Why is being 'born again' essential for salvation?

Being 'born again' or regenerated is crucial to the Christian doctrine of salvation as it signifies the transformation of the believer's heart and nature. Jesus emphasizes in John 3:7, 'You must be born again,' indicating that without this spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirit, one cannot enter the kingdom of God. This regeneration leads to a new life empowered by the Spirit, enabling the believer to have faith and repent. Therefore, without being born again, an individual remains spiritually dead and unable to come to Christ for salvation. This underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation, as it is not the believer's action but God's initiative that brings about the new birth.