Why is the concept of the new birth important for Christians?

The doctrine of the new birth, or regeneration, is foundational for understanding salvation within the Reformed faith. It is crucial because it marks the moment when an individual is transferred from spiritual death to life. In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, 'Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' This emphasizes that without regeneration, no one can comprehend or enter into a relationship with God. The new birth is God’s work alone, an act of grace that awakens a person to see their need for Christ and empowers them to respond in faith. Thus, the idea of new birth is not merely an abstract theological concept; it is the transformative experience that every true believer undergoes.