What does it mean to be set apart by God?

Being set apart by God refers to His sovereign choice to declare His people holy, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:2 where Paul addresses the church as 'sanctified in Christ Jesus.' This concept encompasses both a positional reality—being declared righteous in Christ—and an ongoing process of growing in holiness. It establishes a believer's identity and purpose, indicating that they are to live lives that reflect God's character and intentions in the world. The theological significance is profound: we are viewed by God through Christ, and thus our lives are to bear witness to His transformative work in us.