What does sanctification mean in the context of Christ's intercession?

In John 17:17, Christ prays for the sanctification of His disciples, indicating that through His intercession, they are set apart by the truth of God's Word. Sanctification is a comprehensive term involving the believer's belief in Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It signifies that God's people were sanctified before the foundation of the world, at the cross by Christ, and through the Spirit when they come to faith. This process emphasizes how believers are distinguished from the world and empowered to live in holiness, rooted in their identity in Christ.