Being born again is essential for salvation because it allows an individual to see and enter the kingdom of God.
The necessity of being born again is rooted in the very nature of what it means to be spiritually alive. In John 3:3, Jesus makes it clear that without this new birth, one cannot even perceive the kingdom of God, let alone enter it. This new birth is about a complete transformation, moving from spiritual death to life, where individuals gain the ability to comprehend and embrace the Gospel. Since this regenerate life is fundamentally initiated by God, it exemplifies His ultimate sovereignty over salvation. Without this act of divine grace in a person's life, they remain in spiritual blindness and separation from God.
Scripture References:
John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:8
Commentary