What does the Bible say about sanctification in Christ?

The Bible teaches that sanctification is a work of God in which believers are set apart and made holy through Christ. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, 'Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.' This indicates that it is not by our own efforts, but through the truth of God's word that we are made holy. Our sanctification is fully realized in Christ, who is the source of our righteousness and holiness, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 where it states, 'But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.' Thus, sanctification is both a positional status and a continual process of growth in grace as believers learn and apply the word of God in their lives.