1st question WHO?
- Jesus is speaking to His disciples - His
followers, in this address. It is crystal clear from
the Scriptures the followers or
believers are referred to as
saints. This is contrary to Romanism, which claims
the power to create saintships is on the judgement
of the conclave of cardinals and endorsed by the
pontiff. This Romanish creation was and still is to
some extent conferred on a member of their church
who has been a 'pillar' for their church dogma and
doctrine. It is a posthumous award as the recipient
has to be dead for at least
thirty years. Western theology
in particular, claims that a saint is someone who
has committed their life to Jesus Christ - a
Christian by faith and not merely by name (nominal).
The view held by evangelicals -
being born again.
2nd question WHAT?
The substance is very important - salt. Symbolically
salt speaks of purity. Salt is used for seasoning to
keep freshness contained. In the holy land, mothers
would wash their baby in salt as a purification
ritual. Salt can also be used as a cleansing
substance. Salt not only
preserves but it also purifies. So the saint
has an extremely important
role to play in serving his Master. Others
around should notice a
difference - they should be able to taste and
see the difference. The
Christian should be a living epistle a mirror
image of the Christ of God, by
his very life and not essentially by his
many words.St. Francis of
Assissi said," We should preach Christ at
all times, occasionally using
words." That is real substance!
It is not only a command but a
demand. I wont preach Christianity but
I will preach Christ the One
crucified.