In this episode, Kelsi chats with theologian Mark Mattes about his new release with 1517 Publishing, Ditching the Checklist: Assurance of Salvation for Evangelicals (and Other Sinners). The two discuss the history and inner-workings of “Decision Theology” and why this theology ultimately leads people to the question, “Am I really saved?” without a helpful or true answer. In response, Mark suggests Scripture primarily presents salvation and faith in Christ as something passive (like birth) done to us. As a result, instead of looking to our works as a means of assurance, Christians can look with certainty to God’s sacramental promises and efficacious word.

Mark Mattes serves as Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, and previously served parishes in Gardner, Illinois, and Antigo, Wisconsin. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, and an M.Div from Luther Seminary. Mattes has authored Martin Luther’s Theology of Beauty: A Reappraisal and The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology, and has co-authored Imaging the Journey, co-translated Theology the Lutheran Way by Oswald Bayer, co-edited the collected papers of Gerhard Forde, A More Radical Gospel and The Preached God, and is an Associate Editor for Lutheran Quarterly.

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