“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its
taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything
except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13).
A. W. Pink* argues that the
Lord’s reference to salt and light (vv. 13–16) apply to the apostles in
particular, not to the disciples in general. He gives three reasons for his
claim: (1) the pronoun changes (they in verse 12 to you in verse
13) show a shift from a general principle to a specific application. (2) Christ’s
public servants would be most likely to receive the brunt of persecution
(vv. 10, 11). (3) This is supported by the phrase, “for so they persecuted
the prophets [not the saints] who were before you.” Pink cites
Matthew Henry, noting that in 4:19 Jesus had just called the first apostles to “Follow
me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Here He tells them further that they
are designed to be salt and the light in the world.
It would be best to apply this
text to those who have the greatest public exposure, but it equally applies to
all believers who openly witness the gospel of Christ. Nevertheless, the
specific reference is to the effect of the character of those who
testify of Christ in the world and the reaction of the world to them: “You are
the salt of the earth.”
Salt is indispensable to life.
Its antiseptic qualities are renowned, being well suited to the figure of truth,
arresting the natural corruption that prevents holiness and purity in the world.
Only those whom the Lord pronounces blessed are suitable to be so. The
clear evidence of the effect of their person and witness is the negative
reaction—persecution. Herein lies the danger that Christ immediately
presents. Negative assault on anyone’s person is naturally met with self-defense
and protective action. Would not a little sugar find a better reception than
pure salt? So, the temptation is great to soften the sting of truth.
This is what Jesus means when He
observes, “if salt has lost its taste.” We understand that salt is a
chemical compound that cannot be altered. The only way it can lose its saltiness
is by diluting it. Paul warned Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season,
out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their
own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they
shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
(2 Timothy 4:2–4, KJV).
“How shall its saltiness be
restored?” Compromisers, who to preserve self and would be unfaithful to
the truth, will find it difficult, if not impossible, to be restored to kingdom
usefulness. This fact is clear in Christ’s warning, “It is no longer good
for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” Unfaithful
ministers are not only worthless to God and man but are condemned by both as
well. “But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to
stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, and so I make you
despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways
but show partiality in your instruction” (Malachi 2:8, 9).
*A.
W. Pink, An Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, Baker Book House, pp.
43–46, ©1953
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