Seasoned by Fire

What does it mean to be “seasoned by fire?”

Jesus said, “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.” (Mark 9:49)

The second part of this verse Jesus had in mind the words of Leviticus 2:13, “With all your offerings you shall offer salt.”

The Greek word translated “seasoned” means “to salt.” The NIV may say it best. “Everyone will be salted with fire.” (Mark 9:49)

Salt was used for many purposes in the ancient world. It was used to flavor food, and as a preservative to keep food from spoiling. But it also had a medicinal value as an antiseptic.

But to say this verse is connected to the preceding verses where fire is penal, and refers to unbelievers and the fires of hell, doesn’t take into account the next verse where Jesus is clearly referencing believers.

“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 4:50)

Fire is also indicative of the trials and tribulations we face (1 Peter 4:12).

Therefore, to be salted with fire, is to have one’s life seasoned by trials. As believers we need to make sure these trials don’t cause us to lose faith, rather they are to season us for greater works so we can be the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).

As Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary translates, “Every disciple of Mine shall have a fiery trial to undergo, and everyone who would be found an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God, must have such a salting, like the Levitical sacrifices.”

There is a fiery cleansing that every believer in Jesus Christ must yield. It’s the salting fire that cleanses and preserves.

Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”