Post 1: The Divine Mandate — Salt and Light in the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is not a list of optional ideals for super-Christians. It is the King’s description of the character and influence of those who belong to His kingdom. Immediately after the Beatitudes, Jesus turns to His disciples and says: “Ye are the salt of the earth: 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. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16, KJV). These words come after Jesus has described the blessedness of the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the pea...