What does it mean to be born again according to the Bible?

The term 'born again' is rooted in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, where He explains that unless a person is born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter the Kingdom of God. This signifies a transformation that occurs through divine intervention; it is the work of the Holy Spirit giving life to the spiritually dead. This new birth is not achieved through human effort or merit, but is a sovereign act of God's grace, enabling a believer to have faith and comprehend spiritual truths. For Christians, being born again is essential as it marks the beginning of a relationship with God and is pivotal in the process of sanctification and salvation.