What does being 'sanctified' mean in a Christian context?

In Jonah's case, his being sent to Nineveh illustrates his sanctification by God, which is a crucial aspect of the Christian experience. Sanctification is more than a positional status; it involves the ongoing process of being conformed to the image of Christ as believers respond to His Word. John 17:17 emphasizes this process when Christ prays, 'Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.' The work of the Holy Spirit is integral in this transformation, leading believers to live and act in accordance with God’s will and purposes. Jonah, having been renewed, is a picture of how all believers are set apart for God’s plan and mission, affirming their identity as His children.