Page 572 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

SACRIFICE - SALT

the prayer-book of the Church of England, the Lord’s SALEM (peace). Salem is first mentioned in Ge.
Supper is called ‘these holy mysteries’! But such a term 14:18; Melchizedek the priest was king of Salem. Later
for it is unknown in the New Testament, and was Salem became Jerusalem, the capital of Israel (Ps.
subsequently introduced merely because the initiates 76:2). [See Jerusalem, Melchizedek.]
(of Babylonish idolatry) fixed upon the Memorial
Supper as the one thing in Christianity which they SALIM (crafty fox, completed). Jn. 3:23.
could most easily metamorphose into a Mystery, or SALLAI (my rising). Ne. 12:20.
Sacrament. Then, associating Baptism with the bath SALLU (very high). 1 Ch. 9:7.
which preceded (pagan) initiation, they called it, also, SALMA (a garment). 1 Ch. 2:11.
a Mystery, or Sacrament—though they often dropped
all disguise, and spoke of it plainly as SALMON (distinguished robe). Lk. 3:32.
initiation’” (William R. Newell, Revelation: A Complete SALMONE (very shady, flowing). Ac. 27:7.
Commentary). SALOME (reward, peaceable). Mk. 15:40.
Baptists, as well as others who strive to maintain a SALT. “Indispensable as salt is to ourselves, it was
New Testament pattern, reject the concept of even more so to the Hebrews, being to them not only an
sacraments. The Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles appetizing condiment in the food (Job 6:6), and a
delivered to the churches two ordinances [observances]: valuable antidote to the effects of the heat of the climate
baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These do not impart on animal food, but also entering largely into the
grace; they signify and memorialize grace and turn the religious services of the Jews as an accompaniment to
believer’s thoughts to Christ. [See Anglican, Baptism - the various offerings presented on the altar (Le. 2:13).
Infant, Eastern Orthodox, Lord’s Supper, Mass, Roman They possessed an inexhaustible and ready supply of it
Catholic Church.] on the southern shores of the Dead Sea [also called the
SACRIFICE. To make offerings to God. [See Salt Sea Ge. 14:3; Nu. 34:3.] There is one mountain
Offerings.] here called Jebel Usdum, seven miles long and several
SACRILEGE. To violate or profane sacred things (Ro. hundred feet high, which is composed almost entirely of
2:22). salt” (Smith).
SADDUCEES. A group of Jewish religious leaders in Salt was required in all of the offerings to God (Le.
the days of Christ’s earthly walk. The Sadducees did not 2:13). The salt thus symbolized (1) the permanence of
believe in miracles or the bodily resurrection (Mk. God’s love for His people, and (2) the communion of
12:18; Ac. 23:8). Though normally enemies of the God with His people. “The altar was the table of the
Pharisees, the Sadducees joined forces with them to Lord; and therefore, salt being always set on our tables,
condemn the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 21:2; Lk. 19:47). God would have it always used at his. It is called the salt
SADOC (just). Mt. 1:14. of the covenant, because, as men confirmed their
SAFEGUARD. Guard; safe keeping, security (1 Sa. covenants with each other by eating and drinking
22:23). together, at all which collations salt was used, so God,
SAINT. “Saint” means one who is set apart for God. by accepting his people’s gifts and feasting them upon
The words “saint,” “holy,” and “sanctify” are from the his sacrifices, supping with them and they with him (Re.
same Greek words. In the N.T. the term “saint” is 3:20), did confirm his covenant with them. Among the
applied to all true Christians, not merely to those who ancients salt was a symbol of friendship” (Matthew
have unusual qualities (Ac. 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Ro. Henry).
8:27; 12:13; 15:25, 31; 16:2, 15; 1 Co. 6:1, 2; 14:33; Salt was used to signify covenants (Nu. 18:19).
16:1, 15; 2 Co. 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13; Ep. 1:1; Ph. 1:1; “Covenants were ordinarily cemented in the East by the
Col. 1:2, 4; Phile. 7; He. 6:10; 13:24). Even the carnal rites of hospitality; of which salt was the obvious token,
Christians at Corinth were called saints (2 Co. 1:1). entering as it does into every article of diet. It indicates
Christians are not saints because they are especially perpetuity” (Barnes).
holy; they are saints because they have a special Saviour The phrase “ye are the salt of the earth” (Mt. 5:13)
and He has removed their sin before God (Re. 1:5-6; 1 can signify many things. (1) Salt penetrates; it even
Pe. 2:9, 10). [See Holy, Justification, Sanctification.] penetrates metal; signifying the power of the Gospel to
SALA,SALAH (offspring, a race). Lk. 3:35. change men’s lives. (2) Salt cleanses. Sodium chloride is
SALAMIS (bitten by serpents). Ac. 13:5. still used in many cleansing agents. Likewise the Gospel
and the presence of born-again people have a cleansing
SALATHIEL (petition of God). Mt. 1:12. effect in the world. (3) Salt purifies, as does the Gospel.
SALCHAH, SALCAH (lifting up). De. 3:10; Jos. (4) Salt preserves. It is used to preserve food in the
13:11. absence of refrigeration. Likewise the Gospel preserves
righteousness and truth in an evil world. (5) Salt burns.

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