[adiaireton8]

And I again would answer the question, "Will you please tell me whether I should believe that these 'assurance verses' apply to me?" by stating, "Yes - they do apply

So you would tell an apostate-to-be that the 'assurance verses' apply to him. But in that case, the 'assurance verses' don't guarantee that those to whom they apply are elect, since the apostates-to-be are not elect. Therefore, it is no good appealing to 'assurance verses' to show that one is elect.

-A8

[azhenfud]

"So you would tell an apostate-to-be that the 'assurance verses' apply to him."

You seem purposed to twist what I've stated. I repeat I would tell an apostate-to-be that 'assurance verses' apply to him base upon his ACCEPTANCE of the power and gift offered him through Christ to become the sons of God.

I bring to your remembrance Jesus' relay of the wedding feast (Matthew 22) where the invitation to join the banquet was given but many chose to disregard the invite. As was then, the offer is extended to the apostate-to-be, but it's up to them should they choose to squander the invitation. It's the apostate-to-be's choice to be found fit with the right garment or not.