Romans 11:16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy ἁγία, then the whole batch is holy ἁγία; if the root is holy ἁγία, so are the branches. 

and

Jesus was raised as the first fruits of the spirit.  The word is the seed which takes root in the heart of the believer.  The Holy Spirit connects us, the branches, with the vine which is Jesus Christ.  It is only when we are connected to him that we are able to live and produce fruit.  It is the living water of the Spirit that makes this possible. The deeper our roots grow in the tree of life, the more fully we participate in the life.  This pleases God.

We are holy because he is holy, if he lives within us.  Apart from him we can do nothing.