Phil - You have a good understanding of the verses - and we can also go back to Chapter 9 verse 38 where the subject of that section of the chapter starts. The sub-header of verses 38-50 might be, "Using the Name of Jesus." Please read all of Mark 9:38-50 (KJV) before you read on in this analysis...
This is a semi-parable teaching using examples of repentance. We don't literally cut off a hand, a foot or gouge an eye. The GREEK language wording shows what we are to do if we sin... we remove the SIN from ourselves, not actual body parts.
The very end of the chapter refers to what we are to do if we loose our "salt". In our earthly bodies, salt is our essence. Without the mineral salt in our earthly bodies, we shrivel up and die. This parable in the GREEK language means that God and Christ are our SPIRITUAL essence (salt) and when we loose touch with God and Christ, we can shrivel up SPIRITUALLY and die. When we then return to God and Christ and repent, we are "re-salted" spiritually and our life is restored (spiritually). In verse 49, we are shown that we are all tested with fire ( descriptive term for 'temptations' in the Greek language ) and when we loose our 'salt' and then repent, our 'salt' is restored by Our Father. You may wish to just use the word 'spirituality' in place of the word 'salt' and read verses 38-50 over again with the substitution.
Blessings...
Pastor Gary
