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The question is, were those people ever really saved in the first place?

A valid question and worthy of consideration. However Charles Stanley’s doctrine (“Eternal Security” book) states that if you ever confessed Jesus Christ, even if you fall from the faith, you are still saved. By his logic, a Christian can deny Christ, covert to Islam, and lead a Jihad against Christians and still be saved.

To your point above…the Parable of the Sower would suggest that falling away is indeed possible.

There are many verses that teach that a Christian can fall.
Quite a few are noted in this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVN7NXqwjro

For he that biddeth him God speed is PARTAKER of his evil deeds. 2 John 1:11 KJV

If we (knowingly) vote for/donate to/campaign for a politician who supports abortion, say, then we become an abortionist/murderer in the sight of God.
Noting the deceit that is necessary to get elected, long ago one preacher advised that Christians avoid participating in politics in any way, shape or form.
So, do we glorify the name of the Lord if we vote for the lesser evil?
If we grit our teeth and go ahead and vote, should we pray, confessing our sin (voting), ask for forgiveness, then vote again in four years?