But it had to mean something to him once. He was on track to become a pastor and heavily immersed in everything Christian, which from the sound of it was completely traditional if on the extreme side. Sometimes people are born again and don't have a clear memory of it but most people I know do have a clear memory of it, so he is likely to as well. Of course I am wondering if such an experience is crucial in the perseverance of the saints. Perhaps Aussie has an opinion.
My life and my faith were almost indistinguishable from each other. My parents "brought up a child in the way he should go so when he is old he won't depart from it." Their life and faith are to this day indistinguishable. It is all I remember from childhood.
In terms of the Calvinistic "Perseverance of the saints," I could never wrap my mind around that. James in chapter 6 I think was very clear that you can believe; then no longer believe.
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the Heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance..."
That was ME; I then stopped believing. But I think this verse alone casts a lot of doubt on the Perseverance of the Saints doctrine.
"...heck is a small price to pay for the truth"