“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” Col. 3:5, 6. 17. When purged from these sins, in what condition is a man, and for what is he prepared? “If a man therefore purge himself from these, _he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work_.” 2 Tim. 2:21. NOTE.—“Sanctification is the term used to describe the work of God the Holy Ghost upon the character of those who are justified. We are justified in order that we may be sanctified, and we are sanctified in order that we may be glorified. ‘Whom He justified, them He also glorified.’ Rom. 8:30. The grace of God is given to make us holy, and so to fit us for God’s presence in eternity; for ’without holiness no man shall see the Lord.’ Heb. 12:14.”—“_The Catholic Religion_” (_Episcopal_), _by Rev. Vernon Staley, page 327_. Importance Of Sound Doctrine [Illustration.] Ezra Reading The Law. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:21. 1. Does it matter what one believes, so long as he is sincere? “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit _and belief of the truth_.” 2 Thess. 2:13. NOTE.—Doctrine affects the _life_. Truth leads to life and God; error to death and destruction. No one would think of saying it matters not what _god_ one worships, so long as he is sincere, any more than he would think of saying it matters not what one _eats_ or _drinks_, so long as he _relishes_ what he eats and drinks; or what _road_ he travels, so long as he _thinks_ he is on the right road. Sincerity is a virtue; but it is not the test of sound doctrine. God wills that we shall know the _truth_, and He has made provision whereby we may know what is truth. 2. Did Joshua think it immaterial what God Israel served? “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and _put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord_. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but _as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord_.” Joshua 24:14, 15. NOTE.—The influence of all idolatrous worship is degrading. See Rom. 1:21-32; Numbers 15; 1 Cor. 10:20; 1 John 5:21. 3. How may we determine the truthfulness of any doctrine? “_Prove all things_; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thess. 5:21. 4. By what should we test, or prove, all doctrine?