A person who is born again IN FACT, CANNOT fall away permanently. Aside from ourselves, none of us can know who is born again in fact. I have been perfectly consistent with this. The “certitude of salvation” is exclusive to the individual.
How do you know that a born again / elect / believer / whatever cannot fall away permanently?
The “certitude of salvation” is a creation of the Gnostics which predated Christ, by the way.
The Bible says so:
Eph 1:11-14 : 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession — to the praise of his glory.
Eph 4:30 : And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
2 Cor 1:21-22 : 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
There are others, but I think these make the point.
The “certitude of salvation” is a creation of the Gnostics which predated Christ, by the way.
Is that a theological term? I wasn't using it as such. I just thought that was a way to say "assurance", which comes right from the Bible.