Do you know of anyone who grew up in a godly home, has heard it all, and wants it all, for the most part, but just DOESN'T have it? I hear more and more of these stories all the time and I was one of them myself, so I can totally identify with the struggles, down to the smallest details, almost. Roy Daniel wrote on this subject and I wanted to share it here. (Forgive me if this has already been posted before.)

I would propose a different conclusion than his and plan to post it here soon.

http://www.prayerclub.net/literature/booklets/374-literature-booklets/2913-answers-for-those-who-grew-up-in-conservative-evangelical-christian-homes-who-are-struggling-to-find-assurance-of-salvation.html

IMHO, struggling for assurance is a healthy problem to have. It shows that one is looking for evidences and fruit and genuine assurance that a supernatural work has been done.

The Gospel of John compares the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration to wind where you cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes (John 3:8). Like the wind, assurance can be elusive.

The worse problem is when those who are spiritually lost are thinking that they have already been saved. In recent decades, too many have been falsely assured by human formulas and human reassurances rather than by the supernatural work of genuine spiritual regeneration in the new birth.

Looking at the letters to the angel (messenger) at each of seven churches (Revelation 2-3), there are promises that are given in each letter that apply only to him that overcomes. Even to first century churches, warning was given to sustain in Christian living and to overcome. He that hath an ear, let him hear with the Spirit says to the churches.

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I would agree with you, itg3712.