Faith and Salvation

What Is the New Birth?

The new birth is the spiritual transformation God produces through the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught that a person must be “born again” to see or enter the kingdom of God.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Jesus introduced this teaching in His conversation with Nicodemus: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (). Nicodemus initially interpreted the statement literally, but Jesus explained that He was speaking about spiritual birth. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (). The Holy Spirit produces this new life. describes salvation as involving “the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Peter similarly says believers are “born again” through the living Word of God (). The new birth changes the direction of a person's life. Paul describes the result as becoming a “new creature” (). The new birth therefore does not mean becoming physically different. It means receiving a new spiritual orientation through God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.

In brief

Jesus introduced this teaching in His conversation with Nicodemus: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” ().

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.