The way I see this is when our eyes are opened to this Truth, we begin the race. At that point we are among the chosen. But the only way anyone can be of the Elect is to finish the race. So if at any point you drop out of the race, you never were of the Elect. Even Paul knew he was in a race that he had to finish.
1Co 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
v. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
v. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
v. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Since you can know that you are in the race, because you understand and believe these Truths, Paul continually tells us to give it all we have and never give up.
Heb 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
v. 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Apostles knew that the Elect were among the Believers they were teaching. So they always were encouraging them, as Paul said, "run with endurance the race that is set before us" and "do not lose heart."
Gal 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Peter says "make your call and election sure."
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
John used "little children" many times to encourage the believers, as a term of endearment.
1John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1John 2:12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.
1John 2:18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.
1John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
1John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
1John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
v. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.
1John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
v. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
v. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
You can not know for sure that you are of the Elect, but we are the chosen, we are in the race! Never give up, because we are running for the greatest gift any human being could ever hope to have.
mercy, peace and love
Kat