In the initial stages, it resembles a period of newfound liberation akin to a honeymoon, as we are granted respite from the oppressive grip of legal constraints. This emancipation, I posit, emanates from the divine authority of God, liberating us from the clutches of sin's enslavement. Spurgeon eloquently conveyed that this sanctifying experience instilled within him a profound sense of purification, permeating even the most profound depths of his being. Subsequently, as each passing day unfolded, he encountered this transformative paradigm anew, attributing it to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which served as an unwavering source of reassurance.

However, it begins to resemble the initial struggle with sin before we were saved. We initially have a fervor for the glory of God, but then we give in to sin. Thus, we find ourselves in a struggle that communicates its own unique message to us. Consequently, our approach to this fight stems from the ways we taught ourselves to combat sin before our salvation. This is why I believe this paradigm is multifaceted. Some of us were highly motivated to achieve excellence, leading us to define the struggle as a form of self-discipline and strict self-denial. Additionally, the depth of our spiritual understanding and initial experience is influenced by the Holy Spirit. As we walk the path He has designed for us, we all have diverse experiences. We are often deceived by the simplicity of the gospel as Christ tends to be the last focus for us. The word and illumination we receive are typically not seen as a paradigm for our image but rather as a means to find success in our Christian lives. Even though Jesus promises to fellowship with us, we may tire or struggle to understand how to seek Him since we cannot physically see Him like we can see another person in a relationship. It seems that we are constantly battling to truly believe that He is all we need. We struggle to fully grasp the idea that there is someone who can make everything right and work everything out for our good. If we truly knew Him and were in His presence, we would experience something special at all times – a unique love, peace, and confidence that stems from knowing how far He has gone for us. His interest in loving us knows no bounds. I hope you can see the difference. There are individuals who emotionally grapple with this struggle, responding to it with guilt and shame. They fall into a melancholic state and work harder to regain their initial assurance through peace. On the other hand, some people are so focused on loving and pleasing others that they neglect seeking the assurance of the Spirit and the sweetness of God's love for themselves. They prioritize the love they have for others and live in a manner that pleases people. Moreover, there are various other ways individuals search for that first love. However, these experiences can lead to a person finding comfort in reverting to old patterns of legalism. We all seek a place of comfort, and if the experience doesn't resemble our initial encounter, we may doubt its authenticity.