Update

I don't even know if anyone is following along with me on this study of the armor of God. I haven't gotten any comments so I think probably not but I am going to give an update just in case.

The subject of faith is just so big and this examination takes some time and patience to understand fully. It is important and I don't want to be to quick to post something for fear it may be wrong or not the whole story. I do know some definite points that I think we all know. I have started with 1 John and have read it a few times doing my best to clearly understand every word. Some things are clear and there is no dispute. First is a recognition of our sin (1 John 1:8-10) second is a belief in Christ and His blood being shed for our salvation (1 John 4:15)
You may say that I have gotten that backwards and that first should be Christ but what brings us to Christ but the knowledge of our filthiness. When someone asked Jesus in Matthew 19:16-17 what good thing he must do to have eternal life Jesus didn't say believe in me, He said that no one but God is good and pointed him to the commandments he hadn't kept.

My trouble with 1 John as a complete guide to how we examine our faith is chapter 2 verse 7-8. I think the key to understanding the whole book lies in these verses. "Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth." What does he mean when he says it is not new commandment and then in verse 8 says it is. When he says the beginning does he mean the beginning of the old testament or the new beginning with the sacrifice of Christ Jesus.

He has impressed upon me to read James and Romans so that is were I am going now.