Outside Ourselves Assurance of Salvation with Mark Mattes
Apr 8, 2025
Mark Mattes, a Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Grand View University, dives into the complex world of assurance of salvation. He critiques decision theology, suggesting it often leaves believers wondering if they're truly saved. Instead, he highlights that salvation is primarily God's work, emphasizing the biblical metaphor of new birth. Mattes argues for a faith rooted in Christ's promises rather than personal performance, advocating for the significance of sacraments in providing assurance. He also discusses the illusion of free will and the true nature of divine grace.
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Mark Mattes' Youth Struggles
- Mark Mattes shares his personal struggle with assurance of salvation during his youth amidst revivalist preaching.
- He repeatedly doubted his sincerity and whether his decisions truly reflected saving faith, causing deep fear of hell.
Decision Theology's Origins and Flaws
- Decision theology equates assurance with making a conscious decision to accept Jesus, which lacks scriptural support.
- This teaching grew out of 19th-century revivalism influenced by cultural democratic ideas of choice and voting.
Faith Beyond Conscious Choice
- Faith isn't merely a conscious decision, but a deep, often unconscious grasp of Christ as life-saving.
- The will is thin and captive to desires; faith is more about God's active grasp than our own choice.
