associated with the Gospel though it is nonetheless intimately associated with law and judgment; whereas salt, via its usage, is more heavily associated with law and judgment, though it is nonetheless intimately associated with the Gospel as well.

In this part, salt is the primary focus. In Scripture, it typifies (a) righteous judgment and condemnation; (b) those who declare righteous judgment and condemnation; and (c) the healing qualities of salt (as judgment and condemnation) which serves as a type of the Christian’s spiritual healing (salvation), based upon the judgment and condemnation poured out upon Christ Jesus the Lord, as ourr atoning, propitiatory Substitute and Sacrifice for sin.

Interestingly, as a side note, common/table salt is sodium chloride. When sodium metal, chlorine gas, and water combine, the reaction generates a very bright, yellow light and releases a significant amount of heat, which creates a fiery, lamp-like effect, with common/table salt being the end result. I bring this up because light ties in with fire, flames, candles, lamps, and the sun (all key words as noted in previous parts); however, many may not realise that salt (at least table salt, sodium chloride), likewise ties-in with bright, yellowish, fiery, light through the sodium chlorine reaction process.

II. Salt Typifies and Is Closely Yoked with Judgment and Condemnation

Though not the first instance of it in the AV/KJV, the most prominent early passage containing salt, the one that most people first think of, is the one pertaining to Lot’s wife. As judgment upon her looking back longingly after Sodom and Gomorrah, she was turned into a pillar of salt. Most will readily agree that this scriptural reference was indeed one of divine wrath, judgment, and condemnation. This, in a real sense, is what salt (scripturally-speaking) entails. Though salt has a real application to healing and salvation, that healing and salvation is only in light of the divine wrath, judgment, and condemnation that was inflicted upon our Lord as He stood in the place of His elect at Calvary. To understand how Christians individually, and the Body of Christ as a whole, “shine forth” as the salt of the earth, we should consider the Greek and Hebrew words translated as salt in the Bible.

Halas [G217] is a neuter noun meaning (and always translated in the AV/KJV as) salt. It comes from the word hals [G251], which is a masculine noun also meaning, and always translated in the AV/KJV as, salt. The root, hals [G251] can be found in this related passage: “For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt [hals/G251]” (Mark 9:49). The full passage reads:

Mark 9:42-50 “And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for Him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand offend Thee, cut it off: it is better for Thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend Thee, cut it off: it is better for Thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend Thee, pluck it out: it is better for Thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt [hals/G251]. 50 Salt [halas/G217] [is] good: but if the salt [halas/G217] have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt [halas/G217] in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”

See also:

Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the Salt [halas/G217] of the earth: but if the Salt [halas/G217] have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Luke 14:34 “Salt [halas/G217] [is] good: but if the salt [halas/G217] have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?”

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt [halas/G217], that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Melach [H4417] is a masculine noun meaning, and translated in the AV/KJV as, salt. It comes from the word malach [H4414], which is a primitive root verb meaning to salt or be salted, to season, to rub or wash with salt, to tear away, to be dispersed, to dissipate, and it is translated in the AV/KJV as one of each instance: salted, [salted] at all, season, tempered together, and vanish away.

Genesis 19:15-17,26 “And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest Thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. 16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; The LORD being merciful unto Him: and they brought Him forth, and set Him wiThout the city. 17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind Thee, neither stay Thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest Thou be consumed… 26 But his wife looked back from behind Him, and she became a pillar of salt [melach/H4417].”

Leviticus 2:13 “And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt [melach/H4417]; neither shalt thou suffer the salt [melach/H4417] of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt [melach/H4417].“

Deuteronomy 29:20-25 “The LORD will not spare Him, but then the anger of The LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon Him, and The LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. 21 And The LORD shall separate Him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law: 22 So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which The LORD hath laid upon it; 23 [And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt [melach/H4417], [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which The LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: 24 Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath The LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger? 25 Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of The LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:”

Judges 9:45 “And Abimelech, and the company that [was] with Him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two [other] companies ran upon all [the people] that [were] in the fields, and slew them. 45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that [was] therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt [melach/H4417].“

2 Samuel 8:13 “And David gat [Him] a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt [melach/H4417], [being] eighteen Thousand [men].“

2 Kings 14:7 “He slew of Edom in the valley of salt [melach/H4417] ten Thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it JokTheel unto this day.“

1 Chronicles 18:12 “Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt [melach/H4417] eighteen Thousand.“

2 Chronicles 25:11 “And Amaziah strengthened Himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt [melach/H4417], and smote of the children of Seir ten Thousand.“

Psalm 60:1 “[To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt [melach/H4417] twelve Thousand.] O God, Thou hast cast us off, Thou hast scattered us, Thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.“

Jeremiah 17:5-6 “Thus saith The LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from The LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt [melach/H4417] land and not inhabited.“

Psalm 107:34 “A fruitful land into barrenness [saltedness, mĕlechah/H4420], for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.”

Zephaniah 2:8-9 “I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border. 9 Therefore [as] I live, saith The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and salt [melach/H4417] pits [mikreh/H4379], and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.”

III. Salt Is an Integral Part of Sacrifices and Burnt Offerings, and Thus the Gospel, Seeing that Christ Endured the Judgment, Condemnation, and Wrath of God In the Stead of His Elect As Our Substitutionary Sacrifice.

Leviticus 2:13 And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt Thou season [malach/H4414] with salt [melach/H4417]; neither shalt Thou suffer the salt [melach/H4417] of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings Thou shalt offer salt [melach/H4417].

2 Chronicles 13:4-5 And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which [is] in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, Thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; 5 Ought ye not to know that The LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, [even] to Him and to his sons by a covenant of salt [melach/H4417]?

Numbers 18:19 All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto The LORD, have I given Thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with Thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt [melach/H4417] for ever before The LORD unto Thee and to thy seed with Thee.

Ezra 6:8-10 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. 9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt [mĕlach/H4416], wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which [are] at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day wiThout fail: 10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Ezekiel 43:21-24 Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, wiThout the sanctuary. 22 And on the second day Thou shalt offer a kid of the goats wiThout blemish for asin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse [it] with the bullock. 23 When Thou hast made an end of cleansing [it], Thou shalt offer a young bullock wiThout blemish, and a ram out of the flock wiThout blemish. 24 And Thou shalt offer them before The LORD, and the priests shall cast salt [melach/H4417] upon them, and they shall offer them up [for] a burnt offering unto The LORD.

Mark 9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt [hals/G251]. 50 Salt [halas/G217] [is] good: but if the salt [halas/G217] have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt [halas/G217] in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”

IV. In That Light, Being Salted Typifies Healing/Washing/Cleansing (a Picture of Salvation Through the Propitiatory Work of Christ).

2 Kings 2:19-22 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray Thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren. 20 And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt [melach/H4417] therein. And they brought [it] to Him. 21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt [melach/H4417] in there, and said, Thus saith The LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land]. 22 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.

Ezekiel 16:1-5 Again the word of The LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, 3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity [is] of the land of Canaan; thy father [was] an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite. 4 And [as for] thy nativity, in the day Thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast Thou washed in water to supple [Thee]; Thou wast not salted at all [melach/H4417], nor swaddled at all. 5 None eye pitied Thee, to do any of these unto Thee, to have compassion upon Thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born.

V. The Elect Congregation, Christ the Body, is Salt Seeing That We Make Known Both Divine Wrath, Judgment, and Condemnation, and the Only Hope of Salvation From It, the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark 9:50 “Salt [halas/G217] [is] good: but if the salt [halas/G217] have lost His saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt [halas/G217] in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”

Luke 14:33-35 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 34 Salt [halas/G217] [is] good: but if the Salt [halas/G217] have lost His savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let Him hear.

VI. As the Salt of the Earth, Salt [Judgment] Is Made Manifest Through Our Words.

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt [halas/G217], that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

VII. When The (Professing) Body of Christ Fails To Consistently and Courageously Season Grace With Salt, We Become As Fools, Unsavoury.

In both the Greek and in the Hebrew, that which is unsavoury, without savour, or insepid, is also foolish. The Christian must not only declare Who saves (The Lord Jesus Christ), and How He saves (through His finished work on the cross, as made effectual in our lives by the Holy Spirit of God, all per the sovereign and eternal purpose of our Heavenly Father), the Christian must also declare both what we are saved from (sin and the wages of it) and what constitutes sin (as we reprove it, all in light of the gracious message we bring concerning salvation, in the midst thereof). If we are not both light and salt in this world, then darkness and foolishness will manifest itself with greater vigour and strength. The Christian does not have the right to remain silent concerning those matters, arguments, and doctrines that oppose God. The Elect Congregation of Christ must declare the Gospel, it is an imperative, but we must also be willing to say, as did Nathan, thou art the man [2 Samuel 12:7]. We must be willing and able to say to the Herod’s of this world, as did John the Baptist, it is not lawful for thee to [commit this sin or that, especially in your position, wherein you would encourage or embolden others to do the same] [Matthew 14:4 / Mark 6:18]. We must be willing, like Paul, to witness to the Felixes of this age, witnessing even of righteousness, temperance [egkrateia, G1466, self-control, even mastery over one’s sensual desires, passions, and appetites], and judgment to come [Acts 24:24-25]; seeing that (1) the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life [Proverbs 6:23] (2) This light makes manifest the holy nature, character, and mind of God who is Light; (3) Christians are the means through which this Light is made manifest (seeing that we are the Salt of the Earth, and the Light of the World, a city that cannot be hid, and that must seek to let its Light so shine before men, that they may see our good works [including our Gospel proclamations and our reproofs against the unfruitful works of darkness], that we may, in so doing, glorify our Father which is in Heaven).

The Christian is not to go along with the world; if asked our stance on the matter, we should say it is written… We do not have to use that exact language; however, the idea is that we should be ready to share the Mind of God, His holy word, concerning all matters, as the opportunity arises. Moreover, we should use that righteous affirmation and testimony as a means of segueing into the Gospel message. Rather than shrinking from discussions on war, pestilence, calamity, unjust/unwise economics, abortion, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, other sexual ills, other social /societal ills, etc., we should declare the truth of God’s word concerning them, using that as an opportunity to declare the wrath/judgment/condemnation of God and the Gospel of Christ which is the only means by which lost sinners can escape God’s wrath and be saved. We must never make an idol out of the cares of the world, over indulge them, make them the prominent matters of thought and discussion, but we must remember that the Christian light must not be hid; it must shine wherever we are, and in whatever avenue or crevice darkness may hide — all to the degree that God ordains and enables.

Key Words:

Mōrainō: The words translated as “lost His savour,” “became fools,” and “made foolish” in the AV/KJV are all the same Greek verb, mōrainō [G3471], and it literally means to make or be foolish; to act foolishly; to prove a person or thing foolish; to be a simpleton; to become insipid; and to make flat and tasteless. It stems from the adjective mōros [G3474] which is translated in the AV/KJV as either fool, foolish, or foolishness, and literally means the same. It is the direct source of our English word moron.

Taphel: The words translated as “untempored,” “unsavoury,” and “foolish” in the AV/KJV are all the same Hebrew adjective (and masculine noun taphel [H8602] and it literally means foolish, insipid, tasteless, unseasoned.

Man is unsavoury and foolish by nature:

Romans 1:21-22 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. 20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [Him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools mōrainō / G3471].

1 Corinthians 1:20 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of tHis world? hath [G3471] not God made foolish mōrainō / G3471] the wisdom of this world?

If One Speaks “Peace, Peace Where there Is No peace,” They Acts As Unsavoury/Insipid Fools:

Ezekiel 13:8-15 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I [am] against you, saith the Lord GOD. 9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD. 10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered [unsavoury/taphel/H8602] [morter]: 11 Say unto them which daub [it] with untempered [unsavoury/taphel/H8602] [morter], that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend [it]. 12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where [is] the daubing wherewith ye have daubed [it]? 13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend [it] with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in [my] fury to consume [it]. 14 So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered [unsavoury/taphel/H8602] [morter], and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I [am] The LORD. 15 Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered [unsavoury/taphel/H8602] [morter], and will say unto you, The wall [is] no [more], neither they that daubed it;

Ezekiel 22:23-28 And the word of The LORD came unto me, saying, 24 Son of man, say unto her, Thou [art] the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. 25 [There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. 26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. 28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered [unsavoury/taphel/H8602] [morter], seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when The LORD hath not spoken.

VIII. When the Body of Christ Brings the Full Gospel of Christ, Seasoned with the Salt of the Whole Counsel of God, We Are As a Sweet Savour and a Blessed Sacrifice Unto The Lord.

In bringing grace seasoned with salt, the Christian walks after the manner of Christ and, thus, brings glory to God. In so doing, and doing so only by the grace and effectual working of God The Father, through Christ, by the Holy Spirit, we avert judgment in those who have spiritual ears to hear, and we do so, despite the fiery trials, tribulations, and persecution we endure, to one degree or another, all according to the eternal will and purpose of God. Consider the following passages:

Key Words:

Osmē: This feminine noun, osmē [G3744], pronounced o-smā’, means smell, odour, savour, and frangrance; it is always translated as either odour or savour in the AV/KJV. It stems from ozō [G3605], which is the same root word from whence the following derives:

Euōdia: This feminine noun, euōdia [G2175], pronounced yü-ō-dē’-ä, is translated in the AV/KJV once as each of the following: sweet savour, sweet smelling, and sweet smell. It literally means a sweet smell, fragrance; a fragrant or sweet smelling thing, incense, on odour or something sweet smelling; an odour of acquiescence, satisfaction; a sweet odour, spoken of the smell of sacrifices and obligations; metaphorically, a thing well pleasing to God.

Reyach: This masculine noun, reyach [H7381], pronounced rā’·akh, is from the root word ruwach [H7306]. Reyach is translated forty-five times in the AV/KJV as savour; eleven times as smell; and twice as scent. It literally means scent, fragrance, aroma, and odour. It also means an odour of soothing, a technical term for sacrifice to God.

Christ is the True Sweet Savour, Being the Antitype of All of the Various Sacrifices and Offerings that Were a Sweet Savour unto God:

Yet, in Him, with Him, and through Him, by the Effectual Grace and Operation of God, We Too (as the Body of Christ) Are an Acceptable Sacrifice Before God.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 4:15-19 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour [osmē/G3744] of a sweet smell [euōdia/G2175], a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 13:13-17 Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

Psalm 19:13-14 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 69:29-32 But I [am] poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high. 30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. 31 [This] also shall please The LORD better than an ox [or] bullock that hath horns and hoofs. 32 The humble shall see [this, and] be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1 Peter 2:9-21 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 19 For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18 Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Peter 2:1-5 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord [is] gracious. 4 To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:12-17 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, wiThout rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Ezekiel 20:40-44 For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things. 41 I will accept you with your sweet savour [reyach/H7381], when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen. 43 And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed. 44 And ye shall know that I [am] The LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Christians Are Also A Sweet Savour of Christ As We Declare the Gospel Truth, in Light of the Entirety of the Bible, Purposely Excluding, Ignoring, or Forsaking No Aspect of It.

2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. 14 Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour [osmē/G3744] of His knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour [euōdia/G2175] of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one [we are] the savour [osmē/G3744] of death unto death; and to the other the savour [osmē/G3744] of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

If One ‘Zahars’/Shines as Light, as They Zahar/Warn the Wicked of Their Evil Way via the Light of the Law of God, Pointing Them to Christ (Who Is the End of the Law for Righteousness), Through the Gospel which Reveals Him, Then That One Is Deemed Wise, and Thus, A Sweet Savour. However, If We Fail To Reveal the Wrath, Judgment, and Condemnation of God, We Are As Unsavoury Fools Ourselves.

Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost His savour [mōrainō/G3471], wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Luke 14:34-35 “Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost His savour [mōrainō/G3471], wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let Him hear.”

Lamentation 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things [unsavoury/taphel/H8602] for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for Thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

Daniel 12:1-3 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the Great Prince which standeth for the children of Thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time Thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be WISE shall shine [zahar/H2094] as the brightness [zohar/H2096] of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Ezekiel 3:17-21 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto The House of Israel: therefore hear The Word at My mouth, and give them warning [zahar/H2094] from me. 18 When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning [zahar/H2094], nor speakest to warn [zahar/H2094] the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn [zahar/H2094] the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning [zahar/H2094], he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; his blood will I require at thine hand. 21 Nevertheless if thou warn [zahar/H2094] the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned [zahar/H2094]; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 33:1-9 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn [zahar/H2094] the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning [zahar/H2094]; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning [zahar/H2094]; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning [zahar/H2094]; shall deliver his soul. 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned [zahar/H2094]; if the sword come, and take [any] person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but His blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto The House of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear The Word at My mouth, and warn [zahar/H2094]; them from Me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked [man], thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to speak to warn [zahar/H2094] the wicked from his way, that wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.; 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn [zahar/H2094] the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Psalm 19:7-11 THE LAW of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: THE TESTIMONY of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 THE STATUTES of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: THE COMMANDMENT of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 THE FEAR of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: THE JUDGMENTS of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned [zahar/H2094]: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth. 11 The words of the wise [are] as goads, and as nails fastened [by] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished [zahar/H2094]: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

2 Chronicles 19:8-10 Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and [of] the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem. 9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn [zahar/H2094] them that they trespass not against the LORD, and [so] wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

IX. Conclusion

The matter is quite simple, the Body of Christ (individually and as a whole), shines forth as the Light of the World and the Salt of the Earth when we declare the whole counsel of God, both Grace and Judgment, both Gospel and Law, with Grace and Gospel having the clear predominance and preeminence. We are to stay faithful to God’s word, by God’s grace and effectual working, and look to it, leaning upon it (as the Spirit makes it vital, living), so that we may know what to do, and what to say, in all situations. The word of God, as applied by the Holy Spirit, must transform our minds and govern our actions, all as the Lord orders our steps therein. All is of Him, all is by Him, and in Him alone do we hope and rest.

To God be the glory, in Christ Jesus.

Amen.