[boatbums]

if I live in faith and obedience to God in a way that brings glory to Him and I rejoice in my salvation that is not dependent on my good works, how is that different than if I did depend upon my faith and works to save me?

It is good that your faith approximates the Catholic faith. The difference for you coming back to the Church would be that you would detest the error of presuming your salvation and that, by grace alone, would lead you to salvation.

That didn't answer my question. It's not about "coming back" to the RCC. Assurance of salvation isn't based on presumption but PROMISE.

[Luircin]

I’ve never gotten any kind of response from Roman Catholics about what’s so bad about believing what God has promised.

[annalex]

Assurance of salvation isn't based on presumption but PROMISE.

This is the promise:

I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. (John 6:51-52)

If you want to have eternal life, come to the Eucharistic table.