As the article mentioned, Andrew, there were many meanings for the word "salt" in both the Old and New Testaments. In Matthew 5, we see Jesus refer to true believers as "salt of the earth." In this particular instance, he was referring to two meanings of the word salt--to preserve, and to cleanse. Followers of Christ are "preserved" by the Father for a future and forever existence. Also, they are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. In the Old Testament story of Lot's Wife, she was turned into literal salt which preserved its shape for future generations, so even during Moses' time the pillar could be seen, a sort of "warning" perhaps and a testimony to the sinful towns that had once existed there but were wiped out. In this same way, the word "covet" in the Bible can both a positive and negative meaning, depending on the context. We are told in the 10 Commandments not to "covet" (earnestly desire) what others have. In the New Testament, however, we are told to covet after (earnestly desire) the greater spiritual gifts. It all depends on context. In English, our words don't have so many different meanings, so it's easy to think one meaning must apply to all situations.
In reply to This story has come back… by Andrew
As the article mentioned, Andrew, there were many meanings for the word "salt" in both the Old and New Testaments. In Matthew 5, we see Jesus refer to true believers as "salt of the earth." In this particular instance, he was referring to two meanings of the word salt--to preserve, and to cleanse. Followers of Christ are "preserved" by the Father for a future and forever existence. Also, they are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. In the Old Testament story of Lot's Wife, she was turned into literal salt which preserved its shape for future generations, so even during Moses' time the pillar could be seen, a sort of "warning" perhaps and a testimony to the sinful towns that had once existed there but were wiped out. In this same way, the word "covet" in the Bible can both a positive and negative meaning, depending on the context. We are told in the 10 Commandments not to "covet" (earnestly desire) what others have. In the New Testament, however, we are told to covet after (earnestly desire) the greater spiritual gifts. It all depends on context. In English, our words don't have so many different meanings, so it's easy to think one meaning must apply to all situations.