If there is a history of backsliding, does this mean there is a history of constant repentance between each backsliding? That's important. The Christian may be caught up in sin for a time, but he is restored, and this may happen over and over again. Usually if you weren't a Christian, it would be more like seeing your profession as a burden to continue to show and the idea of backsliding would eventually lead you to an open, purposeful, and complete apostasy.
Sanctification is a process that doesn't happen over night, and it certainly comes with many pitfalls and trials that will press every button of ours until we break. If you are seeing growth, you are saved. If you remain the kind of person you were when you first was saved, and see no change, and do not really care to change, then I would question your profession.
