Why is regeneration by the Holy Spirit crucial for salvation?

Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, as it is the divine act that brings an individual from spiritual death to life. This transformation is necessary for one to genuinely respond to the gospel. John 3 describes this as being 'born again' and emphasizes that it is the Spirit who grants this new birth. It is through this act of regeneration that a person receives the capacity to believe and is made able to understand and accept the gospel. This underscores the urgency of relying on the Holy Spirit's work, as human effort cannot bridge the gap between life and death in a spiritual sense.