[jo kus]

I was speaking as a third party, and I know that I am not supposed to pass judgment on anyone else's salvation status. Only the person and God CAN KNOW whether the person is saved.

Seriously, do you think ANYONE who believes in the "absolute assurance" of salvation believes that THEY have not been saved, that their "altar call" didn't "stick"? Truly, the whole idea of "absolute assurance" of salvation attempts to place salvation entirely into the hands of the Christian. By pointing to an event in the past, they can "prove" that they are saved, regardless of their future actions. Ironically, "absolute assurance" is a works doctrine! One has 'earned' their salvation, and nothing can take it away!

At that moment I did have assured salvation, but I didn't know it.

With all the mention of perseverance, holding out to the end, ethical exhortations, carrying one's cross, and following the narrow path, do you sense that the Scripture teaches we are saved irrefutably by one event in the past? I believe there is tons of evidence that shows that salvation is a process, rather than a one-time event that ends upon "accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior" - for example, read Matthew 7:21.

Later, through sanctification, I came to know the truth that I may have absolute confidence in God's promises concerning salvation

Salvation doesn't depend on "confidence", but on love. I can have all the faith in the world, even enough to move mountains, but without love, I am nothing - 1 Cor 13:2. You will not join God in heaven without love. Focus on love, brother, and you will have fulfilled the commandment of Christ.

Regards

[Forest Keeper]

With all the mention of perseverance, holding out to the end, ethical exhortations, carrying one's cross, and following the narrow path, do you sense that the Scripture teaches we are saved irrefutably by one event in the past?

OK, I see you have a point there. I will change to say that "perseverance, holding out to the end, ethical exhortations, carrying one's cross, and following the narrow path" are necessarily exhibited by a truly saved person. Scripture supports that. I would only add that these are not possible by the choice of man, but rather these will happen by the power of God. God will not allow the truly saved to ever be lost.

Salvation doesn't depend on "confidence", but on love. ... Focus on love, brother, and you will have fulfilled the commandment of Christ.

I agree that salvation doesn't depend on confidence, I would say it depends on God's love and plan for us. I do focus on God's love for me, and I love Him back through the ability to do so, which He gave me.