This is an excerpt from Ditching the Checklist: Assurance of Salvation for Evangelicals (and Other Sinners) by Mark Mattes (1517 Publishing, 2025), pgs. 5-7.
In the liturgy, Christ is present, self-giving, and ever-addressing his people.
Christians don’t need a bucket list. We’ve got the whole bucket: the Word fulfilled, life fulfilled, and life in full.

All Articles

Jesus, the true Bridegroom, erases that mistake by his own compassionate, saving act. Isn’t this also a picture of the gospel?
Christ is always the ultimate for God's children, but we sometimes struggle with things that come before.
Jesus loved us and gave himself up to save us. He would not abandon you to your hurt or cast you away because of the hurt you caused others.
The sinful nature loves self, and pride is its native tongue.
To obtain this righteousness, you have to admit you don’t have it and could never produce it on your own because you are unrighteous.
It's easy to have courage when things go well.
The price was really paid. Your sin remains buried in Christ’s tomb.
The love of God in Christ Jesus never changes. That love is for you.
Your champion steps forward.
In the Word, you find peace. It proclaims peace first between you and God because of Jesus. That empowers you to deal peacefully with others and brings you peace of mind.
This feast is the Gospel, “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
The goodness of God's grace is also offensive to our egos