“Many people ask about their salvation. They believe that an event or action at a point in time solidifies their salvation.

Salvation is not an event or an action at a set point in time and space. Salvation is a journey.”

I believe there is a point or an event in someone’s life that brings Salvation. Some people on that journey where the Holy Spirit is convicting them by hearing the Gospel or testimony of a believer. The Holy Spirit will show that person, that he is dead and in a desperate state (Ephesians 2: 1-3), and that he needs to be saved (Acts 4:12) or he will perish (John 3:3).

“The journey begins at a point when a person places their faith in the act of grace that God has completed in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for their forgiveness and right standing before Him.”

You are right at the beginning point, where unbelievers are depraved and dead to sin and that person can’t effect his own salvation is by the Grace of God (Ephesians 2:9; Titus 3:5) Only Jesus can save (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12; 15:11; Ephesians 2:8-10) that was the whole purpose of Him coming in to the world to save sinners, bring Salvation. (1 Timothy 1:15) By this He purchased this by becoming a sacrifice of HIMSELF on the cross (Hebrews 5:8, 9; 9:12)

“Hopefully you understand that the way is a journey. Getting back to the Father is not instantaneous but a marathon of worldly events that must be overcome to arrive at your destination.”

I believe that getting back to the father is instantaneous when we are regenerated (born again) God gives us Faith (Ephesians 2:8) through the conversion experience has two results in that we are Justified and Sanctified. Justified meaning we are pardoned and accepted by God and our relationship with Him has been repaired.

Sanctification is which leads us to Holiness without it no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14, the whole chapter 12 deals with this subject.  Your illustration of the boat is good for this because as we grow in sanctification being more holy will lead us to glory in Heaven…