Different early scholarly treatments are reported. Some favor an unqualified assertion of faith because its inward assent is decisive; others allow a qualification to avoid self-praise or to refer to the unknown final state and perfection of faith.
Much of the disagreement depends on the intended sense of “I am a believer”: present fundamental faith, ultimate acceptance, or a perfected condition before God.
Thus the same formula cannot automatically be classified in the same way for every speaker. Understanding the intended claim must precede a theological judgment about its appropriateness.