How does the new birth relate to faith in Christ?

The relationship between new birth and faith is crucial in understanding salvation. As seen in John 1:12-13, those who receive Christ are empowered to become sons of God, but this receiving is contingent upon being born of God. The order of this process is important: one must be made alive spiritually before they can exercise faith in Christ. This new birth is not a result of human will or effort, but solely the work of the Holy Spirit as affirmed in John 3:8. By being quickened by the Spirit, a person is equipped to have faith and trust in Jesus for salvation, indicating that faith is a fruit of regeneration.