Listening to the Bible the other day and a phrase resonated and ‘irked’ me…
“For everyone will be tested with fire”
I have long believed that Christians will suffer, despite it being the opposite of what some Christians think… I have continually experienced ‘fire’ through my Christian walk, so much so, the ‘happy clappy’ life has longed seemed fake 1I don’t meant to judge, I am GENUINELY happy for you if your life (Christian or not) is easy, happy and blessed – it’s just mine has been anything but .
But when I read it in another translation… BAM!
Most translations 2 apart from the NKJV which says Mark 9:49 (NKJV) “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.” keep it quite literal – translating word-for-word:
“For everyone will be salted with fire.”
SALTED?! Salted with fire! What does that even mean?
I started a little digging and meditating. Yet again, I found that the depth of the words and message of the Bible are, quite simply, incredible.
At least 15 different translations have been submitted for this verse! The three most credible (and are all true) are:
– every one who has rejected Jesus will be preserved with salt for an eternity of judgment in fire
– every disciple of Jesus (as living sacrifices) will be salted as the fiery trials burn up what is not of God
– everyone will be salted in the right way and time depending on their relationship with Jesus: the unbelievers, the eternal fire of judgement and for the ‘called-out-ones’, the refining fires of trials and suffering
And so where do you fit in?
Are you living as a sacrifice, walking through fiery trials and suffering?
If yes, let me pray with you and encourage you: in the physical, it is devastating, gruelling and hopeless. But He will bring you through. He will refine you, transform you and use you for His glory.
Have you rejected Jesus, His gift of life or His command to turn from religion and the things He says are wrong? If so, let me plead with you: The Judge of the Universe, the One who Created everything, who knows your evil thoughts and actions, will send you direct to hell for eternity. PLEASE seek His forgiveness – ONLY available because of Jesus. Trust Him. Follow Him, Share Him.
God, the loving Father, uses all things in all people’s lives to bring about His justice OR His mercy… He is Masterful and Majestic and
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
Matthew 5:13 (NLT)
Lord, help us to live for You and share Your truth with those who need You. Please open their eyes so they can see your Truth.
Footnotes:
- 1I don’t meant to judge, I am GENUINELY happy for you if your life (Christian or not) is easy, happy and blessed – it’s just mine has been anything but
- 2apart from the NKJV which says Mark 9:49 (NKJV) “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.”