What does salt mean in the bible?

Answer 1

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Salt means the great influence of Christians in the world.

As Jesus said to his people:

"Ye are the salt of the earth:" (Matthew5.13)

But again he said: 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. (Matthew 5.13)

So if Christians lose their influence in the world, they are good for nothing.

Another thought:

Literal 'salt' is often used to improve taste, and preserve things. Figuratively, Jesus used this trait in an illustration: "Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another." (Mark 9:50KJV) and Paul, similarly, said: "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one." (Colossiand 4:6 ASV) The primary role of a Christian is to teach others about God's kingdom (Matthew 28:19+20/Matthew 24:14) helping them to learn how to please God. Because Christians are the only 'salt of the earth', our conduct and speech should always be in good taste, wholesome, considerate and work toward preserving the lives of others. Having 'salt' in ourselves means that we, as Christians, should have a preserving effect on others, living and teaching the life-saving truth from The Bible, helping to prevent spiritual decay and moral breakdown. Our words can save those who listen to us(1 Timothy 4:16).

Because salt has a history of preserving permanently, Biblically it's used as a symbol of stability in binding covenants (Numbers 18:19)(2Chronicles 13:4+5/Matthew 1:1/Revelation 5:5).