What does it mean that believers are 'set apart' in Christ?

The term 'set apart' reflects the reality of believers being chosen by God for His specific purposes in salvation. In Colossians 1:12, Paul thanks God who 'hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.' This idea connects to the biblical concept of sanctification, whereby believers, through God's grace, are separated from the world and devoted to the service of Christ. Being 'set apart' indicates a transformation that occurs when a person is called to faith by God's sovereign grace.

This calling is not a result of individual merit or decision; rather, it is a sovereign act initiated by God. Believers are granted spiritual life and faith, enabling them to follow Christ, exemplifying His teachings and embodying His grace. The idea of being ‘set apart’ affirms the believer's identity as part of the body of Christ, emphasizing both their privilege and their responsibility to live in a manner worthy of their calling.